Indulge in the creamy and fluffy goodness of a Classic Cheese Soufflé. This timeless French dish is made with simple ingredients like eggs, cheese, and butter. With a crispy golden crust and a light and airy interior, it's the perfect dish to impress your guests or enjoy as a special treat. Follow this easy recipe and you'll be rewarded with a show-stopping soufflé that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup grated Gruyere cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 large eggs, separated
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 2-quart soufflé dish with butter and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, until smooth and bubbly. Gradually whisk in the milk and cook, stirring constantly, until thickened.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the Gruyere and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks until thick and pale yellow. Gradually whisk in the cheese mixture.
- In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the cheese mixture. Season with salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Pour the soufflé mixture into the prepared dish and smooth the top with a spatula. Run your thumb around the rim of the dish to create a shallow groove.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until golden and puffed up. Do not open the oven door during baking.
- Serve immediately while it's still puffed up and airy. Enjoy!
Interesting Facts
The word 'soufflé' means 'puffed up' in French.
Soufflés were created in the early 18th century in France.
The soufflé rises due to the air trapped in beaten egg whites.
Cheese soufflés are just one variation of this classic dish, and you can also make sweet soufflés with ingredients like chocolate or fruit.