- Categories:
- Food & Beverage
- Tags:
- BakingCheeseFood
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every May 18
- Holiday emoji:
- 🧀
National Cheese Soufflé Day puffs up every May 18, inviting us to celebrate this elegant French dish. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a curious beginner, this is the perfect opportunity to whip up a light, savory soufflé. Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to impress your taste buds.
Want to sponsor National Cheese Soufflé Day? Learn how
History of National Cheese Soufflé Day
A soufflé is basically a white sauce filled with egg yolk. Stiff egg whites are folded into the mixture. You can add whatever flavor you like at this point such as vegetables, cheese, chocolate, or fruits.
The word ‘soufflé’ comes from the French word ‘souffler,’ which means ‘to puff up.’ Marie-Antoine Carême perfected the recipe in the mid-1800s. While cooking for the rich folk of Paris, the updated ovens he used were all heated by air drafts instead of coal and this change was key in the rise of soufflés.
The tricky thing about soufflés is that, after a certain point, they will collapse due to the cool air outside the oven. So they need to be served and eaten as soon as they are taken out of the oven.
Soufflés gained popularity in fine dining from the early to mid-1900s. According to the New York Public Library menu archives, soufflés made frequent appearances in menus for special dinners with guests of honor in popular places like the Waldorf Astoria, The Biltmore, and Hotel Astor. Washington D.C. was also a city that offered easy access to soufflés.
Considered a luxury while at the same time being affordable, soufflés are one of those delicacies that are hard to beat. FYI, cheese Soufflé Day is not the only national day dedicated to soufflés. National Chocolate Soufflé Day is another one, which is celebrated on February 28.
National Cheese Soufflé Day timeline
The first soufflé recipe appears in Vincent La Chapelle’s book “Le Cuisinier Moderne,” an 18th century classic on culinary arts.
La Grande Taverne de Londres opens in Paris and becomes the first to serve soufflés.
The word ‘soufflé’ first appears in English in the book “The French Cook,” written by Louis-Eustache Ude.
Soufflé reaches the peak of its popularity with Jacqueline Margulis opening Cafe Jacqueline in San Francisco, California.
National Cheese Soufflé Day FAQs
When is National Cheese Soufflé Day?
In 2027, National Cheese Soufflé Day is observed on Tuesday, May 18. This mid-week celebration offers a wonderful opportunity to indulge in a light and airy cheese soufflé.
How many types of soufflé are there?
While the core concept remains the same, the versatility of soufflés allows for an extensive range of flavors. From classic cheese and spinach savory options to decadent chocolate or Grand Marnier sweet versions, the possibilities are limited only by imagination, with hundreds of recipes available.
What makes a soufflé puff up?
The key to a light and lofty soufflé lies in the aeration of egg whites. When heated in the oven, the air bubbles expand, and the egg proteins set, creating a stable, puffed structure. This delicate process requires precise technique and careful handling to prevent collapse.
Is soufflé hard to make?
While not inherently difficult, making a soufflé does require precision and confidence. Mastering the technique of folding egg whites into the base and ensuring proper oven temperature are crucial. Many find the reward of a perfectly risen soufflé well worth the effort.
How to Celebrate National Cheese Soufflé Day
Share it
If you own a shop or restaurant, have a free giveaway of cheese soufflés. This is a great way to celebrate the lovely dessert as well as increase your reach. Otherwise, just make your own and hand it out to strangers.
Reach out via social media
Spread the word on social media. Make the day known, share facts, and use the hashtag #NationalCheeseSouffleDay on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Invite your friends
Invite your friends over and have a fun time cooking cheese soufflés at home and making the most of the day.
5 Facts About Soufflé That You Didn’t Know
The word ‘soufflé’
‘Souffle’ is a past participle of the French verb ‘souffler,’ meaning ‘to blow up’ or ‘puff up.’
“Sabrina,” the movie
The popular 1954 movie “Sabrina” showed a master chef criticizing Audrey Hepburn for her poor attempt at making soufflés because she didn’t turn on the oven.
Guinness World Record
The Guinness World Record for the largest soufflé is for one made in the Palestinian town of Nablus that weighed 3,891 pounds and was 243 feet long.
The soufflé secret
The secret to a savory soufflé is to beat the egg whites until they form stiff white peaks and then carefully fold them into the sauce to keep as much air in the mixture as possible.
Punctured soufflé
In order to add different kinds of delicious sauces, bakers often puncture the top of the soufflés.
Why We Love National Cheese Soufflé Day
Because it’s cheese
Cheese is one of the most popular things to eat on Earth. And cheese soufflés are even more delicious.
Because it’s easy to cook
Cheese soufflé is an easy-to-cook meal. All it takes is the right amount of whipping and folding of the egg whites.
A day for food
A day dedicated to cheese soufflé is, after all, a day dedicated to food. And who wouldn’t love a whole day dedicated to cheese, too?
