French Ham And Cheese Souffle
A hearty French-inspired ham and cheese souffle featuring flavorful cubed bread, savory ham, and melted cheddar, perfect for brunch or a comforting family dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large baking dish (13 x 9-inch), place cubed bread.
- Combine flour and dry mustard in a small bowl.
- Sprinkle one-third of the mustard mixture over the bread.
- Dribble one tablespoon of melted butter over the bread.
- Sprinkle ham over the mixture in the dish, covering with another one-third of the dry mixture and one tablespoon of butter.
- Spread the cheese over the ham, then add the remaining mustard mixture and the remaining butter.
- Beat together eggs and milk until well combined.
- Pour the egg and milk mixture over the layered ingredients in the dish.
- Refrigerate overnight to allow flavors to meld.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 1.5 hours until puffed and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter soufflé, consider using half-and-half instead of milk, or try substituting Gruyère cheese for a different flavor. Ensure the bread is slightly stale to absorb the egg mixture better. If you're short on time, you can skip the overnight refrigeration, but letting it sit allows the flavors to meld beautifully. This recipe can also be adapted by adding sautéed vegetables or using leftover pork recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soufflé warm, garnished with fresh herbs like chives or parsley. It pairs well with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette for a light meal. For a heartier option, consider serving alongside roasted vegetables or even a side of Collard Greens And Ham Hocks for a comforting touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through, ensuring the soufflé remains fluffy. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the texture dense.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of French Ham And Cheese Souffle contains roughly 1637 calories, with 19g protein, 131g carbohydrates, and 116g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (43% of the Daily Value), protein (37% of the Daily Value), and calcium (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 847mg per serving (37% 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 use different types of cheese?
Yes, you can experiment with various cheeses such as Swiss or Fontina for different textures and flavors. Just keep in mind that using a strong cheese may overpower the other ingredients, so balance is key.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the ham and replace it with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted bell peppers. Adding some herbs will enhance the flavor. You could also consider using a plant-based cheese alternative.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the soufflé a day ahead and refrigerate it overnight. This not only saves time but also enhances the flavor as the ingredients meld together. Just remember to bake it the next day as instructed.
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).