Garlic-Cheese Souffle
A rich and savory garlic-cheese souffle with a creamy texture, infused with herbs and garlic, perfect for elegant dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place garlic, thyme, bay leaf, olive oil, and water in a small heavy saucepan and simmer, uncovered, over low heat for 30 minutes.
- Remove the garlic, thyme, and bay leaf from the saucepan and set aside.
- In a separate saucepan, heat milk and heavy cream until just simmering.
- In a large mixing bowl, melt butter and stir in unbleached flour to make a roux.
- Gradually add the warm milk and cream mixture to the roux, whisking constantly until smooth and thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in grated Swiss cheese and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Separate the eggs, then beat the egg yolks into the cheese mixture one at a time.
- Add ground black pepper and salt to the mixture.
- In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the egg whites into the cheese mixture, preserving as much air as possible.
- Pour the mixture into a prepared souffle dish and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes until puffed and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter souffle, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream. If you don't have Swiss cheese, Gruyère is a fantastic substitute. Ensure your egg whites are clean and free from yolk for them to whip properly. Serve immediately for the best texture, as souffles can deflate quickly. For additional flavor, you can add a pinch of nutmeg to the cheese mixture.
Serving Suggestions
This garlic-cheese souffle pairs beautifully with a light salad or steamed vegetables. Consider serving it alongside a bowl of creamy Tomato Basil Soup for a complete meal. A glass of crisp white wine or sparkling water complements the flavors nicely. For a festive touch, serve it with the Holiday Munch Mix as a delightful appetizer.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover souffle in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Be mindful that reheating may cause the souffle to lose some of its puffiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Garlic-Cheese Souffle contains roughly 1853 calories, with 28g protein, 105g carbohydrates, and 153g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (164% of the Daily Value), iron (127% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (68% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2059mg per serving (90% 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 souffle in advance?
Souffles are best served fresh, but you can prepare the cheese mixture and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. However, it's recommended to beat the egg whites just before folding them in to ensure maximum lift when baked.
What can I use instead of fresh thyme?
If you don't have fresh thyme on hand, dried thyme can be used as a substitute. Use about one teaspoon of dried thyme for every tablespoon of fresh. Alternatively, consider using fresh herbs like chives or parsley for a different flavor profile.
How can I tell when the souffle is done baking?
A souffle is done when it is puffed up, golden brown on top, and has a slight jiggle in the center. Avoid opening the oven door too frequently, as this can cause the souffle to collapse. The baking time can vary slightly based on your oven, so keep an eye on it.
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).