Easy Spinach Souffle
A light and fluffy spinach souffle with creamy mayonnaise, nutmeg, and seasoned with herbs, perfect for a sophisticated brunch or elegant dinner. Its delicate texture and savory flavor make it a crowd-pleaser for family gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F and grease a 2-quart souffle dish.
- In a saucepan, combine mayonnaise, flour, grated onion, salt, nutmeg, and black pepper.
- Cook, stirring constantly over medium heat for 1 minute.
- Stir in milk until smooth.
- Cook until thick, then remove from heat.
- Stir in the chopped spinach.
- Beat in egg yolks one at a time.
- In a small bowl, beat egg whites with cream of tartar until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the egg whites into the spinach mixture.
- Spoon the mixture into the prepared souffle dish.
- Place the dish on the lowest rack of the oven.
- Reduce oven temperature to 375°F.
- Bake for 40 minutes until puffed and golden brown.
- Serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure the egg whites are beaten to stiff peaks before folding them into the spinach mixture. You can substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise for a healthier twist or use fresh spinach if you prefer; just sauté it until wilted. Adding a dash of cayenne pepper can enhance the flavor profile, making it a great complement to American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This spinach souffle pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. For a delightful brunch option, serve alongside a slice of Raspberry Ice Cream Cake for dessert. A glass of white wine can also elevate the dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the souffle soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Spinach Souffle contains roughly 682 calories, with 6g protein, 77g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (106% of the Daily Value), iron (36% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 465mg per serving (20% 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 make this souffle ahead of time?
It's best to prepare the souffle just before baking to achieve maximum fluffiness. However, you can prepare the spinach mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, fold in the beaten egg whites and proceed with the baking instructions.
What can I substitute for the chopped spinach?
If you don't have chopped spinach, you can use frozen kale or Swiss chard as alternatives. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before incorporating into the mixture to avoid excess moisture.
Why did my souffle not rise?
If your souffle didn't rise, it could be due to overmixing the egg whites or not folding them gently enough into the mixture. Also, ensure your oven is properly preheated and avoid opening the oven door while baking, as this can cause it to collapse.
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).