Smoked Cheddar Souffle

Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins Preparation Time: 35 mins Cook Time: 40 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 4
• 1 tablespoon dry breadcrumbs
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for dish
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole milk, warmed
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
• 3 large egg yolks, at room temperature
• 1 1/4 cups smoked cheddar cheese, grated and packed (about 4 ounces)
• 4 large egg whites, at room temperature
• 2 tablespoons minced chives

Recipe

• 1 heat oven to 375°f and place a rack in the bottom third. generously butter a 6-cup souffle dish and sprinkle with the breadcrumbs, turning to coat evenly and discarding any excess. place a baking sheet in the oven to heat.
• 2 melt butter in a small pan over medium heat. when it foams, add flour and whisk until the raw cereal taste has cooked out, 3-4 minutes. gradually add milk, whisking constantly. bring to a boil, stirring often. remove from heat and whisk in salt, pepper and nutmeg.
• 3 in a large bowl, whisk egg yolks until smooth. add hot cream sauce, a spoonful at a time, whisking constantly, until about 1/2 cup of sauce has been added. whisk egg yolks back into sauce until smooth. add cheese and whisk until melted.
• 4 in a clean bowl (or the work bowl of a stand mixer), beat egg whites (on medium if using electric beater) until soft peaks form, about 5 minutes. increase to high speed and beat until peaks are stiff and glossy but not dry, about 2 minutes.
• 5 fold 1/3 of egg whites into cheese sauce until no streaks of are visible. add chives and remaining egg whites and fold gently to combine. pour into prepared souffle dish.
• 6 place dish on hot baking sheet. bake until well-puffed, golden brown, and the center is set (it does not move when gently touched), 35-40 minutes. serve immediately.