Ultimate Gruyère Cheese Soufflé
Experience the delicate yet rich flavors of a traditional cheese soufflé with this foolproof recipe inspired by Julia Child’s classic. The Ultimate Gruyère Cheese Soufflé is perfect for novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike, offering a delightful blend of creamy, cheesy goodness and light, airy texture. With a hint of nutmeg and the savory depth of Parmesan, this soufflé is sure to impress at any dinner party or special occasion. Serve it hot from the oven for a dramatic rise that captures the essence of French culinary artistry, proving that creating this elegant dish is not only achievable but also truly gratifying.
6
Servings
100
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons (finely grated)
Milk
1 cup (whole, warmed)
Unsalted butter
2 1/2 tablespoons (melted)
All-purpose flour
3 tablespoons (unbleached)
Paprika
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (kosher or sea salt)
Nutmeg
1 pinch (freshly grated, optional)
Egg yolks
4 large (separated)
Egg whites
5 large
Gruyère cheese
1 cup (packed coarsely (about 4 ounces))
Instructions
1
Position the rack in the lower third of the oven and preheat to 400°F (200°C).
2
Generously butter a 6-cup (1-1/2 quart) soufflé dish and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese around the bottom and sides, tilting the dish to coat evenly.
3
In a small saucepan, warm the milk over medium-low heat until steaming but not boiling.
4
In a separate heavy saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the unbleached flour and whisk continuously for about 3 minutes, letting it foam without allowing it to brown.
5
Remove the saucepan from heat and let it stand for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the warm milk, continually whisking until the mixture thickens to a creamy consistency, about 2 to 3 minutes.
6
Remove from heat and add the paprika, salt, and freshly grated nutmeg; whisk to combine. Incorporate the egg yolks one at a time, mixing well after each addition until smooth and blended.
7
Transfer the soufflé base into a large mixing bowl and allow it to cool to lukewarm. (This step can be done ahead, letting it sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours.)
8
In another large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form but are not dry.
9
Fold one-quarter of the beaten egg whites into the lukewarm soufflé base to lighten it. Gently fold in the remaining egg whites in two additions while gradually sprinkling in the coarsely packed Gruyère cheese.
10
Carefully transfer the mixture into the prepared soufflé dish. Place it in the preheated oven and immediately reduce the temperature to 375°F (190°C).
11
Bake for about 25 minutes, or until the soufflé is puffed and golden brown on top. The center should wiggle slightly when the dish is shaken gently. Avoid opening the oven door for the first 20 minutes to ensure proper rising.
12
Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Nutrition Information
6g
Fat
4g
Carbs
5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ultimate Gruyère Cheese Soufflé?
It is a foolproof recipe inspired by Julia Child's classic, featuring a delicate and rich flavor with a light, airy texture.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This soufflé recipe yields 6 servings.
What are the main cheeses used in this recipe?
The recipe uses coarsely packed Gruyère cheese for the filling and finely grated Parmesan cheese for coating the dish.
How many calories are in one serving of this soufflé?
There are approximately 100 calories per serving.
What type of dish is required for this recipe?
You should use a 6-cup (1-1/2 quart) soufflé dish.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C), but the temperature should be reduced to 375°F (190°C) immediately after placing the soufflé inside.
Where should I position the oven rack?
The rack should be positioned in the lower third of the oven.
How do I prepare the soufflé dish?
Generously butter the dish and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese around the bottom and sides, tilting to coat evenly.
How long does the soufflé need to bake?
It takes about 25 minutes to bake until it is puffed and golden brown.
Can I open the oven door during baking?
You should avoid opening the oven door for at least the first 20 minutes to ensure the soufflé rises correctly.
How many egg whites and yolks are needed?
The recipe requires 4 large egg yolks and 5 large egg whites.
What spices are used to season the soufflé?
The seasonings include ground paprika, salt, and a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg.
What type of milk should I use?
Whole milk is recommended, and it should be warmed until steaming before being added to the roux.
Is the soufflé base make-ahead friendly?
Yes, once the soufflé base is lukewarm, it can sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours before folding in the egg whites.
How should the egg whites be beaten?
Beat the egg whites with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form, ensuring they do not become too dry.
What is the technique for folding egg whites into the base?
Fold one-quarter of the whites into the base first to lighten it, then gently fold in the remaining whites in two additions.
How do I know the soufflé is done?
The soufflé is done when it is puffed and golden brown, and the center wiggles slightly when the dish is shaken gently.
When should the soufflé be served?
It should be served immediately for the best texture, flavor, and visual appeal.
What kind of flour is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for unbleached all-purpose flour.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 6g of fat.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving provides 5g of protein.
Is this recipe considered vegetarian?
Yes, it is tagged as a vegetarian recipe.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 4g of carbohydrates per serving.
Does this recipe include fiber?
No, the fiber content is listed as null/negligible.
How much butter is needed?
You will need 2 1/2 tablespoons of unsalted butter for the roux.
What preparation is needed for the Gruyère cheese?
The Gruyère cheese should be coarsely packed, which is approximately 4 ounces.
What style of cuisine does this dish represent?
This dish represents French cuisine.
How many ingredients are in the Ultimate Gruyère Cheese Soufflé?
There are 10 ingredients required for this recipe.
What role does the Parmesan cheese play in the texture?
The Parmesan creates a savory, slightly crispy coating on the outside of the soufflé.
Why is the soufflé base cooled before adding egg whites?
The base is cooled to lukewarm to prevent the egg whites from deflating or cooking prematurely upon contact.