This tasty Carrot Souffle recipe is a holiday favorite! It’s simple, fluffy, and bursting with sweet carrot goodness. Perfect for sharing with loved ones during special gatherings or as a comforting treat anytime.
What is Carrot Souffle?
Carrot souffle is a savory-sweet dish made from cooked and mashed carrots mixed with ingredients like sugar, flour, eggs, butter, and spices. It’s baked until puffy and golden, resulting in a light and fluffy texture with a hint of sweetness from the carrots. This dish is often served as a side dish or dessert, particularly popular during holiday gatherings and special occasions.
Originating in Southern cuisine in the United States, carrot souffle showcases the versatility of carrots in both savory and sweet dishes. Its roots lie in the tradition of utilizing carrots in various culinary preparations, highlighting their natural sweetness and adaptability in recipes. Over time, carrot souffles have evolved, with different variations offering unique twists on this classic dish.
Carrot Souffle Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked and mashed carrots
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Kitchen equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or mixing spoon
- Baking sheet
- Mini cocotte dishes or small ramekins
- Oven
How to Make Carrot Souffle
Step1:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C)—grease mini cocotte dishes or small ramekins and set aside.
Step2:
Combine the mashed carrots, granulated sugar, flour, beaten eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Mix until well combined.
Step3:
Spoon the carrot mixture into the prepared mini cocotte dishes, filling them about three-quarters full.
Step4:
Place the mini cocotte dishes on a baking sheet and bake in the oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the souffles are set and golden brown on top.
Step5:
Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. and If desired, dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Enjoy:
Enjoy your Carrot Souffles as a delightful side dish or dessert!
Tips to make the perfect Carrot Souffle
Smooth Carrot Puree: Ensure the carrots are well-cooked and mashed into a smooth puree. This contributes to a silky texture in the souffle.
Balanced Sweetness: Adjust the amount of granulated sugar based on your sweetness preference. Taste the carrot mixture before baking to ensure it suits your liking.
Even Filling: When spooning the carrot mixture into the mini cocotte dishes, aim for even distribution to ensure uniform baking and a consistent texture in each souffle.
Proper Greasing: Grease the mini cocotte dishes or ramekins thoroughly to prevent sticking and make it easier to serve the souffle. Use a baking sheet for easy baking and easy handling.
Variations of Carrot Souffle
Cheesy Carrot Souffle: Add shredded cheddar or gruyere cheese to the carrot mixture for a savory twist on the classic recipe.
Spiced Carrot Souffle: Incorporate warm spices like ginger, cardamom, and cloves for a flavorful and aromatic souffle with a hint of spice.
Herbed Carrot Souffle: Mix in finely chopped fresh herbs such as parsley, thyme, and chives to add freshness and depth of flavor to the souffle.
Nutty Carrot Souffle: Stir in toasted chopped nuts like pecans or almonds for added crunch and nuttiness to complement the sweetness of the carrots.
Citrus Carrot Souffle: Zest and juice of oranges or lemons can brighten up the souffle with a refreshing citrusy flavor, balancing the richness of the dish.
Coconut Carrot Souffle: Incorporate shredded coconut or coconut milk into the carrot mixture for a tropical twist, adding a creamy texture and subtle sweetness to the souffle.
Conclusion
This carrot Souffle recipe offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making it a versatile dish for any occasion. Whether served as a side or dessert, its creamy consistency and sweet notes are sure to impress. Enjoy the comforting warmth and festive appeal of this delightful treat!
FAQ
Can you freeze Carrot Souffle?
- Yes, you can freeze Carrot Souffle for later consumption. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing it in an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven until warmed through.
Can I use baby carrots For Carrot Souffle?
- While baby carrots can be used, they may require longer cooking or pureeing to achieve the desired texture compared to regular carrots. It’s best to cook them until soft before mashing or pureeing for the soufflé.
Can I make Carrot Souffle ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the Carrot Souffle ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. Simply cover the dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking as directed.
Can I omit the sugar for a savory version of the Carrot souffle?
- Yes, you can omit the sugar for a savory version of the Carrot Souffle. Adjust the seasoning to taste, adding herbs or spices such as thyme, rosemary, or garlic powder for extra flavor.
Easy Carrot Souffle
Course: Side dish, DessertCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy6
servings15
minutes35
minutes45
minutesCarrot Souffle is a tasty dish that can be a side or dessert. It’s creamy and slightly sweet, perfect for gatherings or holidays.
Ingredients
4 cups cooked and mashed carrots
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 eggs, beaten
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease mini cocotte dishes or small ramekins and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed carrots, granulated sugar, flour, beaten eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Mix until well combined.
- Spoon the carrot mixture into the prepared mini cocotte dishes, filling them about three-quarters full.
- Place the mini cocotte dishes on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the souffles are set and golden brown on top.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
- If desired, dust with powdered sugar before serving.
- Enjoy your Carrot Souffles as a delightful side dish or dessert!