Ann Gratwick'S Vegetable Souffle
A savory vegetable souffle featuring spinach, tomatoes, and cheese, baked to perfection. Perfect for a hearty lunch or elegant dinner that appeals to vegetable lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Thaw the frozen spinach and drain well.
- Slice the crusts from the bread and cut each slice into four squares.
- Place the bread squares in a buttered 9-inch casserole dish.
- Beat eggs, milk, salt, and pepper together until well combined.
- Pour the egg mixture over the bread, allowing it to soak up all the liquid for at least 1 hour.
- Arrange tomato wedges evenly over the soaked bread.
- Pour the reserved tomato juice over all the bread and tomatoes.
- Mix drained spinach with undiluted mushroom soup.
- Spoon the spinach mixture over the tomatoes, letting the tomatoes show through.
- Sprinkle cheese on top.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour, or at 375°F (190°C) for 30 to 45 minutes if in a hurry.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter souffle, try using low-fat milk or a dairy alternative. You can substitute fresh spinach for frozen, but be sure to wilt and drain it first. If you don’t have mushroom soup, cream of celery or chicken soup works well. To enhance flavor, add herbs like thyme or basil. Make sure the bread is stale for better absorption of the egg mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this vegetable souffle as a hearty brunch or light dinner option. It pairs beautifully with a fresh mixed greens salad or a side of roasted vegetables. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Pecan Tassies for dessert. This dish can also be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, making it versatile for entertaining.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for a quicker option, but the texture may be less fluffy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ann Gratwick'S Vegetable Souffle contains roughly 328 calories, with 10g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (36% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (27% of the Daily Value), and iron (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 721mg per serving (31% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh spinach. Just ensure to wilt it first, then drain any excess moisture before mixing it into the dish. This helps maintain the right texture and prevents the souffle from becoming soggy.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this vegetable souffle gluten-free, substitute the white bread with gluten-free bread. Additionally, check the mushroom soup and tomato products for gluten-free labeling to ensure all ingredients are suitable.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the souffle a day in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).