Cheese souffle

Cheese soufflé is a classic French dish featuring a light, fluffy texture and rich cheddar flavor. This elegant recipe combines a cheesy base with whipped egg whites for a delightful rise and golden crust.

28 Dec 2025
Cook time 30 min
Prep time 10 min

Ingredients:

2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose white wheat flour
1.25 cups milk (1% fat)
1/2 cup cheddar cheese
1/3 cup chives
4 eggs
Cheese souffle

Cheese souffle is a classic French dish that combines a light and fluffy texture with rich, cheesy flavors. This timeless recipe is perfect for special occasions or whenever you want to impress your guests. By carefully following the steps, you'll create a delectable cheese souffle with a golden crust and a delicate, airy interior.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Oven and Soufflé Dish:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a soufflé dish or ramekins generously with butter. Optionally, dust the inside with flour to help the soufflé rise more evenly.
2. Make the Roux:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 1-2 minutes until the mixture bubbles and turns light golden in color.

3. Add the Milk:
- Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
- Continue to cook and whisk the mixture until it thickens and starts to bubble, approximately 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat.
4. Incorporate Cheese and Chives:
- Stir in the grated cheddar cheese until completely melted and incorporated into the sauce.
- Add the finely chopped chives. Mix well and set aside to cool slightly.
5. Prepare the Eggs:
- Separate the eggs, placing the yolks in one bowl and the whites in another.
- Once the cheese sauce has cooled a bit, whisk the egg yolks into the mixture until fully combined.
6. Beat the Egg Whites:
- Using a clean, dry bowl and beaters, whip the egg whites until they form stiff peaks.
- Gently fold a third of the beaten egg whites into the cheese mixture to lighten it.
- Carefully fold the remaining egg whites into the mixture until no white streaks remain. Be gentle to maintain as much air as possible in the batter.
7. Fill the Soufflé Dish:
- Pour the soufflé mixture into the prepared dish, filling it about 3/4 full to allow room for the soufflé to rise.
8. Bake the Soufflé:
- Place the soufflé dish on the middle rack of the oven.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the soufflé is puffed, golden brown on top, and slightly jiggly in the center.
9. Serve Immediately:
- Once baked, serve the soufflé immediately as it will begin to deflate after being removed from the oven.

Congratulations on making a delightful cheese souffle! By mastering this recipe, you've added an impressive dish to your culinary repertoire. This savory souffle is sure to impress at any gathering and provide a satisfying and elegant dining experience. Enjoy your creation and don't be afraid to experiment with different cheeses and herbs to make the recipe your own.

Cheese souffle FAQ:

What is the baking time for a cheese soufflé?

Bake the cheese soufflé at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, until it is puffed, golden brown on top, and slightly jiggly in the center.

How can I tell when the soufflé is done?

The soufflé is done when it's puffed up, golden on top, and has a slight jiggle in the center. It should not be liquid but soft and airy.

Can I store leftovers of cheese soufflé?

Cheese soufflé is best eaten fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven.

What can I substitute for cheddar cheese in this recipe?

You can substitute cheddar cheese with other cheeses such as Gruyère, Swiss, or a combination of cheeses, keeping similar melting properties.

What size soufflé dish should I use?

Use a medium soufflé dish or individual ramekins for this recipe, ideally holding about 4 cups in total to allow the soufflé to rise properly.

Tips:

- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before you start. This helps the souffle rise evenly.

- Carefully and slowly fold the egg whites into the batter to maintain their volume and create a light, airy texture.

- Avoid opening the oven door during baking as sudden changes in temperature can cause the souffle to deflate.

- Serve the souffle immediately after baking while it is still puffed and golden. It will begin to deflate as it cools.

- Using a high-quality cheddar cheese will enhance the flavor of your souffle. You can also experiment with other types of cheese for different flavors.

Nutrition per serving

4 Servings
Calories 240kcal
Protein 13g
Carbohydrates 10g
Fiber 0.31g
Sugar 3.99g
Fat 16g

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