Oatmeal Soufflé with Crunchy Topping
This Oatmeal Soufflé with a delightful brown sugar topping is a creative and satisfying way to enjoy oatmeal in the morning. The warm, fluffy texture of the soufflé, combined with a crisp, caramelized topping, creates a breakfast experience that’s both nutritious and indulgent. Perfect for a special brunch or a healthy yet comforting start to your day, this recipe will soon become a family favorite.
Recipe Summary
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Servings: 4
- Calories: 297.5 per serving
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Skim milk | 1 cup |
| Butter | 1 tablespoon |
| Sugar | 3/4 cup |
| Salt | 1/3 teaspoon |
| Ground cinnamon | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Nonfat sour cream | 1/2 cup |
| Egg (separate yolk from whites) | 1 large |
| Dried sweetened cranberries | 1/4 cup |
| Brown sugar | 1/3 cup |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 297.5 kcal |
| Total Fat | 5.6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2.6 g |
| Cholesterol | 56.8 mg |
| Sodium | 268.9 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 55 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.3 g |
| Sugars | 37.9 g |
| Protein | 8.6 g |
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Set a rack in the middle of the oven to ensure even cooking.
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Prepare your molds: Lightly spray four 5-ounce soufflé molds, custard cups, or any small ovenproof bowls with nonstick cooking spray. Place them in a 15x10x1 inch baking pan to catch any drips while baking.
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Cook the oat base: In a small saucepan, heat the skim milk and butter over medium heat until it just begins to boil. Stir occasionally to prevent the milk from scalding.
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Add the oats: Gradually add the oats to the milk and butter mixture while stirring constantly. This ensures the oats cook evenly without clumping.
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Simmer the mixture: Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently until the oats have thickened.
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Remove from heat: Once the oats are thick and creamy, remove the saucepan from the heat and pour the mixture into a large mixing bowl.
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Add flavor and texture: To the oat mixture, add the sugar, salt, ground cinnamon, sour cream, and the yolk of one egg. Stir everything together until smooth and well combined.
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Incorporate dried cranberries: Stir in the dried sweetened cranberries. The fruit will add a touch of sweetness and chewy texture to the soufflé.
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Whip the egg whites: In a medium bowl, beat the three egg whites until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat, as this can cause the egg whites to become dry.
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Fold the egg whites into the oat mixture: Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the oat base using a rubber spatula. Take care to not overmix – it’s okay to leave some small lumps of egg whites in the mixture. This helps create the soufflé’s airy texture.
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Spoon into molds: Carefully spoon the oat mixture into the prepared molds. Use a spoon or spatula to evenly distribute the mixture and ensure the tops are level.
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Top with brown sugar: Sprinkle the tops of the soufflés with brown sugar. This will create a crunchy, caramelized topping as the soufflés bake.
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Bake: Place the baking pan with the soufflé molds into the preheated oven. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the soufflés are puffed up and golden brown on top. A knife inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs attached, indicating the soufflé is fully cooked.
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Serve immediately: These soufflés are best served right away while they are still puffed and warm. They make a perfect breakfast or brunch dish that can be enjoyed with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
Tips for Success
- Make it your own: Feel free to swap the cranberries with other dried fruits like raisins, apricots, or blueberries. You can even add a handful of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
- Serving suggestion: Top your soufflé with a dollop of extra sour cream or a drizzle of honey for added richness and sweetness.
- Perfect texture: The key to a successful soufflé is in the egg whites. Make sure to whip them to stiff peaks but not overbeating them. Gently folding them into the oat mixture ensures a light, airy texture.
This Oatmeal Soufflé with a crunchy brown sugar topping is not only delicious but also a great way to enjoy a comforting, nutritious breakfast. The blend of oats, sour cream, and dried cranberries creates a satisfying dish that is both creamy and slightly sweet. The airy soufflé texture, paired with the crispy brown sugar topping, makes it feel like a special treat even though it’s healthy and easy to prepare.
