Now… this is one dish you must make once or twice for yourself before you invite guests over with the intention of impressing them.
This is epicurean, gourmet and top shelf all rolled into one dish. A cheese souffle is only a side dish, yet one of the most difficult dishes for any cook or chef to perfect – that is the reason it’s so impressive to serve. It takes confidence to put this dish on your dinner menu, to know how to make it and to serve it at the exact time it must be served.
Impress the Queen with Your Cheese Souffle
Ingredients:
4 Tablespoons butter
4 Tablespoons flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
1 cup milk
4 egg yolks well beaten
1 cup sharp Cheddar cheese, grated
4 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
4 egg whites (MUST BE AT ROOM TEMPERATURE!)
Directions
Stage 1 of Souffle
In a medium size pan, melt butter.
Add flour, salt, pepper, dry mustard, and nutmeg.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly., until mixture bubbles.
Remove from heat and add milk slowly.
Cook until the mixture bubbles and is quite thick.
Remove from heat and slowly beat in the egg yolks.
Now beat in the cheese.
When incorporated and all melted set aside to cool.
Stage 2 of Souffle
Preheat oven to 350º.
In a large bowl, beat (ROOM TEMP) egg whites with cream-of-tartar until stiff, but not dry.
Gently fold cheese mixture into egg whites.
Pour into greased 1 1/2 quart baking dish.
Run a spoon around the top 1 inch from of the baking dish – to force that TOP HAT effect.
Bake 40 to 45 minutes or until the souffle is PUFFED and golden brown. It should be fairly firm to the touch.
SERVE AT ONCE!
The dome is created by hot air and will not last long.
Serves 8
(Source: Louisiana North and South cookbook)
To time this dish perfectly:
Stage One can be prepared several hours before serving.
Stage Two must be timed to start 1 hour exactly before serving. With 15 minutes of prep time and 45 minutes of baking time.
A cheese souffle is a side dish, to be served along with a 5-8 oz. beef, pork, duck, or chicken portion on the same plate.
It will impress your guests, you and everyone at the table. This is a true once in a lifetime type of dish for most people.
If you are eager to get really hungry you can see the rest of our food blog posts!
