Swiss Broccoli Souffle
A light and cheesy broccoli souffle combining Swiss cheese and tender broccoli, perfect for a comforting yet elegant dish suitable for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 1 1/2-quart souffle dish.
- Thaw broccoli, drain well, pressing out as much liquid as possible with the back of a spoon, then place in a medium bowl.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, then stir in flour, salt, and pepper to form a roux.
- Gradually add milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in shredded Swiss cheese until melted.
- Separate eggs, then beat egg yolks into the cheese mixture one at a time.
- In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold egg whites into the cheese and broccoli mixture until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared souffle dish and bake for about 40 minutes until puffed and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or garlic powder to the cheese mixture. If you don't have Swiss cheese, Gruyère or a mild cheddar can work well as substitutes. Make sure to thoroughly drain the broccoli to prevent a soggy souffle. For a lighter texture, fold the egg whites gently to maintain their volume.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the souffle warm as a delightful main dish or a side. It pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. For a unique twist, consider serving it alongside Cherry Cheese Cupcakes for dessert, creating a delightful contrast in flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover souffle can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it may become rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Swiss Broccoli Souffle contains roughly 184 calories, with 6g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (58% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1275mg per serving (55% 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 broccoli instead of frozen?
Yes, you can definitely use fresh broccoli. Steam it lightly until tender, then chop and drain well before adding it to the mixture. Fresh broccoli will add a vibrant color and flavor to the souffle.
Why did my souffle not rise?
A souffle may not rise properly if the egg whites were not beaten to stiff peaks or if they were overmixed when folded into the batter. Ensure you fold gently and carefully to maintain the airiness needed for rising.
Can I make this souffle ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just remember to fold in the egg whites just before baking to ensure the souffle rises beautifully.
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).