Macaroni Soufflé Recipe: Light & Fluffy Mac and Cheese
This delightful Macaroni Soufflé recipe is a family favorite, especially for kids who enjoy the creamy goodness of macaroni and cheese. It combines the rich flavors of cheddar, gruyere, and parmesan into a delicate, airy soufflé that is sure to impress at any family gathering, brunch, or winter meal. For best results, serve this soufflé right after it’s done baking to ensure its texture remains light and fluffy.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Macaroni | 3 oz |
| Butter (divided) | 1 oz |
| Ground paprika | 4 tsp |
| All-purpose flour | 1 tbsp |
| Milk | 1/3 cup |
| Cheddar cheese (grated) | 1 1/4 oz |
| Gruyere cheese (grated) | 3/4 oz |
| Parmesan cheese (grated) | 3/4 oz |
| Eggs (separated) | 3 large |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 744.1 kcal |
| Fat | 45.8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 26.6 g |
| Cholesterol | 328.3 mg |
| Sodium | 919.5 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 49 g |
| Fiber | 2.2 g |
| Sugar | 2.3 g |
| Protein | 33.6 g |
Instructions:
-
Cook the macaroni
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, and cook the macaroni according to the package instructions. Once tender, drain the pasta and set it aside for later use. -
Prepare the soufflé dish
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Brush a 5-cup soufflé dish with melted butter to prevent sticking. Dust the inside of the dish evenly with breadcrumbs, shaking off any excess crumbs. This helps create a nice crust on the soufflé and prevents it from sticking. -
Make the cheese sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt 1/4 cup of butter over low heat. Add the paprika, flour, and milk to the pan, whisking constantly as you slowly bring the mixture to a boil. Continue to whisk until the sauce becomes thick and smooth. Let it simmer for about 1 minute to ensure the flour cooks through, then remove from the heat. -
Add the cheese
Off the heat, stir in the grated cheddar, gruyere, and parmesan cheeses. Mix until all the cheese has melted and you have a smooth, cheesy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Fold in the cooked macaroni, stirring to ensure that each piece of pasta is coated in the sauce. -
Beat in the egg yolks
Separate the eggs, placing the whites in one bowl and the yolks in another. Lightly beat the egg yolks, then gradually whisk them into the cheese and pasta mixture. Be sure to do this while the sauce is still warm, but not too hot, to avoid scrambling the eggs. -
Whip the egg whites
Using a clean, dry bowl, whisk the egg whites until they form soft peaks. This step is crucial for giving the soufflé its signature lightness and volume. -
Fold the egg whites into the sauce
Gently fold a quarter of the whipped egg whites into the cheese sauce to lighten the mixture. Using a large metal spoon, carefully fold in the remaining egg whites, taking care not to over-mix or deflate the air you’ve incorporated. -
Transfer to the soufflé dish
Pour the lightened soufflé mixture into the prepared soufflé dish. Smooth the top gently with a spatula, but avoid pressing down too firmly. -
Bake
Place the soufflé dish in the center of your preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until the soufflé has risen, turned golden brown, and has a slight wobble in the center. The middle should remain creamy, while the edges are light and puffy. -
Serve immediately
Soufflés are notorious for falling quickly after coming out of the oven, so make sure to serve your macaroni soufflé immediately for the best presentation and texture.
Tips for Success:
- Use room temperature eggs – This will help the egg whites whip to their fullest potential.
- Whisk egg whites carefully – Soft peaks mean the whites hold their shape but still have a slight droop at the tip. Over-whipping can cause the soufflé to be too stiff.
- Serve immediately – This soufflé is best when served as soon as it’s out of the oven. As it cools, it will naturally deflate a little, but its flavor will still be delicious.
Perfect Occasions:
This fluffy and savory Macaroni Soufflé is ideal for various occasions:
- Toddler-Friendly: The soft, cheesy texture makes it a favorite with younger children who love mac and cheese.
- Kid-Friendly: A fun twist on traditional macaroni and cheese, perfect for kids who enjoy cheesy dishes.
- Winter Comfort Food: Serve it during cold winter days as a warm, comforting dish.
- Brunch Delight: Impress guests at a brunch with this elevated version of mac and cheese.
- Inexpensive Meal: With basic ingredients like macaroni, cheese, and eggs, this recipe is cost-effective but feels luxurious.
Customizations:
- Add Vegetables: To make this dish a bit more nutritious, you can fold in cooked vegetables like spinach, peas, or even finely chopped broccoli before baking.
- Use Different Cheeses: While cheddar, gruyere, and parmesan are traditional, you can experiment with other cheeses like fontina, gouda, or even a spicy pepper jack for a bit of heat.
- Make It Spicier: If you enjoy a bit of spice, add some cayenne pepper or hot paprika to the cheese sauce for a kick.
This Macaroni Soufflé offers the perfect combination of cheesy richness and light, airy texture. Whether you’re serving it as part of a hearty winter brunch, or treating your kids to a delightful dinner, this dish is sure to become a beloved staple in your household.
