I didn’t even know what that was! My Midwestern family was more into chicken fried steak, meatloaf, and pot roast than French cuisine. The novel taught me about the dish, and later on, Julia Child taught me the rest.
(By the way, if anyone knows the name of that book from a long, long, LONG time ago, please let me know! I’d love to find a copy!)
The book’s cover features the photograph of a beautiful cheese soufflé for one. I immediately had to make it, and it’s become one of my favorite recipes. After the first time or two learning the recipe, I can whip one up quickly. And, in spite of soufflé’s temperamental reputation, mine have always risen beautifully.
If you’ve never had a soufflé, just think of it as a very fluffy omelet. I usually pick whatever cheese I have in the fridge. You don’t need much. My favorite is aged cheddar and nutty Gruyere. I use grated Parmesan to coat the inside of the ramekin.
I’ve enjoyed this soufflé for breakfast, lunch, and supper. (Not all on the same day! Lol) I pair it with a tomato and celery salad and crusty bread. And I agree with Ms. Jones—it’s nice to make a meal for just myself.
Cheese Soufflé for One
Adapted from The Pleasures of Cooking for One by Judith Jones
2 1/2 tablespoons softened unsalted butter
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon flour
1/3 cup whole milk
A large pinch of Kosher salt
A small pinch of paprika
1 large egg yolk
2 large egg white
1/3 cup tightly packed grated cheese (I use cheddar and Gruyere.)
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F and move the rack to the center of the oven. Coat the inside of a 4-by 2 ¾-inch ramekin with 1/2 tablespoon of butter. Add the Parmesan cheese and turn the dish to coat all the sides and bottom of the dish. Set aside.
Melt the rest of the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Then pour in the milk and whisk to combine. Continue cooking while stirring constantly until the sauce begins to thicken. Add the salt and paprika, and then remove from the heat. Whisk in the egg yolk and set aside.
In a medium bowl, beat the egg whites until they form soft peaks. Spoon a dollop of the egg whites and half the cheese into the saucepan and stir to combine. Fold in the rest of the egg whites and the cheese until just combined. Pour into the prepared ramekin.
Place the ramekin on a small baking sheet and put into the oven. Lower the temperature to 375 degrees F and bake until fluffy and lightly browned, about 18 minutes. Serve immediately—soufflé waits for no one!