20 Minute Mini Cheese Souffle

20 Minute Mini Cheese Souffle is a delightful dish that will impress everyone with its light, airy texture and rich flavors. Imagine bringing this elegant snack or appetizer to your next gathering, and when your friends ask how you made such a fluffy treat, you can share your secret! With just a few ingredients and around 20 minutes, you can whip up these mini souffles that are not just simple to make but also look stunning when served. They’re perfect for everything from a cozy dinner at home to a fancier dinner party. Let’s explore how to make these scrumptious bites together. Trust me, no one will believe you made these in a mere 20 minutes!

What is 20 Minute Mini Cheese Souffle

A cheese souffle is a classic French dish known for its fluffy texture and cheesy goodness. For our 20 Minute Mini Cheese Souffle, we’ll create individual servings that are delightful and easy to share. These souffles consist of a creamy cheese base enriched with egg yolks and whipped egg whites, which gives them their signature rise and fluff. The mini versions are not only adorable but also a fun and sophisticated way to enjoy a savory treat. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or a side dish, they are sure to become a crowd favorite.

Why You’ll Love This 20 Minute Mini Cheese Souffle

Perfectly light and fluffy texture

First off, the texture is a game changer! Each bite melts in your mouth. That airy quality results from whipping the egg whites to perfection, giving you souffles that rise beautifully.

Quick preparation time

Let’s be honest; we all love a quick recipe that doesn’t compromise flavor. These mini cheese souffles can go from start to finish in about 20 minutes. With just a little prep work, you’ll have a delicious dish ready to serve in no time.

Versatile serving options

Another wonderful aspect of these souffles is their versatility. You can serve them as a stunning starter, a side dish, or even a vibrant main course alongside a salad or vegetables. They work for any occasion, from brunch to dinner.

Great for any occasion, from casual nights at home to fancy dinner parties

Hosting friends? Having a romantic dinner? These mini cheese souffles adapt wonderfully to the occasion. They’re fancy enough to impress yet easy enough to whip up on a weeknight. You’ll be a culinary star, all thanks to this simple recipe.

Ingredients for 20 Minute Mini Cheese Souffle

Here’s what you’ll need for these delightful bites:

• 2 tablespoons butter, at room temperature (plus extra for coating ramekins)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (plus 2 teaspoons)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Swiss or Gruyère cheese
• 3 large egg yolks
• 3 large egg whites

Gather these ingredients, and you’ll be ready to go!

Preparing Your Kitchen for Mini Cheese Souffles

Before we start making our mini cheese souffles, take a moment to get everything organized.

Gather all ingredients and tools

Lay out all your ingredients, and ensure you have your tools ready. You’ll need a mixing bowl, whisk, saucepan, and some ramekins.

Preheat oven to 350°F

Now, preheat your oven to 350°F. This way, when you’re ready to bake, your oven is set to the perfect temperature.

Coating the Ramekins for Success

Let’s not forget this important step! Properly coating your ramekins sets you up for a successful soufflé.

Use room temperature butter to coat each ramekin

Grab the room-temperature butter and use your fingers or a brush to coat the insides of each ramekin. This helps the souffles rise and prevents them from sticking.

Add 1/2 teaspoon flour to each ramekin and shake out excess

Sprinkle about 1/2 teaspoon of flour into each buttered ramekin. Give them a little shake to coat the sides evenly, then tap out any excess flour. This process keeps the souffles from clinging to the sides.

Making the Cheese Mixture

Now for the exciting part—we’re making the cheesy goodness!

Melt butter in a saucepan and add flour, salt, pepper, and nutmeg

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once it’s melted, whisk in the flour, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Stir constantly to create a paste until it starts to sizzle gently.

Whisk constantly until sizzling, then add cold milk

Continue whisking, and then slowly pour in the cold milk, mixing well. Keep whisking until the mixture thickens—at this point, it should be a creamy consistency.

Bring to a boil while whisking, then remove from heat and stir in cheese

Raise the heat and bring the mixture to a boil while whisking. Once it thickens, remove it from the heat and add the shredded cheese. Give it a good stir until everything is melted and combined.

Preparing the Egg Yolks

We’re getting close to the finish line!

Beat egg yolks until light in color

In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks until they are light and fluffy. This will add richness to your souffles.

Temper yolks by whisking in 2 tablespoons of the cheese mixture

Take about 2 tablespoons of the warm cheese mixture and slowly whisk it into the egg yolks. This process, known as tempering, avoids scrambling the eggs. Just mix it until combined.

Folding in Egg Whites

Here comes the secret to making these souffles rise beautifully.

Whip egg whites until stiff peaks form

In a clean, dry bowl, whip the egg whites using a hand mixer or whisk until they form stiff peaks. This means, when you lift the whisk, the peaks stay upright.

Gently fold 1/3 of the egg whites into the cheese mixture

Now, gently fold one-third of the whipped egg whites into the cheese mixture. This lightens the mixture and makes it easier to combine.

Carefully fold in remaining egg whites until just combined

Next, fold in the remaining egg whites gently, being careful not to deflate them. You want a nice, fluffy texture.

Filling the Ramekins

Let’s get these finished and ready for baking!

Spoon the soufflé mixture into the prepared ramekins, filling them about 3/4 full

Spoon the mixture evenly into your prepared ramekins. Fill each one about 3/4 full to give them room to rise.

Baking Your Mini Cheese Souffles

Now, into the oven they go!

Bake without opening the oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until puffed and golden

Place the ramekins on a baking sheet and slide them into the preheated oven. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes—don’t open the oven door during this time! You want those souffles to rise without a draft.

Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor

Once they’re puffed and golden, take them out and serve immediately! They look fantastic and taste even better when fresh.

Serving Suggestions

Now that your mini cheese souffles are ready, let’s talk about how to serve them!

Pair with a fresh garden salad

Serving them with a fresh garden salad adds a nice crunch and a healthy touch to your meal.

Serve alongside roasted vegetables

Another delightful option is pairing your souffles with roasted vegetables. The flavors blend beautifully.

Offer with a glass of white wine for an elegant touch

And for that touch of elegance, consider a glass of white wine. It complements the cheese perfectly.

Tips for Success

To ensure your souffles come out perfectly, keep these tips in mind.

Ensure egg whites are whipped properly for the best rise

Make sure the egg whites are whipped to stiff peaks—this is crucial for that rise you want.

Keep the oven door closed during baking to maintain heat

Remember, resist the urge to peek! Keeping the oven door closed helps maintain the heat and ensures proper rising.

Variations

Feel free to get creative with your mini cheese souffles!

Try different cheese types like cheddar or feta

Experiment with various cheese types. Cheddar adds a sharper flavor, while feta offers a salty kick.

Add herbs like chives or thyme for extra flavor

Consider folding in some herbs like chives or thyme for an aromatic touch.

Storage Tips

If you happen to have any leftovers (though I doubt you will), here’s how to store them.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days

Keep your souffles in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for about two days.

Reheat gently in the oven for best results

When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat gently in the oven—not the microwave! This keeps the texture nice and fluffy.

Pairing Ideas

Looking to enhance your meal experience? Here are some pairing ideas.

A light white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc

A glass of Sauvignon Blanc pairs perfectly with these mini cheese souffles, adding a crisp balance to the richness.

Freshly baked baguette slices

Serve with slices of freshly baked baguette to enjoy the cheesy goodness together.

A citrusy vinaigrette dressing to complement the richness

For an added burst of flavor, drizzle on a citrus vinaigrette dressing—it contrasts nicely with the creamy souffles.

FAQs

How long do these souffles take to prepare?
The 20 Minute Mini Cheese Souffle takes about 20 minutes from preparation to baking.

Can I make these souffles in advance?
These souffles are best served fresh, but you can prepare the cheese mixture ahead and bake when ready.

What should I do if my souffles don’t rise?
Ensure the egg whites are whipped to stiff peaks and that you haven’t opened the oven while baking.

Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! You can experiment with various cheeses to find your favorite blend.

Are these souffles suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Yes, just substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative.

20 Minute Mini Cheese Souffle offers a delightful combination of simplicity and elegance, making them an irresistible option for any meal. With minimal ingredients and quick preparation, these savory souffles are perfect for entertaining guests or treating yourself. Whether paired with a fresh salad or a crisp white wine, they bring a touch of gourmet dining right into your home. So gather your ingredients and get ready to impress with this fantastic recipe!

More Easy Appetizers & Snacks Recipes:

• Cheesy Ranch Oven Roasted Potatoes
• Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus
• Air Fryer Zucchini Chips
• Avocado Crema

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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20 Minute Mini Cheese Souffle

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These mini cheese souffles are light, fluffy, and a crowd favorite. With just a few ingredients, you can impress guests at any occasion!

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 tablespoons butter, at room temperature (plus extra for coating ramekins)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (plus 2 teaspoons)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Swiss or Gruyère cheese
• 3 large egg yolks
• 3 large egg whites

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350°F.
• Prepare ramekins by coating with butter and flour.
• In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
• Add cold milk, whisking until thick and creamy.
• Bring to a boil, then stir in shredded cheese.
• Beat egg yolks until light, then temper with cheese mixture.
• Whip egg whites to stiff peaks and gently fold into the cheese mixture.
• Spoon mixture into ramekins, filling 3/4 full.
• Bake for 15 to 20 minutes without opening the oven.
• Serve immediately.

Notes

Ensure egg whites are whipped properly for maximum rise.
Keep the oven door closed while baking for best results.
Feel free to experiment with different cheese types.

• Author: Rachael
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 2
• Sodium: 300
• Fat: 10
• Saturated Fat: 6
• Unsaturated Fat: 3
• Trans Fat: 0
• Carbohydrates: 14
• Fiber: 0
• Protein: 7
• Cholesterol: 150