She Strengthens

Smoky Cheddar Soufflé: A Brunch or Dinner Showstopper

Elevate Your Meal with This Crusty, Airy Delight

This soufflé is a masterclass in contrasts, boasting a crispy exterior and a light, airy interior. Perfect as a side dish for brunch or a main course for dinner, it’s sure to impress your guests.

Easy to Make, Impressive to Serve

With a total preparation time of just 1 hour and 15 minutes, this soufflé is surprisingly easy to make. The active cooking time is only 35 minutes, leaving you plenty of time to focus on other dishes or simply relax.

Ingredients for Success

• 1 tablespoon dry breadcrumbs
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground white pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
• 3 large egg yolks, at room temperature
• 1 1/4 cups smoked cheddar cheese, grated and packed (about 4 ounces)
• 4 large egg whites, at room temperature
• 2 tablespoons minced chives

Soufflé Success: Tips and Tricks

To ensure your soufflé rises beautifully, heat your oven to 375°F and arrange a rack in the bottom third. Generously coat a 6-cup soufflé dish with butter and sprinkle it lightly with breadcrumbs to coat evenly.

Building the Soufflé

Melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat, then add flour and cook for 4 minutes. Gradually whisk in milk, bringing it to a boil while stirring frequently. Remove from heat and whisk in salt, pepper, and nutmeg.

Whisk egg yolks until smooth, then gradually add the milk mixture, whisking until blended. Stir in cheese and set aside.

The Perfect Finish

Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form, then gently fold them into the cheese mixture. Pour into the prepared soufflé dish and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the soufflé is well risen and the center is set.

Pairing Perfection

For a truly unforgettable experience, pair your soufflé with a glass of Charles Heidsieck Brut Réserve from France. The smoky, cheesy notes of the Champagne perfectly complement the light, pungent flavors of the soufflé.