Elegant Julia Child Cheese Souffle Recipe to Truly Impress

A julia child’s cheese soufflé whispers culinary enchantment, turning simple eggs and cheese into a cloud-like delicacy that dances between rustic comfort and elegant refinement.

Weightless yet intensely flavorful, this French classic elevates home cooking to an art form.

Each spoonful promises a symphony of textures that melts effortlessly on your tongue.

Crafting this dish demands precision and love, transforming basic ingredients into a stunning centerpiece.

Soft cheese and airy eggs conspire to create pure magic in your kitchen.

Professional and home cooks alike marvel at its dramatic rise and luxurious taste.

One bite will transport you to the heart of French gastronomy.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 22 minutes

Calories: 290 kcal

Servings: 2

Julia Child’s Cheese Soufflé Ingredient List

• Butter: Select high-quality, unsalted butter for smooth coating.
• Sugar: Use fine granulated sugar for even ramekin dusting.

• Egg Yolks: Choose fresh, room-temperature eggs for smoother mixture.
• Sugar: Pick fine white sugar for consistent sweetness.
• Flour: Use all-purpose flour for ideal texture.
• Salt: Select fine sea salt for balanced flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Opt for pure vanilla for rich aroma.
• Lemon Zest: Choose bright, firm lemons with vibrant skin.
• Cream Cheese: Select full-fat, soft cream cheese for creamy consistency.
• Cheddar Cheese: Pick sharp, aged cheddar for robust flavor.

• Egg Whites: Ensure eggs are fresh and at room temperature.
• Salt: Use tiny pinch to stabilize egg white structure.

Baking Dishes and Whisks You’ll Need

• Electric Mixer: Perfect for whipping egg whites to soft, glossy peaks with ease.
• Mixing Bowls: Large ceramic or glass bowls for combining ingredients smoothly.
• Whisk: Essential for blending egg yolks, creating a creamy base, and incorporating ingredients.
• Ramekins: Small ceramic dishes that give your souffle its classic individual serving shape.
• Shallow Baking Pan: Helps transport ramekins safely in and out of the oven.
• Egg Separator: Handy tool for cleanly separating egg whites from yolks.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures precise ingredient quantities for perfect souffle texture.
• Microplane or Grater: Great for zesting lemon and creating fine cheese shreds.
• Rubber Spatula: Helps fold egg whites gently without deflating the mixture.
• Oven Mitts: Protects hands when handling hot ramekins and baking pan.

Cooking a Puffy Cheese Soufflé Like Julia

• Prepare Your Workspace

Get ready to create a dreamy, puffy masterpiece by setting up your kitchen for souffle success. Grab your tools and let’s make magic happen.

• Craft the Perfect Ramekin Base

Lovingly coat ramekins with butter and sugar, creating a non-stick surface that’ll help your souffle rise to new heights. Arrange them on a baking pan, ready for their transformation.

• Separate and Conquer Eggs

Carefully separate egg whites from yolks, treating each component like a precious ingredient that will bring your souffle to life. Keep them pristine and ready for their culinary dance.

• Mix the Flavor Foundation

Whisk together egg yolks with a symphony of ingredients – creamy cheese, zesty lemon, and subtle seasonings. Blend until the mixture becomes a smooth, promising canvas of deliciousness.

• Whip Up Some Clouds

Attack those egg whites with passion, whisking until they form soft, glossy peaks that look like delicate clouds ready to lift your souffle to extraordinary heights.

• Merge Mixtures with Finesse

Gently fold the whipped whites into your base, treating the mixture like a delicate ballet. Combine with light, careful strokes to preserve the airy texture that makes souffles legendary.

• Bake and Serve with Flair

Pour the mixture into ramekins, filling them to the brim with anticipation. Slide into a hot oven and watch as they transform into golden, puffy wonders. Serve immediately, capturing the moment of culinary perfection before gravity has a chance to interrupt.

Soufflé Tips for Rise and Flavor

Master creative twists and foolproof techniques to elevate your culinary experience.

Experiment with different cheese varieties like Gruyère, goat cheese, or blue cheese to create unique flavor profiles that match your taste preferences.

Add herbs like thyme, rosemary, or chives directly into the base mixture for an unexpected burst of aromatic complexity that transforms the classic souffle.

If egg whites don’t reach perfect peaks, add a tiny splash of white vinegar or lemon juice to stabilize the foam and ensure a dramatic, rising souffle that impresses every time.

Keep ramekins on a warm baking sheet during serving to maintain temperature and prevent rapid deflation, guaranteeing a stunning presentation that stays puffy and beautiful at the table.

How to Serve Cheese Soufflé Hot and Fresh

• Elevate with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped chives or parsley on top for a burst of color and fresh flavor that complements the rich, cheesy souffle.
• Pair with Light Salad: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the souffle's creamy texture and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Create Elegant Presentation: Place each ramekin on a small plate with a delicate doily or garnish to make the dining experience feel extra special and restaurant-worthy.
• Add Wine Complement: Pour a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Chardonnay to enhance the souffle's delicate flavors and create a sophisticated meal moment.

Storing Soufflé (If You Have Any Left!)

• Meal Planning & Storage Advice
• Serve Fresh and Fast: Souffles are delicate creations designed to be eaten immediately after baking. Serve within minutes of removing from the oven to preserve their magical, airy texture and impressive height.
• Strategic Prep Timing: Measure and prepare all ingredients beforehand to minimize waiting time between mixing and baking. This ensures your souffle rises perfectly and maintains its delightful, cloud-like structure.
• Quick Cooling Warning: Never store baked souffles in the refrigerator, as they will quickly deflate and lose their incredible texture. Consume immediately for the best culinary experience.
• Advance Ingredient Readiness: Separate eggs and measure ingredients up to 2 hours before baking. Keep egg whites at room temperature for maximum volume and keep other components chilled until final preparation.

Fluffy Julia Child Cheese Souffle Recipe

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• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Classic French cheese souffle combines delicate egg whites with rich Gruyère cheese, creating a cloud-like delicacy. Precise technique and careful folding result in an elegant dish you’ll master with practice.

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Ingredients

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• 2 large eggs
• 2 oz (56 g) cream cheese, softened
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) shredded Cheddar cheese
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) melted butter
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) white sugar
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) all-purpose flour
• ¼ tsp (1.25 ml) salt
• 1 pinch salt
• ½ tsp (2.5 ml) vanilla extract
• 1 tsp (5 ml) lemon zest

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Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Position the rack centrally in the oven and preheat to 400°F (200°C) for optimal baking conditions.
2. Ramekin Setup: Coat ceramic ramekins thoroughly with melted butter, then dust with granulated sugar, rotating to ensure complete and even coverage. Arrange prepared ramekins on a rimmed baking sheet.
3. Egg Separation: Meticulously separate egg whites and yolks into distinct bowls, maintaining absolute yolk-free whites to ensure proper volume and texture.
4. Base Creation: Whisk egg yolks with sugar, flour, salt, vanilla, lemon zest, cream cheese, and Cheddar cheese until achieving a completely smooth, homogeneous mixture.
5. Meringue Formation: Beat egg whites with a pinch of salt, progressively increasing speed until soft, voluminous peaks form that maintain their shape without appearing rigid.
6. Folding Technique: Integrate egg whites into the base mixture by first blending half to lighten, then gently incorporating remaining whites to preserve maximum airiness.
7. Filling and Baking: Distribute the aerated soufflé mixture into ramekins, filling to the rim, then slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake for 12-14 minutes until achieving a golden-brown exterior and impressive rise.
8. Immediate Serving: Present soufflés directly from the oven to showcase their spectacular height and delicate texture, ensuring maximum gustatory enjoyment.

Notes

• Egg Separation Mastery: Use room temperature eggs for easier separation and ensure zero yolk contamination to achieve perfect egg white peaks.
• Butter Coating Technique: Create a thorough, even sugar-butter interior coating to help soufflés rise dramatically and prevent sticking.
• Folding Precision: Use a gentle, deliberate folding motion when incorporating egg whites to preserve delicate air bubbles and maintain maximum volume.
• Timing is Critical: Serve soufflés instantly after removing from oven to capture their spectacular height and prevent immediate deflation.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 180 mg