Potato Souffle

Bring both elegance and comfort to your table with this delightful potato souffle recipe. Creamy mashed potatoes and a blend of three cheeses are combined into a classic side dish that’s a true crowd-pleaser, sure to impress both novice and experienced cooks alike.

While a souffle may seem like an intimidating dish, you’ll be excited to see how easy it is to make, requiring just 15 minutes of prep time and 40 minutes in the oven. Trust us, you really can do it!

What is a souffle?

A souffle is a classic French dish known for its light and airy texture, which is achieved by folding beaten egg whites into a flavorful base mixture. The souffle puffs up beautifully when baked, creating a delicate and impressive presentation. The key to a perfect souffle is carefully incorporating the egg whites and maintaining a steady baking temperature to ensure a consistent rise. Souffles can be savory or sweet, with common ingredients including cheese, vegetables, chocolate and fruit.

Potato Souffle Ingredients

• Mashed potatoes: The mashed potatoes form the souffle base, providing a creamy and substantial texture. For this recipe, don’t add milk or butter beforehand.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps achieve the right consistency for the souffle mixture. This recipe calls for fat-free milk, but whole milk will work in a pitch, and unsweetened almond or oat milk can be used as dairy-free alternatives.
• Cheddar cheese: This recipe calls for reduced-fat cheddar cheese to provide a rich, sharp flavor without adding extra fat. Full-fat cheddar can be used for a richer taste.
• Swiss cheese: The Swiss cheese (again, reduced-fat) adds a nutty, slightly sweet flavor to complement the cheddar in this potato souffle recipe. Gruyere can be used for a stronger flavor.
• Parmesan cheese: The Parmesan offers a salty, umami kick that enhances the overall taste. Pecorino Romano can be a substitute for a slightly different flavor.
• Green onions: The green onion adds a fresh, mild onion flavor that brightens the dish. Chives can be used as a milder alternative.
• Onion: One small chopped onion provides a deeper, savory onion taste to balance the cheeses. Shallots can be used for a subtler flavor.
• Eggs: The eggs will be separated before being incorporated into the recipe. The yolks add richness to the mixture, while the beaten whites provide the souffle’s signature airy texture.

Directions

Step 1: Combine the ingredients

Preheat the oven to 375°F. In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, milk, cheeses, green onions, onions, salt and pepper. Stir until all the ingredients are well mixed.

Step 2: Incorporate the eggs

In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks until smooth, then stir them into the potato mixture. Next, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer or whisk by hand until stiff peaks form, then gently fold them into the souffle mixture. Be careful not to deflate the whites; fold until just combined.

Editor’s Tip: Ensure that no yolk gets into the whites when separating the eggs, as this can prevent the whites from whipping properly.

Step 3: Bake and serve

Transfer the mixture to a 2-quart souffle dish coated with cooking spray. Bake, uncovered, for 40 to 45 minutes or until golden and set and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. Serve the potato souffle immediately while it’s still puffed and golden. 

Editor’s Tip: Do not open the oven door while baking to prevent the souffle from collapsing. 

Potato Souffle Variations

• Swap in sweet potatoes: Substitute the mashed potatoes with mashed sweet potatoes for a sweeter, richer flavor. Add in warming spices like nutmeg and cinnamon, then finish the souffle with a pecan streusel topping for some essential fall flavors. 
• Create a cheesy topping: Before placing the souffle in the oven, sprinkle paprika and Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor and a beautiful golden finish.  
• Garnish with herbs: Garnish with savory fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added flavor and a nice visual touch. 

How to Store Potato Souffle

Cover your leftovers with plastic wrap or aluminum foil in the refrigerator. This will keep the souffle fresh and prevent it from absorbing other odors. It’s best to consume within two to three days.

How long does potato souffle last?

Potato souffle is best enjoyed fresh but can last up to three days in the refrigerator. Reheat it in the oven to maintain the best texture.

Can you make souffle potatoes ahead of time?

You can prepare the potato mixture and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just fold in the beaten egg whites right before baking.

Potato Souffle Tips

What are the three components of a souffle?

A souffle typically consists of a flavorful base (like mashed potatoes or a custard), a binding agent (one being egg yolks) and beaten egg whites to provide the airy, light texture.

What is the secret of the souffle?

The secret to a perfect souffle is carefully folding beaten egg whites into the base mixture. Gently combining the egg whites traps air into the dish, which expands during baking, creating a signature rise and airy texture.

Does a souffle dish have to be round?

While traditional souffle dishes are round to ensure even cooking and proper rise, other shapes like square or rectangular baking dishes work just fine. Just be mindful of the cooking time and check for doneness.

Is a souffle served hot or cold?

Souffles are traditionally served hot to keep their light, airy texture and puffed appearance. A souffle side dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad, grilled vegetables or a simple protein like roasted chicken or steak.