This goat cheese and fresh herb souffle recipe is the perfect blend of creamy cheese, aromatic herbs, and fluffy egg whites. The result is a delicately flavored and textured dish that's perfect for a sophisticated brunch or dinner party.
Certain ingredients might not be readily available in your pantry. Goat cheese is the star of the dish, so be sure to select a high-quality variety. Fresh herbs like chives, dill, parsley, and tarragon play important roles in flavoring the souffle. These herbs can typically be found in the fresh produce section of your supermarket.
Goat Cheese and Fresh Herb Souffle Ingredients
Parmesan cheese: A hard, dry cheese that adds a nutty, savory flavor.
Unsalted butter: Used for greasing the soufflé dish and in the roux to create a smooth, creamy base for the soufflé.
All-purpose flour: Helps to thicken the roux.
Milk: Adds moisture and aids in creating the right texture.
Bay leaf: Adds a subtle, slightly floral flavor.
Goat cheese: Gives the soufflé its rich, creamy texture and tangy flavor.
Salt and pepper: Enhances the natural flavors of the other ingredients.
Eggs: Provide structure and leavening, making the soufflé rise.
Chives: Offer a mild, onion-like flavor.
Dill: Has a fresh, slightly tangy taste.
Flat leaf parsley: Its vibrant flavor complements the other herbs.
Tarragon: Imparts a sweet, anise-like flavor.
One reader, Hillier Malcolm says:
This goat cheese and fresh herb souffle recipe is a game-changer! The blend of goat cheese and fresh herbs creates a burst of flavors in every bite. The souffle rises beautifully and has a delightful creamy texture. It's a must-try for anyone who loves savory, elegant dishes.
Techniques for Making a Perfect Souffle
How to prepare the soufflé dish: Butter a 2-quart soufflé dish and add the parmesan to coat the bottom and sides, tapping out any excess.
How to make the cheese sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour, then gradually add milk and a bay leaf. Cook until thick, then stir in goat cheese, season with salt and pepper, and whisk in egg yolks. Let the mixture cool, then stir in the herbs.
How to beat egg whites: In a large stainless steel bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until firm but not dry.
How to fold in the egg whites: Fold one-third of the beaten egg whites into the cheese sauce, then fold in the remaining whites, leaving a few white streaks.
How to bake the soufflé: Scrape the soufflé mixture into the prepared baking dish and bake in the center of the oven at 375°F for 45 minutes, or until browned, puffed, and still slightly jiggly in the center.
How to make ahead: The soufflé base can be prepared through step 2, without adding the herbs, and refrigerated overnight. Bring the soufflé base to room temperature and stir in herbs before folding in the beaten egg whites.
How To Make Goat Cheese and Fresh Herb Souffle
A medley of tart and earthy flavors makes this goat cheese and herb souffle a deliciously savory, soft, and fluffy side dish to any meal!
Serves:
Ingredients
- ¼cupparmesan cheese,freshly grated
- 4tbspunsalted butter
- ½cupall purpose flour
- 2cupsmilk
- 1bay leaf
- ½lbfresh goat cheese
- salt and freshly ground pepper
- 4large eggs
- 2tbspchives,minced
- 1tbspdill,minced
- 1tbspflat leaf parsley,minced
- 2tsptarragon,minced
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Butter a 2-quart soufflé dish.
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Add the Parmesan and turn to evenly coat the bottom and side of the dish. Tap out any excess.
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In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over moderate heat. Whisk in the flour until a smooth paste forms. Whisk in 1 cup of the milk until smooth, then whisk in the remaining 1 cup of milk and add the bay leaf.
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Bring the sauce to a boil, whisking constantly. Reduce the heat to low and cook, whisking frequently, for about 10 minutes, until very thick.
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Scrape into a large bowl. Stir in the goat cheese and season with salt and pepper, then whisk in the egg yolks.
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Cover and let cool, then stir in the herbs.
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In a large stainless steel bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until firm but not dry. Fold one-third of the beaten whites into the cheese sauce. Fold in the remaining whites, leaving a few white streaks.
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Scrape the soufflé mixture into the prepared baking dish.
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Bake in the center of the oven for 45 minutes, or until browned, puffed and still slightly jiggly in the center.
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Serve at once, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 497.22kcal
- Fat: 34.87g
- Saturated Fat: 20.97g
- Trans Fat: 0.48g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 9.26g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.06g
- Carbohydrates: 19.85g
- Fiber: 0.87g
- Sugar: 6.51g
- Protein: 26.10g
- Cholesterol: 261.13mg
- Sodium: 633.52mg
- Calcium: 387.23mg
- Potassium: 333.03mg
- Iron: 3.53mg
- Vitamin A: 426.88µg
- Vitamin C: 2.80mg
Crucial Technique for Successful Souffles
When making your goat cheese and fresh herb souffle, it's crucial to not overbeat your egg whites. They should be firm but not dry. Overbeating can lead to a less airy and light souffle. Also, when folding the egg whites into the cheese sauce, do it gently to maintain the airiness that will give your souffle its characteristic puff. Remember, the goal is to incorporate without deflating the egg whites.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Souffles
Prep ahead: Prepare the soufflé base through step 2 the day before and refrigerate. This will save time on the day of cooking.
Organize ingredients: Measure and prepare all ingredients before starting the recipe to streamline the cooking process.
Properly fold: Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the cheese sauce to ensure a light and airy soufflé.
Timely serving: Serve the soufflé immediately after baking to enjoy it at its best texture and flavor.
Use a timer: Set a timer to keep track of the soufflé's baking time and ensure it is cooked to perfection.
Substitute Ingredients For Goat Cheese and Fresh Herb Souffle Recipe
goat cheese - Substitute with ricotta cheese: Ricotta cheese has a similar creamy texture and mild flavor that can work well in a souffle recipe.
fresh herb - Substitute with dried herb: Dried herbs can be used in place of fresh herbs, but use them in smaller quantities as they are more concentrated in flavor.
Presenting Goat Cheese and Fresh Herb Souffle
Elevate the soufflé dish: Place the soufflé dish on a beautiful serving platter to add a touch of elegance to the presentation.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle a few sprigs of chives, dill, flat leaf parsley, and tarragon on top of the soufflé for a pop of color and freshness.
Accompany with a side salad: Serve the soufflé alongside a light, refreshing mixed green salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish.
Use fine dining dinnerware: Present the soufflé on a fine china plate to create a sophisticated and luxurious dining experience.
Add a drizzle of reduction: Create a flavorful balsamic reduction and carefully drizzle it around the soufflé for an artistic and gourmet touch.
Serve with a wine pairing: Pair the soufflé with a complementary white wine to enhance the flavors and elevate the overall dining experience.
Incorporate edible flowers: Place a few delicate and colorful edible flowers on the plate to add a visually stunning and whimsical element to the presentation.
Use gold leaf accents: For an opulent touch, consider adding a few edible gold leaf accents to the soufflé for a luxurious and extravagant presentation.
Essential Tools for Making a Souffle
- soufflé dish: A deep, round, oven-safe dish used for baking soufflés. It has straight sides that help the soufflé rise evenly.
- saucepan: A deep cooking pan with a long handle and a lid, used for making sauces, heating liquids, and cooking foods.
- whisk: A kitchen utensil used for whipping and mixing ingredients together, especially in the preparation of soufflés.
- baking dish: A rectangular or square dish used for baking the soufflé in the oven.
- stainless steel bowl: A large bowl made of stainless steel, used for beating egg whites to stiff peaks for the soufflé.
Storing and Freezing Goat Cheese and Herb Souffles
- To store leftover soufflé, let it cool completely to room temperature before covering tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheat leftover soufflé in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes. The texture may be slightly less fluffy than when freshly baked, but it will still taste delicious.
- For best results, enjoy the goat cheese and herb soufflé immediately after baking. Soufflés are at their peak texture and flavor when served straight out of the oven.
- If you need to make the soufflé ahead of time, prepare the base and refrigerate it overnight. Bring the base to room temperature, stir in the herbs, and fold in the beaten egg whites just before baking.
- Soufflés do not freeze well due to their delicate nature. The texture and rise of the soufflé will be compromised if frozen and thawed. It's best to enjoy this dish freshly baked.
How To Reheat Souffle Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover soufflé in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Reheat the soufflé in the oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until it is heated through and slightly puffed up. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of reheating to allow the top to crisp up slightly.
Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions of the soufflé in the microwave. Place a single serving on a microwave-safe plate and heat it on medium power for 1-2 minutes, or until it is heated through. Be careful not to overheat the soufflé, as it may become rubbery or deflate.
For a crispy top, you can also reheat the soufflé under the broiler. Place the leftover soufflé in an oven-safe dish and heat it under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on the soufflé to prevent burning.
If you have a steam oven, you can use it to gently reheat the soufflé while maintaining its texture. Place the leftover soufflé in a steam-safe dish and heat it in the steam oven for 5-10 minutes, or until it is heated through and slightly puffed up.
Regardless of the reheating method you choose, be sure to reheat the soufflé until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety. Use a food thermometer to check the temperature before serving.
Interesting Fact About Goat Cheese Souffles
Goat cheese and fresh herb soufflé is a classic French dish that requires precise technique to achieve the perfect rise. Soufflés are known for their delicate texture and impressive presentation, making them a popular choice for elegant dinner parties. Despite their reputation for being difficult to master, with the right recipe and careful attention to detail, anyone can create a stunning soufflé at home. The key to success lies in properly folding the beaten egg whites into the base and ensuring the oven is at the correct temperature. With practice and patience, mastering the art of soufflé-making can be a rewarding culinary achievement.
Is Making Souffles at Home Cost-Effective?
This goat cheese and fresh herb souffle recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. The use of goat cheese and fresh herbs may be slightly pricier, but the dish's elegance and flavor make it worth the investment. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $20-$25. The rich and creamy texture, combined with the aromatic herbs, creates a delightful culinary experience. I would rate this recipe an 8 for its taste and presentation, making it a worthwhile indulgence for special occasions.
Is This Souffle Recipe Healthy or Not?
This goat cheese and fresh herb soufflé recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. The main concerns are:
- High in saturated fat due to the generous amounts of butter, whole milk, and cheese used
- Refined carbohydrates from the all-purpose flour
- Relatively low in fiber and nutrients compared to the calorie content
However, the recipe does include some beneficial ingredients, such as fresh herbs (chives, dill, parsley, and tarragon) which provide antioxidants and flavor without adding significant calories.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Replace some or all of the butter with a healthier oil, such as olive oil
- Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour to increase fiber content
- Reduce the amount of cheese used, or opt for a lower-fat variety of goat cheese
- Incorporate more vegetables into the soufflé base, such as sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers, to boost nutrient density
- Serve the soufflé with a side salad to add more fiber and balance out the richness of the dish
By making these adjustments, you can create a more nutritious version of this classic French dish without sacrificing too much on taste and texture. Remember, enjoying indulgent foods in moderation is perfectly acceptable as part of a balanced diet.
Editor's Opinion on This Souffle Recipe
The goat cheese and fresh herb soufflé recipe is a delightful combination of creamy goat cheese and aromatic herbs, creating a light and fluffy soufflé with a rich, savory flavor. The incorporation of chives, dill, parsley, and tarragon adds a refreshing and herbaceous note to the dish, elevating its overall taste profile. The step-by-step instructions are clear and concise, making it accessible for home cooks to recreate this impressive dish. The make-ahead option also provides convenience for those planning ahead. Overall, this recipe is a wonderful choice for a sophisticated and flavorful addition to any meal.
Why trust this Goat Cheese and Fresh Herb Souffle Recipe:
This recipe guarantees a delectable goat cheese and fresh herb soufflé that will tantalize your taste buds. The combination of fresh herbs such as chives, dill, parsley, and tarragon adds a burst of flavor, while the use of goat cheese ensures a creamy and luxurious texture. With a meticulous process, including the incorporation of beaten egg whites for a light and airy rise, this soufflé is a testament to culinary expertise. Trust in the quality of the ingredients and the detailed instructions to achieve a delightful and impressive dish.
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