Cheater'S Cheese Souffle
A quick and cheesy soufflé-inspired dish with a crispy bread base and rich cheddar flavor, complemented by a savory chicken stir-fry in a sweet and tangy sauce. Perfect for those who enjoy hearty comfort food with bold flavors, suitable for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 6 slices bread, cubed ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. sharp Cheddar cheese, grated ⓘ
- 6 eggs ⓘ
- 2 c. milk ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dry mustard ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. melted butter ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. peanut oil ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. flour ⓘ
- 1 tsp. grated, fresh ginger ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. honey ⓘ
- 1 tsp. soy sauce ⓘ
- 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch slices ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 Tbsp. cider vinegar ⓘ
- 1 c. chicken stock ⓘ
- 2 scallions, finely minced ⓘ
Instructions
- Sprinkle the sliced chicken with 2 tablespoons of flour or place both into a bag and shake to coat.
- Heat peanut oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Add the chicken and cook until lightly browned, about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Remove chicken from the pan and keep warm.
- Combine minced garlic, grated ginger, cider vinegar, chicken stock, honey, and soy sauce.
- Add the mixture to the same pan and bring to a boil; stir until thickened, fragrant, and reduced by about half, approximately 5 minutes.
- Add the cooked chicken to the pan and stir well to coat.
- Sprinkle with minced scallions and heat through.
- Serve over steamed rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using whole grain bread instead of white. You can substitute the sharp Cheddar with Gruyère or a blend of cheeses for a different flavor profile. If you're out of peanut oil, canola or vegetable oil work well too. Always ensure the chicken is cooked through to avoid any health risks in your dish.
Serving Suggestions
This Cheater's Cheese Soufflé pairs beautifully with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal. Serve it alongside a side of steamed rice or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. For a festive touch, consider serving with New Year's Eve Scalloped Potatoes for a delightful contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken stock to prevent drying out. Heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. Avoid microwaving to maintain texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheater'S Cheese Souffle contains roughly 827 calories, with 29g protein, 117g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (142% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (64% of the Daily Value), and protein (59% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance and store them separately. When ready to serve, reheat the chicken and sauce together, then combine with the bread mixture just before baking to ensure freshness.
What can I substitute for chicken if I want a vegetarian option?
For a vegetarian version, you can replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or firm tofu cut into cubes. Ensure to adjust the cooking time as needed to achieve the desired texture.
How do I know when the soufflé is done?
The soufflé is done when it has puffed up and is golden brown on top. You can gently shake the dish; it should be set but still slightly jiggle in the center. A toothpick inserted should come out clean.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).