Julia Child’s Famous Cheese Soufflé Recipe

Julia Child’s Famous Cheese Soufflé Recipe is a classic French dish. It is light, fluffy and full of rich cheese flavor. Many people love Julia Child’s Famous Cheese Soufflé Recipe for special dinners or holiday meals.

This dish looks fancy but is surprisingly easy when you follow the steps. If you want to impress your family or guests, this Julia Child’s Famous Cheese Soufflé Recipe is perfect.

Today, I will show you How to make Julia Child’s Famous Cheese Soufflé with simple Ingredients for Julia Child’s Famous Cheese Soufflé.

My Experience With This Julia Child’s Famous Cheese Soufflé Recipe

The first time I made this soufflé, I was nervous. I thought it would collapse. But it rose perfectly in the oven. The cheese flavor was rich and creamy.

My family was amazed. It looked beautiful on the table. The texture was soft and airy. Now, I make it whenever I want a special dinner.

It always impresses everyone. I love how simple the Ingredients for Julia Child’s Famous Cheese Soufflé are.

Recipe Card info

• Recipe Name: Julia Child’s Famous Cheese Soufflé
• Servings: 4 servings
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 25 mins
• Total Time: 45 mins
• Course: Main Course / Appetizer
• Cuisine: French
• Calories: 280 kcal per serving

Equipment List

• Medium saucepan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Ramekins or soufflé dish
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Oven

Ingredients You Need for Julia Child’s Famous Cheese Soufflé

• 2 tablespoons butter, plus extra for greasing
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk, warmed
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
• 4 large eggs, separated
• 1 ½ cups grated Gruyère cheese
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare the Ramekins

Grease the ramekins with butter. Sprinkle with a little flour or grated cheese. This helps the soufflé rise evenly. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Make the Béchamel

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and stir for 1–2 minutes. Slowly whisk in warm milk until smooth. Cook until thickened.

3. Season the Sauce

Add salt, pepper and cayenne. Stir well. Remove from heat. Let it cool slightly. This forms the base of your soufflé.

4. Add Egg Yolks and Cheese

Beat egg yolks lightly. Stir into the sauce one at a time. Add grated Gruyère cheese. Mix until smooth. Add Dijon mustard if using.

5. Beat Egg Whites

In a clean bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Make sure no yolk or grease is in the bowl. This gives the soufflé its fluffiness.

6. Fold Egg Whites Into Sauce

Add one-third of egg whites into the cheese sauce. Mix gently to lighten. Fold in remaining whites carefully. Do not deflate the mixture.

7. Fill Ramekins

Spoon mixture into prepared ramekins. Fill almost to the top. Smooth the surface lightly.

8. Bake the Soufflés

Place ramekins in preheated oven. Bake for 20–25 minutes. Do not open the oven while baking. Soufflés should rise beautifully and turn golden.

9. Serve Immediately

Remove from oven carefully. Serve hot. The soufflé may deflate slightly if left too long. Enjoy your Julia Child’s Famous Cheese Soufflé Recipe.

Tips to Make the Best Julia Child’s Famous Cheese Soufflé

• Use fresh eggs for best texture.
• Warm milk prevents lumps in the sauce.
• Grate cheese finely for smooth melting.
• Beat egg whites to stiff peaks only.
• Fold gently to keep mixture airy.
• Serve immediately for best presentation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Opening oven too early can collapse the soufflé.
• Overmixing egg whites will deflate them.
• Using cold milk can cause lumps in the sauce.
• Using pre-shredded cheese with anti-caking agents can affect texture.
• Undercooking will leave the center too runny.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Julia Child’s Famous Cheese Soufflé as an appetizer or main dish. Pair with a fresh green salad. Add roasted vegetables for a full meal. A glass of white wine complements the rich cheese flavor beautifully.

Variations You Can Try

• Add chopped spinach for a green soufflé.
• Mix in cooked mushrooms for an earthy taste.
• Substitute Gruyère with cheddar or Swiss cheese.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg for warmth.
• Use a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky flavor.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Soufflés are best eaten fresh; they do not store well.
• If needed, bake unbaked mixture in ramekins and refrigerate for a few hours.
• Reheat gently in a 300°F oven for 5–10 minutes.
• Do not microwave; it will deflate the soufflé.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	280 kcal
Carbohydrates	12 g
Protein	18 g
Fat	20 g
Sugar	3 g
Fiber	0 g

Health Benefits

This Julia Child’s Famous Cheese Soufflé Recipe provides protein from eggs and cheese. It also contains calcium for strong bones.

It is a high-energy dish, ideal for special occasions. The dish can be light if served with vegetables.

FAQs about Julia Child’s Famous Cheese Soufflé

1. Can I make this soufflé ahead of time?

You can prepare the mixture in advance. Do not bake until ready to serve. Freshly baked soufflé rises better and tastes lighter.

2. Can I use a different cheese?

Yes, cheddar, Swiss or Comté works. Gruyère gives classic flavor, but other cheeses can be used based on preference.

3. What if my soufflé collapses?

It may collapse if the oven opens or egg whites are overmixed. Serve immediately; taste is still excellent.

4. Can I freeze this recipe?

No, soufflés do not freeze well. The texture will be lost and they will not rise properly.

5. Is this recipe hard for beginners?

It is beginner-friendly if you follow steps carefully. Key points are folding egg whites and serving immediately.

Final Thoughts

Julia Child’s Famous Cheese Soufflé Recipe is elegant, light and cheesy. It impresses guests and delights family.

The Ingredients for Julia Child’s Famous Cheese Soufflé are simple. The step-by-step instructions make it easy to follow.

Now you know How to make Julia Child’s Famous Cheese Soufflé at home. Try this recipe for your next dinner. Everyone will enjoy the soft, fluffy and rich cheese flavors.