National Cheese Soufflé Day is celebrated on May 18 to honor this savory French delight. On this day, people make and/or enjoy cheese soufflés, either alone or with friends and family. The word ‘soufflé’ comes from the French word ‘souffler,’ which means ‘to puff up’ or ‘to blow up.’ Vincent La Chapelle mentioned the recipe for the first time in his book “Le Cuisinier Moderne” and it has become a popular dessert as well as a main course.
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
Is cheese soufflé a main course?
Although it cannot be a main course on its own, it can be one of the dishes in the main course. Many people also have it as a dessert.
Is soufflé eaten hot or cold?
To serve soufflé frozen or chilled is one of the best ways to have it. On the other hand, a hot soufflé needs to be served just after leaving the oven.
What do you serve cheese soufflé with?
Soufflés go great with toast or crusty bread, crispy bacon, and even fresh salad. You can use various spices and herbs and even different kinds of cheese to add to the flavor.
How to Celebrate National Cheese Soufflé Day
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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.
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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.
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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
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The word ‘soufflé’
‘Souffle’ is a past participle of the French verb ‘souffler,’ meaning ‘to blow up’ or ‘puff up.’
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“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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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Because it’s cheese
Cheese is one of the most popular things to eat on Earth. And cheese soufflés are even more delicious.
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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.
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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?
National Cheese Soufflé Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | May 18 | Thursday |
| 2024 | May 18 | Saturday |
| 2025 | May 18 | Sunday |
| 2026 | May 18 | Monday |
| 2027 | May 18 | Tuesday |
