THYME GOUGÈRES

INGREDIENTS

1. • 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
   • 1 cup all-purpose flour
   • Large pinch of cayenne pepper
   • Large pinch of kosher salt
   • 1 cup plus 3 tablespoons grated Gruyère
   • 1/2 cup grated Asiago
   • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves plus more for garnish
   • 5 large eggs

PREPARATION

1. 1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper. Bring butter and 1 cup water to a boil in a large heavy saucepan. Remove from heat. Add flour, cayenne, and salt; stir vigorously to blend. Return to heat; stir vigorously over medium heat until mixture forms a ball and a thin, dry film forms on bottom and sides of pan, about 1 minute. Transfer mixture to a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Add 1 cup Gruyère, Asiago, and 2 teaspoons thyme; beat on low speed to blend. Add 4 eggs, one at a time, fully incorporating each egg between additions, and scraping down sides of bowl as needed.
   2. Spoon dough into a pastry bag fitted with a 1/2″ tip or a plastic bag with 1/2″ cut diagonally from 1 corner. Pipe dough onto prepared baking sheets in 1″-1 1/4″ rounds, spacing 1″ apart. Whisk remaining egg with 1 tablespoon water in a small bowl. Brush egg wash lightly over rounds, patting down to form rounded tops. Sprinkle with remaining 3 tablespoons Gruyère. Garnish each with a few thyme leaves.
   3. Bake gougères until puffed and golden brown and centers are cooked through but still moist, 20-25 minutes. Let cool slightly and serve. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 month ahead. Let cool completely. Store airtight in freezer. Rewarm in 325°F oven until hot, 10-15 minutes.