Big Batch Cheese Soufflé Recipe (Serves 10–12)
### Ingredients:
#### For the base (béchamel sauce):
* 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter
* 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
* 1 liter (4 cups) whole milk, warmed
* Salt to taste
* 1/2 tsp white pepper
* 1/2 tsp nutmeg (optional)
#### Cheese:
* 4 cups (about 400g) grated sharp cheddar cheese (or Gruyère or a mix)
* Optional: 1 cup grated Parmesan for extra flavor
#### Eggs:
* 12 large eggs, separated (you’ll beat the whites)
#### Optional additions:
* 2 tsp Dijon mustard (for depth)
* 1/2 tsp paprika or cayenne (for a mild kick)
* Chopped chives, cooked spinach, or sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor
### Instructions:
#### 1. Preheat & Prep:
* Preheat oven to **375°F (190°C)**.
* Butter a **large 9×13 inch glass or ceramic baking dish** (or equivalent in volume).
* Optionally, dust the buttered dish with grated Parmesan for a crust.
#### 2. Make the béchamel (base sauce):
* In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
* Add flour and whisk continuously for 2 minutes to cook the flour (don’t brown it).
* Gradually whisk in warm milk. Continue whisking until smooth and thickened (about 5–7 mins).
* Season with salt, pepper, nutmeg, mustard, and paprika if using.
* Remove from heat and stir in grated cheese until melted and smooth.
#### 3. Add Egg Yolks:
* Whisk in the **egg yolks one at a time** into the warm (not hot) cheese sauce. Set aside.
#### 4. Whip Egg Whites:
* In a large, clean bowl, **beat the egg whites** with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form.
#### 5. Fold Gently:
* Gently fold 1/3 of the whipped whites into the cheese mixture to lighten it.
* Then fold in the rest carefully until no white streaks remain. Do **not overmix**.
#### 6. Bake:
* Pour into the prepared dish and place on the middle rack of the oven.
* Bake for **35–40 minutes**, until the top is puffed and golden brown.
* **Don’t open the oven** during baking to prevent collapsing.
### Tips:
* Serve immediately for maximum puff and drama!
* Pairs well with a simple green salad or tomato soup.
* You can also prepare individual portions in ramekins (adjust baking time to \~20 mins).
