Description
A classic cheese soufflé that is light, fluffy, and packed with flavor, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 large eggs, separated
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Grease a 1.5-quart soufflé dish with butter and dust with flour, shaking out the excess.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Stir in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens and bubbles, about 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and cheese until melted and smooth. Allow to cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks until pale and thick.
- Gradually add the cheese mixture to the yolks, mixing well to combine.
- In another bowl, beat the egg whites with cream of tartar until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold one-third of the egg whites into the cheese mixture to lighten it, then carefully fold in the remaining egg whites until no white streaks remain.
- Pour the soufflé mixture into the prepared dish and smooth the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the soufflé is puffed and golden brown.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the whole milk.
- You can experiment with different cheeses, such as Gruyère or mozzarella, for varied flavors.
- For added richness, mix in some cooked spinach or sautéed mushrooms into the cheese mixture before folding in the egg whites.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 soufflé
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 200mg