W
ho says French food has to be fancy and fussy? This Bastille Day, we’re taking the classic cheese soufflé—light, airy, and delightfully dramatic—and giving it a cheeky little upgrade with a generous swirl of Maille’s Honey Mustard. Think rich, cheesy goodness with just a hint of sweet-and-tangy flair. Diviiiine, Tastebuds!
And yes, Bastille Day might be all about storming the prison gates in Paris back in 1789, but did you know some South Africans celebrate it too? That’s thanks to the French Huguenots—Protestants who fled to the Cape in the late 1600s, bringing their language, wine knowledge, and excellent taste in cheese with them. Today, you’ll still find traces of their influence in towns like Franschhoek (literally “French Corner”).
So whether you’re French, South African, or just really into cheese soufflé, this dish is your excuse to celebrate with style—and maybe a glass of bubbly on the side.
Cheese soufflé has a bit of a reputation—dramatic, delicate, and slightly intimidating—but the truth is, it’s far more forgiving than people think. The magic lies in whipping egg whites to stiff peaks and gently folding them into a rich béchamel sauce loaded with cheese. The result? A puffed-up masterpiece with a golden crown and a soft, cheesy interior. Don’t worry if it deflates slightly after coming out of the oven—real cheese soufflé lovers know it’s all part of the charm. As for serving, keep it simple: a crisp green salad with a sharp vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully, and a glass of chilled white wine or light bubbly is the perfect finishing touch.
Cheese Soufflé - A Fluffy French Favorite with a South African Twist
Equipment
- 1 25cm deep oven proof dish
- 1 large bowl
- 1 medium saucepan
- 1 electric whisk
Ingredients
Cheese Soufflé
- 3 tbsp butter separated, salted or unsalted
- ½ cup parmesan cheese finely grated
- 3 tbsp flour
- 1 cup full cream milk
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp coarsely ground black pepper
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- 1-2 tbsp Maille Honey Mustard or Maille Dijon Mustard or Wholegrain
- 2 tbsp chives chopped
- 5 large egg yolks
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese or white cheddar
- 6 large egg whites
- ¼ tsp cream tartar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 175℃/350℉ (no fan) with the rack placed in the middle of your oven. Line your baking dish with 1 tbsp butter, all the way to the brim. Sprinkle in 1/4 cup of finely grated parmesan and swirl the cheese all around ensuring it stick to the butter and coats the surface of your baking dish.
- Bring a medium saucepan to a medium heat, melt the butter and add the flour, whisk until well combined and bubbling, cook for about 1 minute.
- Gradually pour in the milk whilst whisking, continue whisking until the lumps have dissolved and the milk started to bubble. Turn off the heat and add the salt, pepper, nutmeg and mustard of your choice. Whisk until well combined.
- Add the chopped chives and egg yolks, whisk until combined. Switch to a silicon spatula and mix in the grated Gruyère or White Cheddar cheese and remining 1/4 cup parmesan cheese. Mix until mostly melted. Allow the mixture to continue cooling down.
- In a large bowl add cream of tartar and egg whites together and whisk on a low speed, gradually increasing the speed until stiff peaks form, about 3 minutes.
- Gradually fold in the lukewarm cheese mixture into the egg whites, gently folding until fully combined. Pour the mixture into your butter and cheese coated dish, smoothing out the top. Bake for 35 minutes or until puffy and golden brown on top. Note: It's better to let the souffle bake until properly set and golden but still has a slight jiggle, so try and push it for as long as possible before becoming too dark in colour. This'll ensure a longer hold.
- Remove from the oven and serve immediately. Serve with a fresh salad of choice, or with other savoury breakfast items or even with stews - geen skaam!
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