A savory cheese soufflé can be the ultimate showstopper when you’re hosting a dinner party. Perfectly light, airy, golden-brown, and savory — this dish is as magnificent to the palate as it is to the eyes. If you’ve always been fascinated by the alluring look of a cheese soufflé but find it somewhat intimidating, this blog post is tailor-designed to help you master the art of this classic French dish.
What is Savory Cheese Soufflé?
Originating from the French word “soufflé,” which translates as ‘to blow up,’ this dish lives up to its title by offering a delightful airy texture, which results from the egg whites puffing up during the baking process. A savory cheese soufflé is the ultimate blend of exquisite flavors and splendid textures, making it the ultimate comfort food for cheese lovers.
Picking the Cheese
Choosing the best cheese for your soufflé can significantly determine the final taste and structure of your dish. While traditional cheese soufflés often use Gruyere, you can experiment with other types of cheese including Cheddar, Blue Cheese, or a combination for a multi-layered flavor profile. However, it’s crucial to make sure your choice of cheese melts well and smoothly incorporates into the béchamel sauce that forms the base of your soufflé.
Now, let’s get to the star of the show: the recipe for making a savory cheese soufflé! Never fear a soufflé again — with this step-by-step guide, you’re in for a treat.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter plus more for preparing the dish
- 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- A pinch of ground nutmeg
- 4 large egg yolks
- 5 large egg whites
- 1 cup grated Gruyere cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375F and prepare the baking dish by brushing it with melted butter then dusting with Parmesan.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter then add flour and cook―stirring constantly―for 2 minutes. Slowly add the warm milk while stirring until it thickens to a smooth sauce. Remove from heat.
- Add paprika, salt, and nutmeg and whisk in egg yolks one at a time until well incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until they form stiff peaks. Fold a third of the egg whites and the Gruyere cheese into the sauce. Afterward, gently fold in the rest of the egg whites.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and bake until it’s puffed and golden brown, for about 25-30 minutes.
- Serve it immediately and enjoy your light and airy savory cheese soufflé!
There you have it—a heavenly, melt-in-your-mouth savory cheese soufflé recipe that’s not only delicious but also a visual treat. Remember, it’s all about the technique, so follow these steps carefully and you’ll impress your guests with your culinary prowess!
Cooking is an art, and a savory cheese soufflé is proof of that. Go ahead, ignite your ovens, whisk those eggs and savor the captivating aroma and tantalizing tastes of this classic French dish.
