Name: French Style Sweet Potato Soufflé Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 2.5 pounds sweet potatoes; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted; 4 large egg yolks; 1 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/4 tsp fresh ground nutmeg; 2 large egg whites; 3/4 cup pure maple syrup; 1/2 lemon

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The French Style Sweet Potato Soufflé is a show-stopping side dish that transforms everyday sweet potatoes into an airy, golden, and gently sweet masterpiece. This classic recipe combines creamy potatoes, whipped eggs, and a touch of maple syrup into an elegant soufflé with irresistible flavor and a cloudlike texture. Whether you’re gathering the family for a holiday or simply indulging in comfort food, this soufflé’s delicate rise and bright lemon-maple finish make it the kind of dish people request again and again. If you’re looking to elevate your sweet potato game and add a hint of French flair to your table, this is the way to do it!

French Style Sweet Potato Soufflé Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple but each one plays a standout role in creating the flavor, structure, and gorgeous look of this soufflé. Don’t skip or substitute — every element helps orchestrate that perfect melt-in-your-mouth bite.

Sweet Potatoes: The star of the dish! Choose orange-fleshed sweet potatoes for the best color and flavor.
Heavy Cream: Adds luscious richness and a creamy finish to the soufflé mixture.
Unsalted Butter: Gives the soufflé butteriness and helps carry all the flavors together.
Egg Yolks: Create a smooth, custardy texture and add richness.
Salt: Enhances all the sweet and savory notes, tying the flavors together.
Black Pepper: Just a touch balances the sweetness and adds gentle heat.
Fresh Ground Nutmeg: Brings warmth and a hint of spice, making the soufflé aromatic.
Egg Whites: The secret to lift — beaten until stiff, they make the soufflé rise light as a cloud.
Pure Maple Syrup: For lovely, natural sweetness and a subtle caramel flavor.
Lemon: Just half, squeezed for juice, to brighten the maple syrup glaze and keep the soufflé tasting lively and fresh.

How to Make French Style Sweet Potato Soufflé

Step 1: Prep the Sweet Potatoes

Peel your sweet potatoes and cut them into cubes of roughly equal size so they cook evenly. Place them in a large stock pot, cover with cold water, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender. Drain well. If you want to save time on the big day, you can cook the sweet potatoes a day or two in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator.

Step 2: Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish

Set your oven to 375 degrees F so it’s ready for baking. Generously butter a 1 1/2 quart round baking dish. This not only prevents sticking but also helps give the soufflé those gorgeous golden edges everyone loves.

Step 3: Blend the Sweet Potato Base

With your cooked sweet potatoes still warm, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to puree them until completely smooth. Add the heavy cream, melted unsalted butter, egg yolks, salt, black pepper, and fresh ground nutmeg. Blend until everything is silky and well incorporated. This base is the heart of your French Style Sweet Potato Soufflé and sets the stage for a tender, flavorful result.

Step 4: Whip the Egg Whites

In a clean, dry bowl, beat your two egg whites on high speed. You’re aiming for stiff peaks — that magical stage where the egg whites hold their shape and can stand straight up. These whipped egg whites are absolutely essential for giving your soufflé its signature airy lift.

Step 5: Fold and Combine

Take a spatula and gently fold half of the egg whites into the sweet potato mixture. This first addition loosens up the base. Then, fold in the rest of the egg whites, being careful to keep as much air in the mixture as possible. This step is key to a soft and pillowy French Style Sweet Potato Soufflé.

Step 6: Transfer and Bake

Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula. Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is browned and the soufflé feels firm yet slightly springy to the touch. The magical sight of it puffing up in the oven is half the fun!

Step 7: Lemon-Maple Glaze

While the soufflé bakes, squeeze the juice from half a lemon (be sure to remove the seeds!) and whisk it with the pure maple syrup. Right before serving, drizzle or serve this bright, tangy-sweet sauce alongside slices of the soufflé for that perfect final touch.

How to Serve French Style Sweet Potato Soufflé

Garnishes

For a final flourish, add a sprinkle of fresh grated nutmeg or a light dusting of powdered sugar across the golden surface. Chopped toasted pecans or walnuts also add crunch and look stunning. If you feel fancy, a small sprig of thyme or rosemary tucked onto each plate makes a beautiful, herbal accent.

Side Dishes

This soufflé pairs beautifully with roasted poultry, glazed ham, or simply grilled vegetables. Try it with green beans almondine, a crisp salad, or even as a surprising side for holiday roasts. The slightly sweet-savory profile fits seamlessly into both festive spreads and weeknight dinners.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your French Style Sweet Potato Soufflé in the classic casserole style or bake it in individual ramekins for a personalized touch (these are always a hit at dinner parties!). Use a large spoon to serve big, fluffy scoops, or slice into neat wedges for an elegant look. For brunch, top with spoonfuls of the lemon-maple glaze and a swirl of whipped crème fraîche.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover soufflé, let it cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The soufflé will lose some of its puffiness, but the flavor remains absolutely delicious — great for quick reheated sides or snacks!

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze slices or the whole cooled soufflé wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. The texture won’t be quite as airy as fresh, but it’s wonderful for make-ahead holiday prep.

Reheating

To reheat, place portions in an oven-safe dish, cover loosely with foil, and warm in a 350 degree F oven for about 15 minutes or until hot. You can also microwave individual servings, but use a lower power setting for even heating. To revive the soufflé’s freshness, serve with a drizzle of extra lemon-maple glaze.

FAQs

Can I make the French Style Sweet Potato Soufflé ahead of time?

Certainly! You can prepare the mashed sweet potato base a day or two in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. For the best rise, whip and fold the egg whites just before baking.

Is the soufflé very sweet?

The French Style Sweet Potato Soufflé has a gentle, balanced sweetness thanks to the potatoes and pure maple syrup. The lemon-maple glaze gives a bright, not overpowering finish, so it suits both sweet and savory tastes.

Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead?

While fresh sweet potatoes give the soufflé its best texture and flavor, you can use canned (unsweetened) sweet potatoes in a pinch. Just be sure to drain them thoroughly and mash until smooth before starting the recipe.

What if I don’t have a hand mixer?

You can mash the sweet potatoes well by hand with a potato masher and use a sturdy whisk or a balloon whisk for beating the egg whites. It’ll take some extra arm work, but the results are still fantastic!

How do I prevent my soufflé from collapsing?

Soufflés inevitably settle a bit as they cool, but to maximize lift, fold egg whites gently, don’t over-mix, and bake immediately after combining. Serve promptly for the most dramatic, airy presentation!

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never experienced a homemade French Style Sweet Potato Soufflé, you are truly in for a treat. This recipe brings together the best of comfort food and elegant French technique — it’s a side everyone will ask about (and ask for seconds!). Give it a whirl and watch it become a beloved staple in your kitchen.