For many people, this will be the first day they check not the calendar at the start of the month. Okay, it may be a bit of a stretch, but on May 18th, many will be celebrating National Cheese Souffle Day. A puffy French treat best served warm (and frequently, please), let’s find out more about the origins.

What Is National Cheese Souffle Day?

A souffle can be made savory, but some add jam and fruit, even chocolate, into the mix. We’re concentrating on the cheese version today, which means a cream base with beaten egg whites to help make the souffle rise. Some of the most popular cheeses used include Gruyere, Parmesan, Cheddar, and Provolone, but just about any cheese can be used.

The French word souffler means to puff up, hence the name. The first mention of the recipe is in the book “Le Cuisinier Moderne” by Vincent La Chapelle back in the 1700s. By the 1780s, Cheese Souffle was appearing in Parisian restaurants. This national day doesn’t stretch as far back, and in truth, the origins of the day seem hard to trace. Still, we’re not complaining; any chance to bake cheese into something delicious is fine by us.

Because they collapse when the air inside cools, it is important to serve them hot.

How To Observe National Cheese Souffle Day

The easiest way to get involved is by baking a version for yourself. There are plenty of recipes available online, and if you don’t fancy making a cheese-filled version, try something sweet.

They go particularly well with bread and a salad, while others will even serve it with mashed potatoes. Whatever you go for, be sure to use the hashtag #NationalCheeseSouffleDay to show others your cheesy masterpiece. It can be a good way to see how others have made this popular dish their own.