Description
Julia Child’s legendary cheese souffle elevates classic French cuisine with elegant simplicity. Delicate eggs, sharp cheese, and precise technique merge into a pillowy masterpiece that rises from classic culinary traditions, promising you a moment of pure gastronomic delight.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 2 large eggs
- 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
Cheese Components:
- ⅓ cup shredded Cheddar cheese
Other Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons white sugar (or as needed)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 pinch salt
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C), positioning the rack in the center of the oven for even baking.
- Prepare ceramic ramekins by generously brushing the interior with unsalted melted butter, then dust thoroughly with granulated sugar, carefully rotating to create an even coating. Tap out any excess sugar and arrange on a rimmed baking sheet.
- Carefully separate egg whites and egg yolks into two distinct mixing bowls, ensuring no yolk contaminates the whites.
- Create the soufflé base by combining egg yolks with granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, salt, pure vanilla extract, fresh lemon zest, softened cream cheese, and finely shredded Cheddar cheese. Whisk until the mixture becomes completely smooth and uniform.
- Purify the whisk and beat egg whites with a pinch of salt, gradually increasing speed until soft, billowy peaks develop that hold their shape without appearing stiff or dry.
- Incorporate the egg whites into the base mixture using a delicate folding technique: first blend half the whites to lighten the mixture, then gently fold in the remaining whites to maintain maximum volume.
- Carefully transfer the aerated soufflé mixture into prepared ramekins, filling them precisely to the rim without overflowing.
- Transfer the baking sheet with ramekins into the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 14 minutes, watching for a golden-brown exterior and dramatic rise.
- Serve the soufflés immediately, presenting them straight from the oven to capture their maximum height and dramatic presentation.
Notes
- Serve immediately after pulling from the oven to capture the magical moment when the soufflé stands tall and proud.
- Keep the oven door closed during baking to prevent sudden temperature drops that can crush your culinary creation’s delicate rise.
- Preheat your oven completely to ensure the perfect golden exterior and dramatic rise for this impressive dish.
- Fold egg whites with a delicate touch, using smooth circular motions to maintain the airy volume you’ve carefully whipped.
- Bring eggs to room temperature before separating, allowing them to whip into cloudlike peaks that will give your soufflé incredible lift.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 266 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 186 mg