Can I make these up to the point of baking and hold in the fridge until company arrives? If so, how long ahead can I prepare the dough mixture?

They freeze beautifully! Just pipe them onto a cookie sheet, flash freeze them then stick them in a ziploc bag until you need them. Here are more details: http://articles.latimes.com/2010/dec/23/food/la-fo-calcook-20101223

I often make gougeres and have done it a number of different ways. We have formed them on half sheets and covered and stored in refrigerator for service the next day. We have also cooked them off and then reheated with great results. Gougeres also freeze very well and can be cooked freezer to oven. I don't even bother with the pastry bag. Most times I use a level tablespoon and they come right out. Saves the extra step and the cleaning up!

Thanks for checking out the recipe! Keep the dough in a zip lock bag for up to two days. Bring to room temperature before piping.

Baked goods made with Choux pastry keep really well in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or two -- you might try baking them to completion before your guests arrive!

I've never refrigerated this kind of dough before using it, but I imagine that it might get too cold to pipe easily.