Get ready to impress your dinner guests and transform your kitchen into a Parisian bistro with these heavenly Herbed Goat Cheese Soufflés! These light, airy, and incredibly sophisticated dishes might seem intimidating, but with our foolproof recipe, even novice home cooks can create a restaurant-worthy masterpiece that will have everyone asking, "How did you make these?" Imagine cutting into a perfectly puffed soufflé and watching the creamy, herbed goat cheese center slowly ooze out – this is culinary magic you can create right in your own kitchen!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 4 soufflés
Ingredients
- 4 oz goat cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 3 eggs, separated
- 1 tbsp fresh herbs (thyme, chives, or parsley)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare four ramekins by buttering the insides and dusting them with flour to prevent the soufflés from sticking.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for about 1 minute to form a roux. Do not let it brown.
- Gradually add 1 cup of milk to the roux, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook the mixture, stirring frequently, until it thickens and begins to bubble, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat.
- In a mixing bowl, crumble the 4 ounces of goat cheese into the thickened milk mixture. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated. Add the fresh herbs (thyme, chives, or parsley), and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture cool slightly.
- In a separate bowl, separate the eggs, placing the egg whites in a large mixing bowl and the yolks in the cheese mixture. Stir the egg yolks into the cheese mixture until well combined.
- Using an electric mixer, beat the egg whites on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. This will take about 3-5 minutes. Be careful not to overbeat.
- Gently fold one-third of the beaten egg whites into the cheese mixture to lighten it. Then, carefully fold in the remaining egg whites in two additions, taking care not to deflate the mixture.
- Once fully combined, spoon the soufflé mixture evenly into the prepared ramekins, filling them about three-quarters full. Run your finger around the edge of each ramekin to help the soufflés rise evenly.
- Place the ramekins on a baking sheet and transfer them to the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the soufflés are puffed and golden brown on top.
- Once baked, remove the soufflés from the oven and serve immediately. Enjoy your Herbed Goat Cheese Soufflés warm, garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Temperature is crucial: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting to help achieve maximum volume.
- Egg white technique matters: Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form, but don't overbeat. Overbeaten whites will make your soufflés dense instead of light.
- Fold gently: When incorporating egg whites, use a delicate folding motion to preserve the air bubbles that give soufflés their signature rise.
- Prepare ramekins carefully: Butter and flour your ramekins thoroughly to help the soufflés rise evenly and prevent sticking.
- Serve immediately: Soufflés deflate quickly, so have your guests seated and ready before you remove them from the oven.
- Optional flavor boost: Experiment with different herbs or add a pinch of nutmeg to customize your soufflé's flavor profile.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 270kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 180mg
