Dominique Ansel's Crispy Gougères Come Packed With Gooey Cheese

Gougères are little baked pastries that are usually mixed with different types of cheeses like Gruyère or Comté. However, other types of semi-firm cheese like cheddar can also be used to create these small puffs. They're typically baked until golden and crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, creating delicious little appetizers. The French cuisine originated in the Burgundy region during the 18th century and became popular among locals. It's usually enjoyed as a starter that can be paired with wine or simply enjoyed before a main dish.

But famous chef Dominique Ansel has his own spin on the classic pastries. The French native is best known for creating the massively popular Cronut in 2013, which is a croissant-doughnut hybrid that drew people from all over the world to try his unique pastry at his confectionery, Dominique Ansel Bakery in New York City. Known for his creativity and expertise in the baking realm, it should come as no surprise that Ansel also has a unique spin on gougères.

Ansel's eponymous bakery in New York features everything from his famous Cronut to cannelé, which has a caramelized exterior and a soft interior that's made with vanilla beans and dark Caribbean rum. He told Tasting Table that he also creates gougères at his baking workshop that are different than your traditional fare.

"It's still made with a classic French pâte à choux, but we fill it with a creamy béchamel with Comté, mozzarella, Gruyère, and a splash of Worcestershire for some added depth and flavor," Ansel explained. "It's coated in panko and lightly fried so the crust is crispy and golden. It's served warm, so the center is molten, cheesy, and gooey. Delicious."

One of the most unusual ingredients in his recipe is Worcestershire sauce, which is typically used to marinate meat or add a pop of umami flavor to dishes. However, because of its rich flavor, this sauce can also be used to cut through some of the natural sweetness of baked goods. Which leaves you with crispy gougères filled with mouthwatering gooey cheese that have the perfect amount of savory flavor.