Spring Benedict Gougères with Herb Hollandaise

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Light and airy cheese puffs filled with tender spring vegetables, topped with a bright, herb-infused hollandaise sauce for a fresh brunch delight. This french-inspired brunch (vegetarian) ready in about 55 minutes combines water, unsalted butter, all-purpose flour into a breakfast that fuels the morning without the midday crash — make-ahead-friendly and balanced enough to anchor the first meal of the day. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it sits comfortably in a weekly breakfast rotation alongside fruit, yogurt, or coffee. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.3 (389 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 French cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. In a medium saucepan, bring 1 cup water and 6 tbsp unsalted butter to a boil over medium heat.
  2. Step 2: Remove from heat and immediately stir in 1 cup all-purpose flour vigorously until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides.
  3. Step 3: Transfer dough to a bowl and let cool for 5 minutes. Beat in 4 large eggs one at a time until smooth and glossy, then fold in 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese.
  4. Step 4: Using a spoon or piping bag, drop 12 mounds of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until puffed and golden.
  5. Step 5: Meanwhile, prepare the herb hollandaise: whisk 3 egg yolks and 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice in a heatproof bowl over simmering water until thickened.
  6. Step 6: Slowly drizzle in 6 tbsp melted unsalted butter, whisking continuously until sauce is smooth and creamy; stir in 1 tbsp chopped tarragon and 1 tbsp chopped chives, season with salt and black pepper.
  7. Step 7: To assemble, slice gougères in half horizontally, layer with 1/3 cup blanched asparagus tips and 1/3 cup sautéed baby spinach, then spoon warm herb hollandaise over the top.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spring Benedict Gougères with Herb Hollandaise take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (25 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a busy morning; prep components the night before to save active time.

How do I store leftover Spring Benedict Gougères with Herb Hollandaise?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven; egg- or grain-based items may need a splash of milk or water to refresh texture. Cold-served items (overnight oats, smoothies) keep 2–3 days in the fridge.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spring Benedict Gougères with Herb Hollandaise?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Spring Benedict Gougères with Herb Hollandaise for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Spring Benedict Gougères with Herb Hollandaise vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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