Savory Treats For Any Affair: Ranch, Bacon and Chive Gougeres

A gougere is a baked savory choux pastry made of choux dough mixed with cheese. Don’t let that fancy schmancy language scare you; a gougere is basically a French cheese puff. The cheese is typically grated Gruyere, but today we’re going with grated Edam cheese, which is equally lovely. If you can’t find Edam cheese, feel free to substitute Gruyere. These delicious puffs are best eaten warm and we’re betting once you eat one you’re going to have a hard time stopping. These particular bites are flavored with Hidden Valley^® Original Ranch^® Salad Dressing and Seasoning Mix, bacon, and chives. They make an amazing appetizer for any party you may be hosting or attending. Best part, you can make the dough in advance and then just scoop it out and bake it before your guests arrive. Don’t forget the extra Hidden Valley^® Original Ranch^® dressing for dipping! Enjoy! Ranch, Bacon and Chive Gougeres Makes: About 30 gougeres Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes Product: Hidden Valley^® Original Ranch^® Salad Dressing and Seasoning Mix and Hidden Valley^® Original Ranch^® Dressing INGREDIENTS: ½ cup whole milk ½ cup water ½ cup unsalted butter ½ teaspoon kosher salt 2 teaspoons Hidden Valley® Original Ranch^® Salad Dressing and Seasoning Mix 1 cup all-purpose flour 4 eggs - room temperature 1½ cups grated Edam cheese (can substitute mild gouda) 3-4 pieces cooked bacon, crumbled 2 tablespoons minced chives Hidden Valley® Original Ranch^® dressing, for dipping INSTRUCTIONS: Preheat oven to 425°F. Line 2 rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside. Place the milk, water, butter, salt and seasoning mix in a pot and place over high heat.  Bring to a boil. Add flour and stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until batter comes together and starts to pull away from the sides of the pan, about 4-5 minutes. Transfer dough to stand mixer that is equipped with paddle attachment (or you can use an electric hand mixer with a large bowl). Allow dough to rest and cool slightly for 2 minutes.  With the mixer running on medium speed, add eggs, one at a time. Add cheese and mix to combine. Add as much bacon as desired, and chives, and stir together with a spoon. Using a small cookie scoop (approximately 1 tablespoon), scoop batter onto the prepared baking sheets approximately 2 inches apart. Bake for 10 minutes. Reduce heat to 375, rotate baking sheets and continue baking for approximately 15-20 minutes or until golden. Transfer gougeres to a baking rack and cool slightly. Serve with additional ranch dressing for dipping. For more beautiful (and relatable) recipes from Paula, visit her at Bell’alimento.