1. Prepare the Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease an oven-safe skillet or frying pan (about 8 inches) with butter. Make sure to coat the sides of the pan as well to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Base:
- In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the milk, flour, and a pinch of salt until smooth. This will form the base of your soufflé. If you’re making a sweet soufflé, add the vanilla extract and sugar here. For a savory version, you can add grated cheese or herbs at this stage.
3. Beat the Egg Whites:
- In a clean, dry bowl, use an electric mixer (or whisk by hand) to beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. This step is crucial for creating that light and fluffy texture.
- Gently fold a small amount of the beaten egg whites into the yolk mixture to lighten it. Then, carefully fold in the rest of the whites, using a gentle hand to preserve the airiness of the whites.
4. Cook the Soufflé:
- Pour the soufflé mixture into the greased skillet. Smooth the top with a spatula for an even rise.
- Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the soufflé is puffed up and golden brown on top. Avoid opening the oven door while baking, as this can cause the soufflé to deflate.
5. Serve Immediately:
- Once the soufflé has risen and is lightly golden, remove it from the oven. The soufflé will start to deflate after a few minutes, so it’s best served immediately while it’s still fluffy and hot.
Serving Ideas:
- Sweet Version: Dust the top with powdered sugar and serve with fresh fruit, honey, or maple syrup.
- Savory Version: Serve with a light salad or roasted vegetables on the side. You can also garnish with herbs or grated cheese.
Tips for Success:
- Egg Whites: Ensure your bowl and whisk are completely clean and dry before beating the egg whites to get the best volume.
- Folding Technique: Be very gentle when folding in the egg whites to avoid deflating the mixture. It’s okay if there are a few streaks of whites left – overmixing is worse.
- Don’t Open the Oven: Opening the oven door during baking can cause the soufflé to collapse, so resist the temptation to peek!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This Light and Fluffy Pan Soufflé is a delightful dish that impresses with its delicate texture but is surprisingly easy to make. It’s versatile, working both as a sweet or savory dish, depending on your mood or ingredients on hand. Whether for a special brunch or a quick yet impressive breakfast, this soufflé is sure to become a favorite.
Enjoy your airy, flavorful soufflé fresh out of the oven!