11 Soufflés Perfect for an Elegant (but Effortless) Dinner

Incredibly simple and versatile, soufflés are a great secret weapon to keep in your back pocket when you want a quick and delicious dinner or dessert option any time of year (though they naturally lend themselves to romantic occasions, like Valentine’s Day). They seem fancy and maybe fussy, but they’re really just delightful. If you’re still afraid of soufflés, just keep these tips and tricks in mind:

1. Don’t over-whip your egg whites. Yes, you want billowy clouds, but they should still be moist and soft. To help them achieve those lofty peaks, make sure there’s not a trace of fat (butter, egg yolk, etc.) in the bowl with them.

2. Use a light touch when folding in the whipped egg whites so they stay fluffy.

3. Don’t open the oven door during baking, no matter how tempting it is!

4. Use a parchment or aluminum foil “collar” to help the souffle rise up above its baking dish if you like.

5. Above all, don’t stress, and know that even the airiest soufflé will deflate as it cools—and will still taste delicious!

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Pair your savory soufflé with a simple salad or any vegetable side and you’ve got a protein-filled dinner that you can make with whatever you find in the fridge (as long as you’ve got a few eggs). The sweet versions can stand alone, or be accompanied with fresh whipped cream and a fruit sauce or fresh berries. Check out these 11 soufflé recipes for an elegant and easy meal you can have on the table in almost no time.

1. Leek and Feta Cheese Soufflé

Viktoria’s Table

Dusting the ramekins with grated parmesan makes these soufflés extra special, but the blend of sweet leeks and sharp feta is stellar to begin with. Make the leeks ahead of time and these will come together even quicker. Get the Leek and Feta Cheese Soufflé recipe.

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2. Cheddar and Chive Potato Soufflé

Marcus Nilsson/Real Simple

Forget basic mashed potatoes—fluffy, egg-enriched potato soufflé is the way to go (sweet potato soufflé is great too). Loaded with cheddar cheese and fresh chives, this is an amazing side dish that pairs well with any grilled or roasted meat, or simply a green salad, sharply dressed. Get the Cheddar and Chive Potato Soufflé recipe.

3. Jack Cheese and Grits Soufflé

Chowhound

This is an easy soufflé recipe that you can have for breakfast, lunch, or dinner (try adding green chilies, avocado, and cilantro for a full southwestern soufflé). Grits lend texture, and whole eggs mean there’s no whipping whites involved, but these unconventional soufflés still puff up in golden clouds. Use any sharp, aged cheese you like to switch up the flavor. Get our Jack Cheese and Grits Soufflé recipe.

4. Cajun Soufflé

Jon Melendez

Creole seasoning, andouille sausage, and sauteed bell peppers and onions give this large-format souffle a kick, just as welcome at brunch as at dinner. Feel free to cook it in individual ramekins if you prefer. Get the Cajun Soufflé recipe.

5. Roasted Cauliflower and Goat Cheese Soufflé

Striped Spatula

This light and creamy vegetarian soufflé starts with a classic béchamel and whipped egg white base, but adds roasted cauliflower and goat cheese for a tasty twist. Get the Roasted Cauliflower and Goat Cheese Soufflé recipe.

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6. Havarti Soufflé with Scallions and Dill

Christopher Testani/Country Living

Havarti, scallions, and dill give this soufflé a Nordic nuance. Make this recipe in one large soufflé dish or several smaller ramekins—and you can throw in any vegetables you have on hand, like roasted bell peppers or broccoli, to make it more substantial. Maybe even a little flaked smoked salmon… Get the Havarti Soufflé with Scallions and Dill recipe.

7. Vegan Spinach Artichoke Soufflé

Clean Green Simple

Okay, so soufflé without eggs is a little tricky. You can try substituting aquafaba (as in this vegan chocolate soufflé recipe), but another option is to simply evoke the look and feel of a souffle using a pretty nifty pastry trick. Make an airy croissant-inspired vegan and gluten-free dough, then wrap it around a blend of artichoke hearts, onion, garlic, spinach, bell pepper, and firm tofu, with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Bake until it’s puffed and golden, and dig in. Get the Vegan Spinach Artichoke Soufflé recipe.

8. Clean Eating Pea and Ricotta Soufflé

Skinny Ms.

Just as you can use different types of cheese in cheesecake, soufflés welcome all kinds too. This light and fluffy ricotta-based soufflé brings sweet green peas into the mix, for a healthy but still satisfying rendition of a classic that’s full of fresh flavor. Get the Pea and Ricotta Soufflé recipe.

9. Raspberry Soufflé

A Beautiful Plate

Dessert versions of soufflé are just as adaptable as the savory sort. Fresh raspberries lend sweet-tart flavor and a naturally rosy hue to these treats. In an inversion of the classic chocolate-soufflé-with-raspberry-coulis pairing, try topping these with bittersweet chocolate sauce. Get the Raspberry Soufflé recipe.

10. Meyer Lemon Soufflé

Little Ferraro Kitchen

Slightly less fruity, more floral, and with their own natural zing, Meyer lemon soufflés shine like warm winter sun. (When Meyer lemons aren’t in season, try this recipe with regular lemons, but know that you might need a bit more sugar.) A simple dusting of confectioner’s sugar is all this light, bright, lovely dessert needs—except for a spoon, of course. Get the Meyer Lemon Soufflé recipe.

11. Chocolate Soufflé

Chowhound

Okay, we can’t resist the classic. Try a milk chocolate soufflé if you want something a little different, but if you’re a dark chocolate lover, this one’s for you. Get our Chocolate Soufflé recipe.

Related Video: It’s Easier Than You Think to Make a Soufflé

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This post was originally published on August 7, 2015 and was updated with new images, links, and text on February 1, 2019.

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Simply Recipes 2019 Meal Plan: February Week 1

Here's your meal plan for the first week of February! We've got zesty crab cakes, easy hamburger stroganoff, baked chicken taquitos, and more!

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Sun-dried Tomato Pesto

When basil isn't in season, try Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto! Made with walnuts, it's punchy and sweet. Try it with pasta (of course), but also as a spread on sandwiches, as a dip with veggies, or stirred into soup!

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Salsa Verde Chicken Enchiladas

These chicken enchiladas are made with a tangy tomatillo salsa verde sauce! This is a fantastic recipe to serve a hungry crowd, whether it's Friday movie night, a pot-luck party, or just a weeknight dinner with your family.

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Step Aside, Scotland (and Japan)—Indian Whisky Is Having a Moment

India is one of the latest, and arguably greatest, countries to throw its hat in the ring where world-renowned whisky is concerned. This may come as a surprise for many reasons; for starters, the climate of Scotland versus that of India is brought to mind, but not the least of which is the fact that most of India’s whisky doesn’t count as whisky by worldwide standards. That has changed in the last decade, give or take, with the genesis of Indian Single Malt, with producers and products skipping right to the front of the “World’s Best” lines.

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To “E” or Not to “E”

So that nobody’s eyes get crossed by multiple spellings in one article, note that both “whisky” and “whiskey” are correct spellings for the same thing. As an imperfect rule to remember by, a majority of the time if the country has an “e” in its name, so usually does its whisky. United States and Ireland therefore have “whiskey,” where Scotland, Canada, Japan, and India have “whisky.” Since this is about Indian whisky, we’ll drop the “e” out of respect, except when referenced in relation to a particular country.

What Is the Difference Between Whisky and Indian Whisky?

Whisky is, by definition, “a type of alcoholic beverage made from fermented grain mash.” India would, in fact, lay claim to eight of the 10 best-selling whiskies worldwide, were it not for the fact that what is generally called whisky in India doesn’t qualify elsewhere. A majority of India’s whiskies are made as blends between distillates made from fermented molasses (similar to rum) and a smaller portion of distillates made from grain.

Whisky Glass Story

When/Where Does Indian Single Malt Come In?

In 2004, Amrut, a longstanding producer of traditional Indian whisky based in Bangalore, released a single malt because of an excess of a barley malt distillate that had been aging longer than that which was traditionally used in the blend for typical Indian whisky. The resulting single malt, simply named “Amrut,” caught the attention of Jim Murray, publisher of the yearly Whisky Bible, who gave it a favorable score in 2005. While single malt was not a popular style in India itself, an opportunity to enter the premium market through export was identified, and Amrut continued to experiment with distillation and aging techniques to produce other styles of single malts, many of which have attracted attention on the world stage. A few other producers were soon to follow.

How Has Indian Single Malt Become So Distinctive?

Improbably, it is the very climate of India that has allowed its single malts to compete so quickly with more long-standing Scotch whiskies. It is estimated that 12 percent of the distillate for Indian Single Malt evaporates in the cask each year during aging, a rate six times higher than that in Scotland, due to India’s hot, dry climate. The results are single malts that drink like whiskies six times their age, for a taste akin to an 18-year Scotch whisky, with only a three-year-old Indian Single Malt price tag. The worldwide whisky and spirit ranking operations were quick to sit up straight and take note, with distinctions not only coming from Whisky Bible, but also Whisky Advocate, and the World Whiskies Awards.

USA Spirits Ratings

So Where Can I Find Some?

Because a majority of India’s Single Malts are exported, you should be able to find samples wherever high end spirits are sold. Brands to look out for currently include Amrut, Paul John, and Rampur, with an expectation that other brands are soon to enter the market.

The Future of World Whisky

There was a time not that long ago when the average drinker could count on one hand the number of countries of the world who were well-known for whisky, with or without the “e.” Scotland, with its smoky, peaty selections; Ireland, with its smooth, thrice-distilled whiskies; the U.S., with its sweet bourbons and spicy ryes; and Canada, with really polite, friendly selections. The big four had a firm hold on the market for what seemed like basically forever, with no notion that that world was about to change. Now Japan holds the number three spot, and around 20 countries worldwide lay claim to whisky production: in addition to India, newcomers to note also include Australia, New Zealand, and Sweden. For connoisseurs of the bold, brown spirits, it’s a great time to be alive.

Related Video: Anthony Bourdain’s Rule for Drinking Whiskey with Ice

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Celebrate the Year of the Pig with These Chinese Pork Recipes

The kickoff of the Chinese New Year is only days away, which means the year of the pig is nearly upon us. The porcine zodiac sign comes but once every 12 years, so it only makes sense to celebrate this special occasion by pigging out on some hog. It just so happens that pork and Chinese cuisine go hand-in-hand and these recipes represent prime examples of pig-focused eats that will make you squeal with delight.

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Twice-Cooked Pork (Red-Braised Pork Belly)

Clare Barboza

It’s the pork so nice they cooked it twice.  The two-step process for this Sichuan favorite starts with a preparation of red-braised pork belly. The fatty, skin-on pork is braised in a fragrant mixture of star anise, ginger, garlic, and rice wine. The dish is good enough to eat on its own but reaches new heights when the pork is cooked again, this time getting the wok treatment. Get the Twice-Cooked Pork recipe.

Sweet and Sour Pork

Chowhound

Though it’s not traditionally prepared in China, sweet and sour pork has become a standard of American Chinese cuisine. This rendition, highlighted by chunks of deep-fried tenderloin, lives up to its name thanks to a ketchup-heavy sauce and the addition of fresh pineapple chunks. Get our Sweet and Sour Pork recipe.

Stir-Fried Garlic Eggplant with Ground Pork

Clare Barboza

This simple yet flavorful stir-fry pairs ground pork with tender sticks of Chinese eggplant, which is longer, thinner, and paler than the more familiar bulky, dark purple variety common in U.S. supermarkets. If you want to shake things up while keeping it in the pig family, Chinese sausage and bacon are worthy substitutes to the ground pork. Get the Stir-Fried Garlic Eggplant with Ground Pork recipe.

Char Siu Chinese BBQ Pork

China Sichuan Food

Sweet and sticky char siu with its signature red hue is a staple of Cantonese BBQ. This version, modified for the home, uses pork butt (a.k.a. shoulder), which is marinated for at least 24 hours and then roasted until tender. Get the Char Siu Chinese BBQ Pork recipe.

Steamed BBQ Pork Buns (Char Siu Bao)

The Woks of Life

Take advantage of your leftover char siu with this dim sum staple. Known in China as char siu bao, these filling buns stuffed with chopped BBQ pork are steamed to fluffy perfection. If you don’t own a bamboo steamer, here’s an excuse to buy one. Get the Steamed BBQ Pork Buns (Char Siu Bao) recipe.

Pork Shiu Mai Dumplings

Fine Cooking

If you’ve got a big party on the horizon (perhaps an Oscars celebration?), these mouthwatering steamed pork dumplings will come in handy. This particular recipe utilizes premade shu mai or wonton wrappers so you can sidestep all the aggravation of making the dough from scratch. The filling is simple to prepare, anchored by a delectable mix of ground pork, cabbage, scallions, and cilantro. If you end up with some extra dumplings, no worries. They can easily be frozen and stored for up to a month. Get the Pork Dumplings recipe.

Minced Pork Noodles

Grits and Chopsticks

Also known as zha jiang mian, minced pork noodles showcase a rich, earthy flavor thanks to the addition of sweet bean paste (tianmianjang) and shiro miso. A topping of fresh, crunchy vegetables helps round out the noodles, which take less than 40 minutes to prepare, making this an ideal weeknight meal. Get the Minced Pork Noodles recipe.   

Lion’s Head Pork Meatballs

Omnivore’s Cookbook

Lion’s head meatballs—so named because they resemble the head of a Chinese guardian lion—are a popular snack across China. While there are several variations of the dish, this particular version is steamed, providing a healthier option without sacrificing flavor. The secret is blending a hearty dose of breadcrumbs and chestnuts with the ground pork. The finished meatballs are ample in size but moist and tender. Serve over rice and with a side of greens. Get the Lion’s Head Pork Meatballs recipe.

‘1-2-3-4-5-6’ One-Pot Chinese Ribs

Tasty

It takes only six ingredients and a single pot to pull off these addictive pork ribs. A 90-minute simmer yields tender, fall-off-the-bone meat bathed in a luscious sweet-and-savory sauce. Make sure to have plenty of napkins on hand. Get the One-Pot Chinese Ribs recipe.

Crispy Pork Belly

RecipeTin Eats

The trick to perfecting this classic Chinese specialty highlighted by a layer of crispy, crackling skin is in two simple steps. The first involves poking several holes in the skin to ensure it puffs up while cooking. The second requires roasting the pork belly under a layer of rock salt. The result is pure porky perfection—the combination of the unctuous flesh and crunchy skin simply can’t be beat. Get the Crispy Pork Belly recipe.

Related Video: Chinese New Year Cooking with Grandma Ruby

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11 Luscious Chocolate Cakes for Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is prime time for chocolate of all kinds, but it’s not like it’s ever not a welcome treat. And chocolate cake is almost always number one on everyone’s list of favorite desserts, let alone comfort foods. So try one of these irresistible 11 chocolate cake recipes for any occasion, from the official day of love to that most special of birthdays. Or on a Sunday because it’s miserably cold and you need a little something sweet.

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1. Chocolate-Honey Ganache Layer Cake

Fine Cooking

A whole cup of honey makes this chocolate cake mildly sweet and incredibly moist. Butter, in addition to vegetable oil, also helps keep the crumb soft and spongy. The chocolate-honey ganache is as tasty as it looks; try using a local honey or one with a strong flower flavor that complements the chocolate (like clover, alfalfa, wildflower, or tupelo). Get the Chocolate-Honey Ganache Layer Cake recipe.

2. Desert Island Chocolate Cake

Nellie Bellie

This is a classic, simple cake recipe that’s incredibly consistent. Cocoa powder lends a subtle chocolate flavor and the one and a half cups of milk make for a delicate crumb. You can use a rectangular pan or make it a double layer cake for a more impressive presentation. Get the Desert Island Chocolate Cake recipe.

3. Chocolate Cake with Whipped Fudge Filling

Chowhound

Our recipe for chocolate cake with whipped fudge filling and a rich chocolate buttercream is a labor of love. This cake is a process: Don’t try to make it all at once unless you have a serious block of time. You can bake the cake layers up to a day in advance and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap to keep them fresh. And don’t skimp on the whipped fudge filling—it’s worth your while to make it yourself. Get our Chocolate Cake with Whipped Fudge Filling recipe.

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4. Chocolate Cherry Black Forest Cake

Chowhound

Garnished with chocolate shavings, clouds of whipped cream, and dark cherries, this cake is a masterpiece. The cherry flavor is multidimensional, with canned cherries in syrup, kirsch, and fresh or fancy candied cherries commingling with the rich chocolate flavor. (For something with similar flavors that’s less involved, try this easy Black Forest Poke Cake recipe.) Get the Chocolate Cherry Black Forest Cake recipe.

5. Chocolate Pound Cake

Chowhound

Our recipe for chocolate pound cake is a classic, perfect for afternoon tea and easy to whip up. The glaze is what makes it really special: The combination of semisweet chocolate, heavy cream, and just a touch of light corn syrup makes for a smooth, shiny glaze that looks beautiful drizzled on top of the cake. Get our Chocolate Pound Cake recipe.

6. Beatty’s Chocolate Cake

Food Network

This is my favorite tried-and-true recipe for chocolate cake, created by the infamous Ina Garten. This cake is a star: I’ve never met anyone who wasn’t blown away by the rich chocolate flavor, and you can change the flavors of the frosting to suit the occasion. (Ed Note: That was written in 2015, but this cake ended up on our list of Best Dessert Recipes of 2018 for good reason!) Buttermilk and vegetable oil contribute to the moist texture, and a whole cup of freshly brewed coffee really brings out the chocolate flavor. Don’t worry if it looks a little soupy when you’re mixing the dry and wet ingredients together—it’ll turn out just fine. Get the Beatty’s Chocolate Cake recipe.

7. Chocolate Lava Cake

Chowhound

One of the most common (and consistently delicious) restaurant desserts is the chocolate lava cake, which is actually really easy to make at home. Our recipe for molten chocolate cake is made in tiny soufflé ramekins, and is easy to scale up for a party. Be careful to cook the cakes until the tops are no longer wet but still jiggle when you shake them. Get our Chocolate Lava Cake recipe.

8. Mexican Devil’s Food Cake

Chowhound

If you’re tired of sweet chocolate cakes, this recipe for Mexican devil’s food cake will come as a delightful change of pace. It looks incredible when the ancho chile-infused layers are piled on top of each other interspersed with whipped cream, strawberries, and toasted almonds, and it tastes amazing—but add a little cayenne for more of a kick. (If you’re into the idea, see our Mexican Chocolate Menu for more sweet and spicy chocolate combinations.) Get our Mexican Devil’s Food Cake recipe.

9. Flourless Chocolate Truffle Cake

The Answer Is Cake

Every baker needs a flourless chocolate cake recipe that they can whip up at a moment’s notice. This cake has an entire 18 ounces of chocolate packed in, not including the ganache glaze, made from heavy whipping cream and more chocolate. With only a handful of ingredients that you normally have in the pantry (butter, sugar, eggs, heavy cream) you can easily make this recipe last minute for an impressive end to a meal. Get the Flourless Chocolate Truffle Cake recipe. (And for a vegan version, try the stunning Vegan Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake recipe featured in the header image of this post.)

10. Chocolate Fudge Cake

For the Love of Dessert

This is a dense, deeply chocolaty cake that is absolutely over the top when you add the fudge frosting—a real chocoholic recipe. Sour cream and a whole cup of buttermilk in the batter make for a soft, spongy crumb that begs for a glass of milk. Try this recipe with a vanilla, mocha, or coffee frosting to tone down the rich chocolate flavors; but then again, why would you want to do that? Get the Chocolate Fudge Cake recipe.

11. Triple Malt Chocolate Cake

Chowhound

If you like malted milk balls, you’ll love our recipe for triple malt chocolate cake. Malted milk powder is easy to find at your local grocery store, normally in the baking aisle. That combined with vanilla malt frosting and a garnish of a whole cup of chopped-up malted milk balls makes this a malt-lover’s dream. Use up any leftover malted milk powder in malted milkshakes to serve alongside a slice of this cake for an old-fashioned soda fountain experience you’ll never forget. Get our Triple Malt Chocolate Cake recipe.

Related Video: How to Make Triple Chocolate Coffee Cake

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This post was originally published on January 7, 2015 and was updated with new images, links, and text on February 1, 2019.

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