Jamie Oliver Twice Baked Cheese Souffl Recipe [Tips & Tricks]

I remember the first time I tried making Jamie Oliver’s Twice Baked Cheese Soufflé. It was a cozy Sunday afternoon, and I was feeling adventurous in the kitchen. I had always been intimidated by soufflés-those lofty, delicate clouds of egg and cheese that seemed to deflate the moment you looked away. But when I saw Jamie’s recipe, I thought, “Why not”? It felt like the perfect blend of comfort food and elegance.

The end result was beyond what I expected. A cheesy, golden crust with a soft, airy interior that was so satisfying yet light. I couldn’t believe I had pulled it off. That’s when I realized how accessible great food could be when you follow a good recipe with care and love.

Since then, I’ve made this soufflé countless times, and it never fails to impress. Whether I’m serving it for a dinner party, a special brunch, or just a fun family meal, it always seems to hit the spot.

Jamie Oliver’s Twice Baked Cheese Soufflé Recipe

Jamie Oliver’s Twice Baked Cheese Soufflé is a dish that strikes a perfect balance between indulgence and simplicity. It’s the kind of recipe that can be the star of a special occasion, or just something cozy to enjoy on a quiet evening. What makes this recipe even more exciting is the two-step baking process. The first bake gives you the light, airy soufflé rise, and the second bake locks in all that flavor, ensuring you get a beautifully golden top.

This recipe feels like a celebration in a dish. And it’s surprisingly easy to pull off, even for someone who’s never attempted a soufflé before. The key is to follow the steps closely and let the ingredients shine. The result? A cheesy, flavorful soufflé that never falls flat.

Ingredients Needed

To make Jamie Oliver’s Twice Baked Cheese Soufflé, here’s what you’ll need:

• Butter (unsalted) – A generous amount to grease your soufflé dishes and ensure a smooth, rich base.
• Plain flour – For making a roux, which serves as the creamy base.
• Milk (full-fat) – Adds richness and a creamy texture to the soufflé. The milk creates the perfect base for the cheese to melt into.
• Cheese (strong, such as cheddar or Gruyère) – This is the star of the show! The stronger the cheese, the more flavor your soufflé will have.
• Eggs (free-range or organic) – The eggs create the structure of the soufflé. The whites are whipped to perfection to give the soufflé its lift.
• Fresh mustard powder – Just a small amount adds depth of flavor to the soufflé.
• Freshly grated nutmeg – A little goes a long way in making the soufflé warm and aromatic.
• Salt and pepper – To season everything perfectly. A pinch of salt can make the flavors pop.
• Breadcrumbs – Used to coat the soufflé dish. This gives the outside a crisp texture and helps the soufflé rise without sticking.

How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Twice Baked Cheese Soufflé

Making this soufflé is a fun and rewarding process. Here’s a breakdown of the steps:

1. Prepare Your Soufflé Dishes

   • Grease your dishes with butter, then sprinkle a light coating of breadcrumbs. This helps your soufflé rise evenly and gives it a crispy exterior.

2. Make The Roux

   • In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk it in until you have a smooth paste. This is your roux, the base of the soufflé.

3. Add The Milk

   • Gradually pour in the milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens and becomes creamy.

4. Mix In The Cheese

   • Remove the pan from heat and stir in the cheese, mustard powder, and nutmeg. Let it melt into the creamy base.

5. Add The Egg Yolks

   • Whisk in the egg yolks one at a time. This gives the soufflé its richness and structure.

6. Whisk The Egg Whites

   • In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites until stiff peaks form. This is where you get the fluffy, airy texture of the soufflé.

7. Fold The Egg Whites Into The Cheese Mixture

   • Gently fold the egg whites into the cheese mixture. Be careful not to deflate the fluffiness of the egg whites.

8. Bake The First Time

   • Spoon the mixture into your prepared soufflé dishes. Bake in the oven at around 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes until puffed and golden.

9. Cool And Prepare For The Second Bake

   • Once baked, let the soufflés cool. They’ll deflate a bit, but that’s normal.

10. Bake Again

    • For the second bake, pop them back into the oven for another 10-15 minutes to firm them up and get that crispy top.

Ingredient Science Spotlight

Every ingredient in this soufflé plays a vital role in the dish’s texture and flavor. Here’s a quick science breakdown:

• Eggs: The whites trap air when whipped, allowing the soufflé to rise. The yolks provide richness and stability to the base.
• Cheese: The fat in cheese helps create a creamy texture, while the proteins bind everything together and enhance flavor.
• Milk: The milk’s proteins, particularly casein, help create the smooth consistency of the roux, and its fat adds to the soufflé’s richness.
• Mustard powder and nutmeg: These ingredients are perfect for enhancing savory flavors. Mustard brings depth, while nutmeg adds warmth.
• Breadcrumbs: A key player in creating a crispy exterior, they also help the soufflé rise by providing friction on the dish walls.

Expert Tips

• Choose the right cheese: For a rich and flavorful soufflé, go for sharp cheeses like mature cheddar or Gruyère. These melt beautifully and add complexity.
• Be gentle with egg whites: When folding in the egg whites, do it gently. Overmixing can deflate the soufflé.
• Don’t skip the first bake: The first baking is essential for getting that rise. Don’t worry about the soufflé falling a little after it cools-it’s part of the process.
• Temperature matters: Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature before you start. Cold eggs or milk can make the process more difficult.
• Resting the soufflé: Letting the soufflé cool slightly between bakes helps it firm up and prevents deflation during the second bake.

Recipe Variations

While Jamie Oliver’s recipe is already a winner, here are a few variations you can try:

• Herb-infused: Add some chopped fresh herbs like thyme or chives to the cheese mixture for a fresh, aromatic twist.
• Spicy soufflé: Incorporate a bit of chili powder or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
• Smoked cheese: Try using smoked cheddar or Gruyère for a more intense, smoky flavor.
• Vegetarian: Add cooked spinach or mushrooms to the mixture to give your soufflé a veggie-packed twist.

Final Words

If you’ve been intimidated by soufflés before, Jamie Oliver’s Twice Baked Cheese Soufflé is the perfect recipe to ease you into this classic dish. The two-step baking process makes it forgiving and delicious, ensuring you get a perfect result every time. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to impress guests or treat yourself to something extraordinary.

FAQs

What Makes Jamie Oliver’s Twice Baked Cheese Soufflé Recipe Special?

It’s a rich, cheesy dish that’s surprisingly light and airy, with the extra twist of baking it twice for a deeper flavor.

Can I Use Any Type Of Cheese For This Recipe?

You can mix and match cheeses, but a strong cheese like cheddar or Gruyère gives it the best flavor.

How Do I Get My Soufflé To Rise Perfectly?

Be sure to fold in the egg whites gently and don’t overmix. Also, butter the ramekins really well.

Can I Make The Soufflé Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can prepare the base ahead and refrigerate it. Just bake the second time just before serving.

Is Jamie Oliver’s Twice Baked Cheese Soufflé Recipe Vegetarian?

Yes, it’s vegetarian, as it uses cheese, eggs, and milk, but no meat.

How Do I Prevent My Soufflé From Collapsing?

Don’t open the oven door while baking, and make sure to serve it immediately after the second bake.

Can I Freeze The Twice Baked Cheese Soufflé?

Yes, you can freeze the soufflés after the first bake. Just defrost and bake again when you’re ready to serve.

What’s The Best Way To Serve Jamie Oliver’s Twice Baked Cheese Soufflé?

Serve it with a light salad or some fresh bread to balance out the richness of the soufflé.

Can I Use Gluten-free Flour In This Recipe?

Yes, just substitute regular flour with a gluten-free alternative like rice flour or a gluten-free blend.

How Long Does It Take To Make Jamie Oliver’s Twice Baked Cheese Soufflé?

It takes about 30 minutes for the first bake and 10 minutes for the second bake. Plan for about an hour total.