This nostalgic American Cheese Soufflé hails from a well-loved vintage recipe notebook. Once a staple of home kitchens, this version swaps sharp cheddar for creamy, melty American cheese, giving it a smooth, rich texture that's irresistibly comforting. Soufflés were often served at weekend brunches or modest dinner parties, admired for their airy elegance and rewarding simplicity. With pantry basics and a bit of folding finesse, this dish rises to every occasion, both literally and figuratively.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- 3½ cups hot milk
- ½ tsp Salt
- ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 cup American cheese (shredded )
- 4 eggs (separated)
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Sauce
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat
- Stir in flour to form a smooth roux
- Gradually whisk in hot milk until the mixture thickens
- Season with salt and cayenne pepper
Step 2: Add Cheese
- Remove from heat and stir in shredded American cheese
- Mix until smooth and creamy
Step 3: Add Egg Yolks
- Let mixture cool slightly
- Beat in egg yolks one at a time
Step 4: Beat Egg Whites
- In a clean bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form
Step 5: Fold and Bake
- Gently fold egg whites into cheese mixture
- Pour into a greased soufflé dish
- Bake in a moderate oven (350°F / 175°C) for 50 minutes or until puffed and golden
Tips
- Add a dash of dry mustard for subtle tang
- Use pre-sliced deli American cheese and tear into strips before melting
- Line the baking dish with breadcrumbs for extra texture
- Serve with toast points or a light salad for balance
Nutrition
Calories: 365kcalCarbohydrates: 21gProtein: 20gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 225mgSodium: 826mgPotassium: 442mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 941IUVitamin C: 0.3mgCalcium: 676mgIron: 1mg
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