Broccoli Souffle
Broccoli souffle is a light and airy dish that combines the delicate flavors of broccoli with a rich, buttery base. This savory dish is perfect for brunch or a special dinner, appealing to both vegetarians and those seeking a comforting, yet elegant meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Separate eggs.
- Beat egg yolks.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over low heat; stir in flour.
- Add milk and cook over moderate heat.
- Stir constantly until thickened and bubbly.
- Remove from heat and, stirring vigorously, gradually add beaten egg yolks.
- Mix in salt, pepper, and broccoli.
- Beat egg whites until peaked.
- Fold in broccoli mixture.
- Turn into an ungreased 2-quart souffle dish and bake at 325°F for 45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure the egg whites are beaten until stiff peaks form before folding them into the mixture. If you want to add more flavor, consider incorporating grated cheese like cheddar or Parmesan into the broccoli mixture. For a twist, you can substitute the broccoli with spinach or sautéed mushrooms, keeping the cooking time similar.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the broccoli souffle as a main dish or a side alongside grilled chicken or fish. It pairs beautifully with Dinner Rolls for a comforting meal. For a complete vegetarian experience, consider serving it with a light salad or steamed vegetables to enhance the meal's freshness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the souffle in a preheated oven at 325°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the souffle dense and rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Broccoli Souffle contains roughly 820 calories, with 12g protein, 129g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (59% of the Daily Value), calcium (47% of the Daily Value), and iron (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 650mg per serving (28% 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 frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli, but be sure to thaw and drain it well before chopping to avoid excess moisture in the souffle. This will help maintain the texture and prevent it from becoming soggy.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version of the broccoli souffle, simply replace the regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. The cooking method remains the same, and you should achieve a similar texture.
Can I prepare the souffle ahead of time?
You can prepare the broccoli mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, whip the egg whites and fold them in just before baking to ensure the souffle rises properly.
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).