Ultimate Carrot Souffle
- By Valerie Denton
- Updated September 28, 2024
Welcome to my kitchen, where I am excited to share my Ultimate Carrot Souffle recipe—a heavenly combination of savory and sweet flavors, whipped into a fluffy carrot casserole. This timeless vegetarian dish pairs perfectly with grilled salmon, roasted chicken, smoked turkey, or even a juicy pork chop , making it a go-to for generations. Get ready to treat your taste buds to an unforgettable experience with this dish. It’s the perfect blend of simplicity and sophistication, sure to impress even the most discerning palates. Among all the carrot recipes I have, this is my favorite. So, why wait? Let’s dive into the deliciousness of this carrot recipe and elevate your dining experience to new heights!
Ultimate Carrot Souffle
SERVINGS
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Ingredients
- 1 lb carrots (frresh, peeled)
- 1 cup white sugar (granulated)
- 1/4 cup butter (unsalted)
- 1 cup milk (whole)
- 2 tablespoon all purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (ground)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (kosher)
- 3 large eggs (slightly beaten)
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Instructions
- Cook Carrots. Cover the 1 lb carrots with water. Bring to a boil and cook until they are tender -approximately 20 minutes ⏱️
- Drain and Blend Carrots. Drain the cooked carrots and transfer them to a blender. Add the 1/4 cup butter to the hot carrots. Let butter melt and carrots cool approximately 10 minutes.
- Combine Dry Ingredients. In a small bowl, combine 1 cup white sugar, 2 tablespoon all purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
- Prepare Carrot Souffle Mixture. Add the combined dry ingredients, and 1 cup milk to the blender with the drained carrots. Puree the mixture until it becomes smooth.
- Add Remaining Ingredients. Incorporate 3 large eggs slightly beaten into the carrot mixture in the blender. NOTE: If your blender is small, start by blending half of the ingredients, transfer the blended mixture into a large bowl. Proceed to blend the remaining ingredients separately and then combine them with the mixture in the bowl.
- Blend until Smooth. Continue blending until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined and the mixture attains a consistency similar to thin gravy. Make Ahead – After this step the mixture can be placed in the refrigerator. I make mine 1 day ahead of the time I plan to bake it.
- Preheat Oven. Preheat the oven to 350 °F
- Prepare Casserole Dish. Thoroughly butter an 8×8 casserole dish. -Use a 9×13 casserole dish for a 2x (double) batch. -Use 9×13 casserole dish plus 8×8 casserole dish for 3x.
- Transfer to Casserole Dish. Pour the blended mixture into the prepared buttered casserole dish.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the casserole dish tightly with foil. -For an 8×8 dish bake in the preheated oven for approximately 75 minutes ⏱️ without lifting the foil during baking. -For an 9×13 dish bake in the preheated oven for approximately 1 hour 30 minutes without lifting the foil during baking.
Notes
- Be sure to check out our FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs) section, where we answer all your burning questions to help you navigate the recipe with ease and confidence!
- Don’t miss our HOW MUCH TO MAKE section, where we help you perfectly portion your recipes for any gathering, big or small—ensuring everyone leaves your table satisfied and happy!
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Nutrition
TABLE OF CONTENTS (select below to jump to a section)
ENHANCING THE EXPERIENCE WITH INGREDIENTS
Select the Right Carrots
Start with the freshest carrots you can find. Organic, locally-sourced carrots tend to have a sweeter, more intense flavor. The quality of your carrots is the foundation of your soufflé, setting the stage for a truly memorable dish. When in a rush, I use the small pre-peeled carrots.
Use High-Quality Dairy
The dairy components—eggs, and milk —play crucial roles in the texture and taste of your soufflé. Opt for full-fat options for the richest, most luxurious texture.
A GUIDED JOURNEY OF HOW TO MAKE
Experience the exquisite simplicity of crafting your own homemade carrot souffle. Elevate your dining affair with its delightful flavors and textures. Fear not, whipping up this delectable dish can be a breeze. Follow along with this easy-to-follow guide to create a visually stunning and irresistibly delicious easy carrot soufflé. Impress your guests and satisfy your own cravings with each fluffy bite. This will become one of your favorite vegetarian recipes.
STEP 1: Starting Strong: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by setting your oven to a cozy 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This optimal temperature is the secret to a perfectly baked soufflé.
STEP 2: Choose Your Casserole Dish Wisely
Coat an 8×8 casserole dish with a generous amount of butter for a standard batch. Planning for more? A 9×13 dish is ideal for doubling the recipe, and if you’re tripling, add an 8×8 dish to accommodate the bounty of your culinary ambition.
STEP 3: Cooking the Carrots to Perfection
Place your carrots in a pot of boiling water and cook them until they surrender their firmness to tender perfection. Thought cooking times vary based upon size, on average small carrots can take approximately 15-20 minutes to cook. The carrots need to be very tender in order to properly blend.
If you need a little extra guidance, don’t hesitate to check out our ‘Ultimate Guide to Cooking Vegetables.’ This comprehensive resource is packed with tips and tricks to help you master the art of vegetable cooking, ensuring your dish turns out beautifully every time.
STEP 4: Drain and Blend the Carrots
After draining the tender carrots, transfer them to a blender. Add butter to the hot carrots and let it melt, allowing the carrots to cool slightly for about 5 minutes. This step is key for a smooth and rich base.
STEP 5: Mixing the Dry Ingredients
In a small bowl, mix together the sugar, flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. These dry ingredients will add flavor and structure to your souffle.
STEP 6: Creating the Souffle Mixture
Add the dry ingredients and milk to the blender with the carrots. Puree the mixture until smooth, ensuring there are no lumps for the perfect smooth consistency.
STEP 7: Incorporate the Eggs
Add slightly beaten eggs to the carrot mixture in the blender. The eggs are essential for giving your soufflé that light, airy texture.
STEP 8: Blend Until Smooth
Continue blending until the mixture is completely smooth and resembles thin gravy. This ensures that your soufflé will have a uniform.
STEP 9: Ready to Bake
Pour the soufflé mixture into your prepared casserole dish. The smooth, creamy mixture should spread evenly in the dish.
STEP 10: Cover and Bake
Cover the casserole dish tightly with foil to lock in moisture and ensure even cooking. Bake in the preheated oven without peeking.
This slow baking process is crucial for achieving a fluffy, well-risen souffle.
| Bake Time for Casserole Dish | ||
| 8×8 | 9×13 | |
| Prepared Ahead, Refrigerated | 60 minutes | 75 minutes |
| Make and Bake | 45 minutes | 60 minutes |
Savor the Success
Once baked to perfection, allow your carrot soufflé to cool slightly before serving. This dish is a fantastic way to elevate a simple vegetable into a gourmet experience. It’s not just about following a recipe; it’s about embracing the art of cooking to create something truly special. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this guide is designed to help you achieve a flawless easy carrot soufflé that will leave your guests asking for seconds. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!
DETERMINING THE RIGHT QUANTITY: HOW MUCH TO MAKE
When it comes to making Carrot Souffle, it’s always better to make a little extra to satisfy everyone’s cravings! A good rule of thumb is to plan for about 1/2 to 3/4 cup per person. So, if you’re serving a party of 6 and the menu includes 2 or more sides and a starch, I suggest 8×8. If not, I suggest you double the recipe for a 9×13 or 2 8×8 dishes. Of course, it’s always nice to have leftovers too -my husbands favorite leftover!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
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Can I make this carrot souffle ahead of time?
Absolutely! Our Carrot Soufflé is a fantastic make-ahead dish for stress-free entertaining. Simply prepare the soufflé up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, stir, pour into the prepared dish and bake it according to the instructions. This way, you can enjoy your gathering without spending all your time in the kitchen.
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What’s the secret to a perfectly risen souffle?
The key to a soufflé that rises beautifully lies in the eggs and baking technique. Ensure the eggs are well beaten. Also, avoid opening the foil from the casserole while baking, as sudden temperature changes can cause the soufflé to fall. Patience is your best friends here!
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Is carrot souffle suitable for special diets?
Carrot Soufflé can be adapted to fit various dietary needs with a few tweaks. For a gluten-free version, substitute the flour with your preferred gluten-free blend. To make it dairy-free, use plant-based milk and butter alternatives. However, achieving a dairy-free version that rises well without eggs can be challenging, as eggs are crucial for the structure of the soufflé.
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What to serve with carrot souffle?
When it comes to pairing with soufflé, you’ve got options! Consider serving it alongside savory mains like grilled salmon, roasted chicken, smoked turkey, or even a juicy pork chop for a delightful contrast of flavors. You can also opt for lighter options such as a fresh salad or roasted vegetables with pasta to complement the soufflé’s rich texture. Don’t forget a glass of your favorite wine or a refreshing beverage to complete the meal!
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Carrot souffle or carrot casserole?
Ah, the eternal debate! While it has elements of both, I like to think of it as the best of both worlds—a Carrot Souffle with a hint of casserole charm. It’s light and airy like a souffle but with the comforting appeal of a casserole. Call it what you will, but one thing’s for sure: it’s a delightful dish that’ll have you coming back for seconds!
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What is a souffle or soufflé?
A souffle or soufflé is a delightful, airy dish that can be either sweet or savory. The word “soufflé” comes from the French verb souffler, which means “to blow” or “to puff,” reflecting how the dish rises as it bakes, becoming light and fluffy. It’s made by folding whipped egg whites into a flavorful base, which could be anything from chocolate to cheese, and then baking it so it puffs up beautifully. As for the two spellings, “soufflé” with the accent is the original French spelling. In English, you might sometimes see it spelled without the accent as “souffle.” Both are correct, but using the accent adds that authentic French flair!
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Can I make this with leftover cooked carrots?
Yes, you can make this recipe with leftover cooked carrots.
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How to reheat carrot souffle
Preheat oven to 350°F. Place carrot souffle in a baking dish. Cover with foil and reheat for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Microwave heating will also work.
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A Family Favorite!
This recipe is a staple for every special occasion for our family. Anyone we’ve shared it with has raved about it. Valerie’s recipe is easy to follow and delicious!!
This dish is always requested at family occasions, and there are never any leftovers. I’m not a fan of cooked carrots, but this does something magical to them. You have to try it!