Weight Watchers Sweet Potato Soufflé: A Delicious & Low-Point Holiday Side Dish
Embrace the comforting flavors of the holidays without derailing your healthy eating goals with this incredible Weight Watchers-friendly sweet potato soufflé. This recipe offers all the beloved richness and sweet-savory balance of a classic sweet potato casserole, but with a lighter touch, making it only 3 points per serving. It’s truly the perfect side dish to grace your table at upcoming holiday gatherings like Thanksgiving or Christmas, or even for a special family dinner. You’ll be amazed at how incredibly comforting and easy it is to prepare, proving that healthy choices can still be utterly delicious.
The heart of this soufflé is its perfectly silky sweet potato filling. We achieve its luxurious texture and rich flavor by using smart substitutes like a light butter alternative and unsweetened almond milk. But the magic doesn’t stop there. Arguably the best part of this dish is its irresistible topping: a sweet and crunchy brown sugar streusel studded with pecan pieces. As it bakes, the pecans toast beautifully, and hints of cinnamon weave through, creating a harmonious pairing with the naturally sweet potatoes. This hearty side dish is versatile enough to be enjoyed with a wide array of main courses, promising a delightful culinary experience every time.
When I set out to create a lightened-up version of sweet potato soufflé, my primary goal was to ensure it maintained the taste and texture of the traditional dish while significantly reducing its calorie and point count. The key to this success lies in utilizing lighter substitutes such as butter alternatives, almond milk, and various sugar replacements. However, if your preference leans towards using real butter, a different type of milk, or even conventional sugar, please feel free to do so! The core recipe will remain just as delicious. Should you opt for these traditional ingredients, you can easily use the Weight Watchers recipe builder in the app to adjust the ingredient list and calculate the new points value per serving, giving you full control over your dietary choices.
This recipe provides a fantastic base that you can customize and make entirely your own, adapting it to your family’s tastes or specific dietary needs. It’s a testament to how simple ingredient swaps can transform a classic dish into a healthier option without sacrificing flavor. If you’re on the hunt for other delectable side dishes that align with a healthy lifestyle, be sure to explore my side dish recipe collection here for more inspiration and culinary delights.
Why This Weight Watchers Sweet Potato Soufflé is a Must-Try
- It’s Perfect for Holiday Tables: Sweet potato soufflé is an iconic dish synonymous with holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. It brings a sense of tradition and celebration to any meal. This recipe allows you to indulge in that comforting, nostalgic flavor without the usual guilt, making it an ideal choice for maintaining your health goals during festive seasons. It’s a heartwarming comfort food that everyone will love, regardless of whether they’re tracking points.
- Pairs Beautifully with Many Entrees: The delightful balance of sweet and savory in this soufflé makes it an incredibly versatile side dish. It complements a wide range of main courses, from traditional holiday roasts like succulent roasted ham and tender turkey to everyday proteins such as savory pork cutlets and juicy chicken breasts. Beyond meats, it also pairs wonderfully with hearty casseroles or a classic mac and cheese, adding a touch of elegance and warmth to any meal.
- Quick and Easy to Prepare in About an Hour: Don’t let the elegant name fool you; this dish is surprisingly simple to make. The most time-consuming part, boiling the sweet potatoes, is quick and efficient. Once mashed and mixed, the soufflé requires only about 30-40 minutes of baking time in the oven. This means you can have a homemade, impressive side dish ready in just about an hour, perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re juggling multiple dishes for a holiday feast.
Recipe At A Glance
- Serving Size: Each generous serving is approximately 83g.
- Number of Servings: This recipe yields 12 satisfying servings, perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers.
- Active Preparation & Cook Time: With just 25 minutes of prep and 30-40 minutes of baking, you’ll have this dish ready in about an hour.
- WW Points Per Recipe: Enjoy this delicious side dish for only 3 WW points per serving. The entire recipe totals 31 points. (Click here to view the recipe in the WW app. A Weight Watchers login is required to access the link.)
Key Ingredients for Your Weight Watchers Sweet Potato Soufflé
Crafting this lighter sweet potato soufflé requires a thoughtful selection of ingredients that maximize flavor while minimizing points. Here’s what you’ll need for both the creamy filling and the irresistible crunchy topping:
Filling Ingredients
- 4 med-large Sweet potatoes: The star of the show, providing natural sweetness and a vibrant color. Choose firm, blemish-free potatoes for the best flavor and texture.
- ¼ cup Preferred granulated sugar replacement (use a 1:1 replacement): Options like erythritol, stevia blends, or monk fruit sweeteners work perfectly to cut down on sugar and calories without compromising sweetness.
- 3 tbsp Preferred brown sugar replacement (use a 1:1 replacement): This adds a deeper, molasses-like sweetness that complements the sweet potatoes beautifully, again with a low-point profile.
- 2 Eggs: Act as a binder, helping to create a smooth, cohesive filling that sets beautifully when baked.
- ⅓ cup Plain, unsweetened almond milk: A low-calorie and low-point dairy alternative that provides creaminess. Feel free to use ½ cup if you prefer a slightly creamier consistency.
- 3 tbsp Light butter substitute: Reduces fat and calorie content while still imparting a rich, buttery flavor to the soufflé base.
- Table or kosher salt, to taste: A pinch of salt is crucial for balancing the sweetness and enhancing all the other flavors.
Topping Ingredients
- ¾ cup Preferred brown sugar replacement (use a 1:1 replacement): Forms the sweet base for our streusel, ensuring a delicious crunch without excessive points.
- ½ cup All-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the crumbly streusel topping.
- ¾ tsp Ground cinnamon: A classic spice that pairs exquisitely with sweet potatoes, adding warmth and aromatic depth.
- Table or kosher salt, to taste: Just a tiny amount enhances the overall flavor of the topping.
- ¼ cup Chopped pecans: These nuts become wonderfully toasty during baking, adding a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
- 3 tbsp Light butter substitute: Helps bind the streusel ingredients together, creating that perfect crumbly texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Weight Watchers Sweet Potato Soufflé
Follow these simple steps to create your delightful and healthy sweet potato soufflé:
3. In a small bowl, combine all of the topping ingredients and mix with your hands until it forms a crumbly mixture.
4. Transfer the mashed sweet potato mixture into a greased 9×13 casserole dish. Evenly sprinkle the streusel topping over the top.
5. Bake the sweet potato soufflé in a 350°F oven for 30-40 minutes or until it’s thoroughly hot and the topping is golden brown.
Creative Variations and Smart Substitutions
This Weight Watchers sweet potato soufflé recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to tailor it to your preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Here are some ideas to inspire your culinary creativity:
- Sweet Potato Soufflé with Marshmallows: For those who adore the classic marshmallow topping, you can absolutely incorporate it! To keep the Weight Watchers points as low as possible, look for sugar-free or low-sugar marshmallows, which are often available in stores or online. For the best results with marshmallows, I recommend baking the sweet potato filling covered initially to ensure the eggs are fully cooked and the soufflé is heated through. Then, in the last 5-10 minutes of baking, remove the foil, generously sprinkle the marshmallows over the top, and broil them briefly until they are golden brown and perfectly gooey. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning!
- Sweet Potato Soufflé with Raisins or Other Dried Fruits: If you enjoy a chewy texture and extra pockets of sweetness, try mixing in about ½ cup of raisins into the sweet potato mixture before transferring it to the casserole dish. The raisins will plump up during baking and offer a delightful contrast to the smooth soufflé and crunchy topping. Other dried fruits like chopped cranberries, diced apricots, or even chopped dates would also make excellent additions, pairing beautifully with the warming spices.
- Exploring Different Milk Types: I’ve opted for plain, unsweetened almond milk in this recipe due to its remarkably low point count, which helps keep the dish light. However, you can use any type of milk you prefer. Fat-free milk is another excellent low-point option. If you’re not strictly counting points or want a richer texture, whole milk, half-and-half, or even a dairy-free oat milk or soy milk would work well. Just remember to adjust your Weight Watchers points accordingly if you deviate from unsweetened almond milk.
- Sugar vs. Sweetener Choices: This recipe utilizes granulated and brown sugar replacements to achieve its low-point status. If you prefer to use regular granulated sugar and brown sugar, you can use the same volumetric amounts (e.g., ¼ cup granulated sugar, 3 tbsp brown sugar for the filling, and ¾ cup brown sugar for the topping). The recipe will still turn out perfectly delicious and flavorful. Be aware, however, that using conventional sugars will significantly increase the Weight Watchers points. To mitigate this increase while still enjoying the full-sugar version, consider dividing the sweet potato soufflé into 15 smaller servings instead of 12. Alternatively, you can always adjust the amount of sweetener to your personal taste, making it more or less sweet.
- Spice It Up! Beyond cinnamon, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg, ground ginger, or a dash of allspice to the sweet potato filling for an even richer, more complex flavor profile. A tiny amount of cayenne pepper could also add a subtle, intriguing warmth that complements the sweetness.
- Citrus Zest for Brightness: For a fresh, bright counterpoint to the sweetness, grate in the zest of one orange or lemon into the sweet potato mixture. Citrus zest adds a wonderful aromatic lift without adding any points.
- Alternative Nuts for the Topping: If pecans aren’t your favorite or you have them, feel free to substitute with other chopped nuts like walnuts, almonds, or even a mix of several types for added complexity in texture and flavor. Just ensure they are chopped to a similar size for even toasting.
Expert Tips and Tricks for a Perfect Weight Watchers Sweet Potato Soufflé
Achieving the perfect sweet potato soufflé, especially a lightened-up version, is easier with a few handy tips. Follow these suggestions to ensure your dish is a resounding success:
- Achieving a Velvety Smooth Sweet Potato Mixture: The key to a luxurious soufflé is a smooth, lump-free sweet potato base. While a good old potato masher can do the trick, for an exceptionally silky texture, consider using an electric hand mixer or a stand mixer with a paddle attachment. For an even finer purée, you might even consider running the cooked sweet potatoes through a food processor. If using a mixer or food processor, you might need to add a touch more almond milk (perhaps an extra tablespoon or two) to achieve the desired creamy consistency, ensuring it’s not too thick to blend properly.
- Preventing Overbaking and Burnt Topping: Keep a close eye on your soufflé during the final stages of baking, especially once the streusel topping starts to turn golden. The nuts in the topping can go from perfectly toasted to burnt very quickly. If you notice the topping is beautifully golden brown but suspect the sweet potato filling hasn’t reached an internal temperature of at least 165°F (meaning it’s not thoroughly hot), simply cover the casserole dish loosely with aluminum foil. This will shield the topping from direct heat while allowing the filling to continue heating through without burning the delicate streusel.
- Baking vs. Boiling Sweet Potatoes: While boiling is a quick and effective method, you can also bake the sweet potatoes (before mashing them) if you prefer. Baking them whole, skin-on, in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 45-60 minutes (or until very tender) can sometimes intensify their natural sweetness and result in a slightly drier flesh, which can be easier to mash without adding too much liquid. Simply slice them in half, scoop out the flesh, and proceed with the mashing and mixing steps.
- Adjusting for a Smaller Yield: If you’re cooking for a smaller group or simply want fewer leftovers, this recipe is easily halved. Cut all the ingredient amounts in half and use an 8-inch square baking pan instead of a 9×13 casserole dish. This will typically yield about 6-8 servings, depending on your portion sizes. The baking time might also be slightly reduced, so start checking for doneness a few minutes earlier.
- Make Ahead for Convenience: This sweet potato soufflé is an excellent make-ahead dish, perfect for busy holiday preparations. You can prepare the entire dish, including the topping, up to 1-2 days in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
- Storing Leftovers: Any leftover soufflé can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating Instructions: To reheat, you can warm individual servings in the microwave or place the entire dish (covered with foil to prevent drying) in a 300°F (150°C) oven until heated through, typically 15-20 minutes for a whole dish.
More Sweet Potato Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re a fan of sweet potatoes and looking for more Weight Watchers friendly options, check out these delicious recipes:
Sweet Potato Black Bean Enchilada Casserole – A hearty and flavorful dish that’s a Weight Watchers classic!
Weight Watchers Friendly Bourbon Infused Sweet Potato Casserole – For a touch of sophisticated flavor in your casserole.
Easiest Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes – A simple, quick, and healthy side for any meal.
Weight Watchers Sweet Potato Souffle
Ingredients
Filling Ingredients
- 4 med-large sweet potatoes
- ¼ cup Preferred granulated sugar replacement, use a 1:1 replacement
- 3 tbsp Preferred brown sugar replacement, use a 1:1 replacement
- 2 Eggs
- ⅓ cup Plain, unsweetened almond milk, use 1/2 cup if you want it creamier
- 3 tbsp Light butter substitute
- Table or kosher salt, to taste
Topping Ingredients
- ¾ cup Preferred brown sugar replacement, use a 1:1 replacement
- ½ cup All-purpose flour
- ¾ tsp Ground cinnamon
- Table or kosher salt, to taste
- ¼ cup Chopped pecans
- 3 tbsp Light butter substitute
Instructions
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First, prepare your sweet potatoes. Peel off their skins and chop them into uniform chunks to ensure even cooking. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil, then add the sweet potato chunks. Boil them for approximately 7-10 minutes, or until they are tender enough to be easily pierced with a fork.
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Once tender, carefully drain the sweet potatoes thoroughly and return them to the large pot. Mash them using a potato masher, electric mixer, or food processor until the mixture is completely smooth and free of lumps. Then, incorporate the granulated and brown sugar replacements, almond milk, and 3 tablespoons of the light butter substitute. Season the sweet potato mixture with salt to taste, stirring well. Finally, mix in the eggs until they are thoroughly and evenly incorporated into the mixture, ensuring a smooth and consistent base.
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While the sweet potatoes are cooking or cooling slightly, prepare your delicious streusel topping. In a small bowl, combine all of the topping ingredients: the brown sugar replacement, all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, salt, chopped pecans, and the remaining 3 tablespoons of light butter substitute. Use your hands or a fork to mix these ingredients together until they form a crumbly, coarse mixture that resembles wet sand.
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking. Carefully transfer the mashed sweet potato mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom. Then, take your prepared streusel topping and sprinkle it uniformly over the entire surface of the sweet potato mixture, ensuring every bite gets some crunchy goodness.
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Bake the sweet potato soufflé in your preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 30-40 minutes. The soufflé is ready when it is thoroughly hot throughout, slightly bubbly around the edges, and the streusel topping has turned a beautiful golden brown color. Serve warm and enjoy your low-point holiday treat!
Notes
8 WW points per serving with real granulated and brown sugar.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.