Classic cheese soufflé

Classic cheese soufflé
Famed for their trickiness, classic soufflés can be a daunting dish to attempt. Use our recipe and serve perfect cheese soufflés as a dinner party starter.
Think you’ve cracked it? Now try making these twice-baked crab soufflés served with quick-pickled samphire.

Classic cheese soufflé
  • Serves icon Makes 6 soufflés
  • Time icon Hands-on time 25 min, cook time 10-12 min
Famed for their trickiness, classic soufflés can be a daunting dish to attempt. Use our recipe and serve perfect cheese soufflés as a dinner party starter.
Think you’ve cracked it? Now try making these twice-baked crab soufflés served with quick-pickled samphire.

Ingredients

  • Melted butter (to brush ramekins)
  • Dried white breadcrumbs
  • 30g butter
  • 30g plain flour
  • 290ml whole milk
  • 85g finely grated extra mature cheddar
  • 4 free-range eggs, seperated
  • ½ tsp English mustard powder
  • A pinch of cayenne pepper
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Method

  1. Preheat the oven to 200°C/fan180°C/gas 6. Put a baking sheet on a shelf in the top third of the oven. Brush the insides of 6 x 150ml ramekins with melted butter, then lightly dust with dried white breadcrumbs.
  2. Melt 30g butter in a saucepan, then stir through 30g plain flour. Cook for 1 minute or until the flour smells biscuity. Gradually add 290ml whole milk and cook, stirring, until the mixture bubbles. Bubble for 2 minutes – the mixture will become very thick (Greek yogurt consistency).
  3. Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in 85g finely grated extra mature cheddar, 4 free-range egg yolks, ½ tsp English mustard powder, a pinch of cayenne pepper and plenty of salt and pepper. Taste the mixture – it should be slightly too salty.
  4. Whisk 4 free-range egg whites until just stiff, then mix 1 tbsp into the cheese mixture. Gently fold in the remaining egg white, then divide equally among the ramekins – they should be about two-thirds full.
  5. Run a knife around the inside of the ramekins to encourage the soufflés to rise, then bake for 10-12 minutes until risen and golden. Don’t open the oven door until at least two-thirds of the way through the cooking time. If you do want to test them, give the soufflés a gentle nudge – if they wobble a lot they’ll need extra time. Serve immediately.

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