Cheese Soufflé

neil bougourd | 26 October, 2021

Ingredients

  • 4 Tbsp of unsalted butter 1Tbsp for buttering mold
  • 1 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese for dusting mold
  • 3 Tbsp flour
  • 1 cup milk lightly boiling
  • 4 egg yolks
  • 5 egg whites
  • 1 c grated Gruyere cheese
  • 1/2 tsp  paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Pinch of nutmeg

Directions

  • Position rack in lower third of oven and preheat to 400 degrees.
  • Butter 6-cup (1-1/2 quart) souffle dish.
  • Add Parmesan cheese and tilt dish, coating bottom and sides.
  • Warm milk in heavy small saucepan over medium-low heat until steaming.
  • Meanwhile, melt butter in heavy large saucepan over medium heat.
  • Add flour and whisk until mixture begins to foam and loses raw taste, about 3 minutes; do not allow mixture to brown).
  • Remove saucepan from heat; let stand 1 minute.
  • Put back on heat and pour in warm milk, whisking constantly until very thick, 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and whisk in paprika, salt, and nutmeg.
  • Add egg yolks 1 at a time, whisking to blend after each addition.
  • Scrape souffle base into large bowl.
  • Cool to lukewarm. DO AHEAD; can be made 2 hours ahead.
  • Cover and let stand at room temperature.
  • Using electric mixer, beat egg whites in another large bowl until stiff but not dry.
  • Fold 1/4 of whites into lukewarm or room temperature souffle base to lighten.
  • Fold in remaining whites in 2 additions while gradually sprinkling in Gruyere cheese.
  • Transfer batter to prepared dish.
  • Place dish in oven and immediately reduce oven temperature to 375 degrees.
  • Bake until souffle is puffed and golden brown on top and center moves only slightly when dish is shaken gently, about 25 minutes (do not open oven door during first 20 minutes).
  • Serve immediately.