These have the lively crisp exterior and cloudlike interior you expect from a gougère, but with an incredibly intense combination of smoky bacon, roasted corn, and extra-sharp Cheddar.
· If you don't have a cast-iron skillet, broil corn in an oiled baking pan 4 to 6 inches from heat, stirring once or twice, about 5 minutes. · Gougères can be made ahead and cooled completely, uncovered, then chilled in sealed bags 2 days or frozen 1 week. Reheat, uncovered, on baking sheets in a 350°F oven 10 minutes if chilled or 15 minutes if frozen.
Recipe information
Total Time
2 hr
Yield
Makes about 140 hors d'oeuvres
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
Preheat oven to 375°F with racks in upper and lower thirds.
Step 2
Cook bacon in skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally, until crisp. Drain on paper towels, then finely chop.
Step 3
Pour off fat from skillet, then wipe clean. Add corn and pan-roast over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until kernels are mostly golden brown, 10 to 15 minutes.
Step 4
Bring water to a boil with butter and salt in a heavy medium saucepan, stirring until butter is melted. Add flour all at once and cook over medium heat, stirring vigorously with a wooden spoon, until mixture pulls away from side of pan, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and cool slightly, about 3 minutes. Add 4 eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. (Batter will appear to separate at first but will then become smooth.) Mixture should be glossy and just stiff enough to hold soft peaks and fall softly from a spoon. If batter is too stiff, beat remaining egg in a small bowl and add to batter 1 teaspoon at a time, beating and then testing batter until it reaches proper consistency.
Step 5
Stir in bacon, corn, cheeses, chives, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.
Step 6
Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly butter sheets. Fill a pastry bag fitted with 1/2-inch plain tip with batter and pipe about 35 (3/4-inch-diameter) mounds, or spoon mounded teaspoons, 1/4 inch apart, onto each sheet. Bake, switching position of sheets halfway through baking, until puffed, golden, and crisp, 25 to 30 minutes total. Transfer to a rack (still on parchment if using). Make more puffs on cooled baking sheets. Serve warm or at room temperature.
