To start, you’ll need about a pound of spinach. Rinse it under cold water and remove any tough stems. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of butter or olive oil. Add the spinach to the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until it wilts down and becomes tender, about five minutes. Remove the spinach from the heat and let it cool slightly.
While the spinach is cooling, preheat your oven to 375°F. Butter or oil a six-cup soufflé dish and sprinkle it with Parmesan cheese. In a large bowl, whisk together four egg yolks and a cup of whole milk. Add the cooled spinach to the bowl and stir until well combined.
In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer to beat four egg whites until they form stiff peaks. Gently fold the egg whites into the spinach mixture, being careful not to overmix. Pour the mixture into the prepared soufflé dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake the soufflé for about 35-40 minutes, or until it’s puffed and golden brown on top. Don’t open the oven door during baking, as this can cause the soufflé to collapse. When it’s done, remove the soufflé from the oven and serve immediately, garnished with a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives.
The key to making a successful soufflé is to handle it gently and avoid overmixing. The whipped egg whites give the soufflé its airy texture, but they’re delicate and can lose their structure easily if handled too roughly. Be gentle when folding in the egg whites, and resist the urge to stir the mixture too much.
In terms of flavor, the spinach and fontina combination is a classic for a reason. The creamy, nutty flavor of fontina cheese pairs perfectly with the earthy taste of spinach. If you don’t have fontina on hand, you could substitute another mild, melty cheese like Gruyere or Monterey Jack.
One of the best things about a soufflé is that it’s endlessly adaptable. You could add other greens like kale or chard to the mix, or stir in some crispy bacon or sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor. You could also vary the cheese depending on your preference, or add in some herbs or spices like nutmeg or cayenne.
While a soufflé might seem intimidating, it’s really not as hard as it looks. With a little patience and attention to detail, you can make a beautiful and delicious spinach and fontina soufflé that will impress your guests (or help you indulge in a comforting and indulgent meal on your own). Give it a try and see for yourself!