Patrick Oconnell
A cheese soufflé is a rich, indulgent dish, so it is best served as a starter in small portions. To balance out the richness of the soufflé, it is often served with a fresh, crisp salad. A vinaigrette dressing can add a tangy contrast to the creamy soufflé, and walnuts, apples, pears, and croutons can provide textural interest. For a more substantial meal, the soufflé can be paired with a baguette or melba toast. If you're looking for a protein pairing, seafood or charcuterie are good options, but be mindful of cooking times and temperatures if preparing a hot protein dish.
| Characteristics | Values | |
|---|---|---|
| Main course | Cheese souffle is considered a main course and does not need a protein as an accompaniment | |
| Salad | Salad | Vinaigrette-dressed salad with walnuts, spinach, romaine lettuce, orange slices, sweet red onion slices, fennel, pecans, or asparagus |
| Bread | Baguette, Melba toast, or crusty French bread | |
| Meat | Prosciutto, bacon-wrapped chicken breast, or seafood | |
| Drinks | Fresh, white peach-inflected Pinot Grigio |
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What You'll Learn
Salads with walnuts, apples, pears or vinaigrette
Salads with Walnuts
Walnuts add a rich, nutty flavour and a crunchy texture to salads. A classic pairing is a salad with walnuts and blue cheese, served on a bed of rocket (arugula) or watercress. You can also add pears or apples to this combination for a sweet crunch. For a vegan option, omit the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative, and top the salad with baked tofu.
Salads with Apples
Apple salads are a great way to enjoy peak apple season. A simple apple and walnut salad can be made more indulgent with the addition of creamy feta cheese and a honey balsamic vinaigrette. For a more savoury option, add red onions and a vinaigrette made with olive oil, red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar, honey, mustard, and salt.
Salads with Pears
Pear salads are a perfect autumn side dish, with sweet, juicy pears balancing a tangy vinaigrette. A classic combination is a salad of pears, blue cheese, and walnuts with a maple vinaigrette. For a savoury twist, add shaved pecorino cheese, cranberries, and chopped hazelnuts, walnuts, or pecans.
Salads with Vinaigrette
Vinaigrettes are a versatile dressing that can be made with a variety of ingredients to suit different tastes. A tangy vinaigrette with balsamic vinegar pairs well with the sweetness of pears, while a honey balsamic vinaigrette complements apples. For a sharper flavour, a vinaigrette made with mustard and olive oil can be used, or for a touch of sweetness, add maple syrup.
When serving a cheese souffle, it is important to remember that it should be served immediately, straight from the oven. Therefore, any salad you choose to serve with it should be quick and easy to prepare, with the dressing made in advance if possible, so that it can be served without delay.
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Seafood
Lobster Thermidor
Lobster Thermidor is a classic French dish that can be a luxurious and indulgent option to serve with a cheese souffle. It is made with lobster meat, a creamy sauce, and various spices, and is often served in the lobster shell. This dish offers a contrast in textures and flavours to the souffle, making it a sophisticated and impressive choice.
Grilled Shrimp
Grilled shrimp is another seafood option that can be served as a side dish or appetiser alongside a cheese souffle. It is a simple yet elegant dish that can be prepared in various ways, such as marinating the shrimp in garlic, herbs, or a tangy sauce before grilling. Grilled shrimp offers a contrast in flavours and adds a touch of sophistication to your meal.
Salmon
Salmon is a versatile seafood option that can be prepared in multiple ways to complement a cheese souffle. Consider baking, grilling, or searing salmon fillets and serving them with a light sauce or glaze. Salmon has a rich flavour and tender texture that can provide a nice contrast to the souffle, making it a tasty and nutritious option.
Scallops
Scallops are a delicate and luxurious seafood choice that can be seared, grilled, or baked to perfection. They have a mild flavour and tender texture that can be enhanced with a variety of sauces or garnishes. Scallops offer a sophisticated and unique option to serve as a side dish or appetiser alongside a cheese souffle, providing a contrast in flavours and textures.
These seafood options can enhance the dining experience and create a well-rounded meal when paired with a cheese souffle. Remember to consider the richness of the souffle when selecting your seafood choices, as you want to create a balance of flavours and textures for your guests.
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Charcuterie platter
A charcuterie platter is a great option to serve with a cheese souffle as it can be served at room temperature and does not have conflicting cooking times. It is also a fantastic way to serve a lot of people at once.
A charcuterie board is essentially a meat plate, typically with cured, smoked, or cold-cooked meats. However, to take it to the next level, you can add flavorful garnishes and accompaniments. Here are some ideas to include in your charcuterie platter:
- Meats: Select a few types of meat that you like and then choose some crowd-pleasers like prosciutto or salami. You can also include other cured meats like bacon or breakfast sausages.
- Cheese: Include a variety of cheeses with different flavors and textures. You can choose from assorted cheeses such as Gruyère or cheddar, which are good melters, or other options like Costco assorted cheeses.
- Accompaniments: Add salty, briny snacks to pair with the rich meats. Cornichons, olives, and pickled mustard seeds are great options. You can also include fresh, crunchy ingredients like cherry or grape tomatoes, or crisp radishes.
- Other additions: You can add dried fruits, interesting pickles, and pretzels to your platter. If you want to include something sweet, you can add craisins or a selection of desserts like frosted animal cookies, birthday cake fudge, or M&Ms.
You can prepare your charcuterie platter up to 24 hours in advance. Wrap it in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator, letting it come to room temperature before serving.
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Baguette or melba toast
Baguette and melba toast are two simple side dishes that can be served with a cheese souffle starter. They are easy to prepare, allowing you to focus your time on enjoying the company of your guests.
A freshly baked baguette is a perfect companion to a cheese souffle. It can be served alongside a light side salad, with portion sizes adjusted to make it suitable for a starter.
Melba toast is another quick and easy option. It is a good choice if you are looking for something that can be prepared in advance. To make melba toast, simply slice your bread as thinly as possible and toast it. It is best to use bread that is slightly stale, and you may wish to cut the crusts off. You can also make a garlic version by melting butter in a skillet, adding garlic, salt, and cayenne, and then brushing the mixture onto the bread before baking.
Both baguette and melba toast can be served with a variety of toppings and dips, providing a contrast to the richness of the cheese souffle.
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Beer or wine
When it comes to beverages, beer or wine are excellent choices to serve with a cheese souffle. A bitter drink is needed to cut through the richness of the dish, and both beer and wine fit the bill. A white peach-inflected Pinot Grigio is a good choice for a wine pairing, as are most other whites such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. A dry rosé or a light red wine like Pinot Noir or Beaujolais will also complement the dish. If you want to serve sparkling wine, Champagne or mimosas are perfect choices.
If you opt for beer, consider a lighter variety that will not overpower the delicate flavours of the souffle. Beers with fruity or hoppy notes can add an interesting dimension to the pairing.
When serving wine with a cheese souffle, it is important to consider the type of cheese used. Different cheeses will have varying levels of saltiness, sharpness, and complexity, which can affect the wine pairing. For example, a strong and salty blue cheese souffle may be better paired with a sweeter wine to balance the flavours.
Additionally, the temperature of the wine can also make a difference. A chilled glass of white or rosé wine can provide a refreshing contrast to the warm and savoury souffle.
In conclusion, when deciding between beer or wine to serve with a cheese souffle, consider the specific cheeses used in the dish and choose a beverage that will complement and enhance the flavours, while also providing a refreshing contrast to the richness of the souffle.
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Frequently asked questions
A salad with vinaigrette dressing, prosciutto, walnuts, apples, pears, bitter greens, and croutons are all good side dishes to serve with a cheese souffle.
Seafood is a good option to pair with a cheese souffle as it contrasts with the richness of the souffle. Lobster thermidor is a good option. Bacon-wrapped chicken breast is also an option, but it may be too heavy.
A charcuterie platter with dried fruits, interesting pickles/olives, and assorted cheeses/meats can be served at room temperature, so there is no conflict with the souffle's cooking time. A tossed spinach salad with a tangy vinaigrette can also balance out the richness of the souffle.
Beer or wine is recommended to go with a cheese souffle. A white peach-inflected Pinot Grigio is a good wine option.
