Soufflé au Fromage
A classic French cheese soufflé, renowned for its impossibly light and airy texture. This recipe is a true test of technique, resulting in a majestically rising cloud of cheesy delight.
🧂 Ingredients
- 45 g Unsalted Butter(For greasing the ramekins and for the béchamel)
- 30 g All-purpose Flour
- 250 ml Whole Milk(Warmed)
- 100 g Gruyère Cheese(Finely grated)
- 4 Large Eggs(Separated, at room temperature)
- 0.5 tsp Dijon Mustard
- 0.25 tsp Salt(For egg whites)
- Pinch Black Pepper(Freshly ground, for seasoning)
- Pinch Nutmeg(Freshly grated, optional)
- 2 tbsp Grated Parmesan Cheese(For coating the ramekins)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the ramekins: Generously butter the insides of four 150-200ml (6-8 oz) ramekins. Coat evenly with grated Parmesan cheese, tapping out any excess. Place on a baking sheet.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 2
Make the béchamel base: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 45g of butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it forms a smooth paste (a roux) and smells slightly nutty, but do not let it brown.
⏱️ 3 minutes - 3
Gradually whisk the warmed milk into the roux. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth and thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, to cook out the raw flour taste.
⏱️ 7 minutes - 4
Remove the béchamel from the heat. Stir in the grated Gruyère cheese until fully melted and smooth. Add the Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Whisk in the egg yolks one at a time until fully incorporated. The mixture should be thick and glossy. Set aside to cool slightly.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 5
Whip the egg whites: In a clean, dry bowl (preferably metal or glass), beat the egg whites with an electric mixer on medium speed until foamy. Add the pinch of salt and increase speed to high. Beat until stiff, glossy peaks form – the whites should hold their shape and not slide out when the bowl is inverted.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 6
Fold the egg whites into the cheese base: Gently fold about one-third of the whipped egg whites into the slightly cooled cheese mixture to lighten it. Then, carefully fold in the remaining egg whites in two additions. Use a spatula and a gentle lifting and folding motion, being careful not to deflate the whites. Stop folding as soon as no streaks of white remain.
⏱️ 3 minutes - 7
Fill the ramekins: Carefully spoon the soufflé mixture into the prepared ramekins, filling them almost to the top. Smooth the tops gently with a spatula.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 8
Bake immediately: Place the baking sheet with the ramekins into a preheated oven at 190°C (375°F). Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the soufflés are puffed, golden brown, and set. Avoid opening the oven door during the first 20 minutes of baking.
⏱️ 25-30 minutes - 9
Serve immediately: Once baked, carefully remove the soufflés from the oven. They will begin to deflate quickly, so serve them at once for the best texture and presentation.
⏱️ 1 minute
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure your egg whites are at room temperature and the bowl and whisk are completely free of grease for optimal whipping.
- ✓Do not overmix or overfold the egg whites into the base; gentle folding is key to maintaining airiness.
- ✓Preheat your oven thoroughly and place the soufflés inside immediately after filling to ensure maximum rise.
- ✓Soufflés wait for no one! Serve them the moment they come out of the oven for the ultimate light and airy experience.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Experiment with different cheeses like Comté, Emmental, or a sharp cheddar for a flavor twist.
- For a sweet soufflé, omit the cheese and mustard, and incorporate sugar and vanilla into the base, folding in whipped cream or fruit purée instead of cheese.