Aunt Clara'S Broccoli
A comforting broccoli casserole with cheesy flavors, perfect for family dinners and easy to prepare with simple ingredients like broccoli, rice, and Cheez Whiz.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a large saucepan, bring 1 1/2 cups water to a boil.
- Add the frozen broccoli pieces and cook until heated through.
- In the same saucepan, melt 1 cube of margarine.
- Add chopped onion to the melted margarine and cook until tender.
- Stir in the cooked broccoli and onion mixture.
- Add 1 1/2 cups minute rice and cook according to package instructions.
- Stir in the 8 oz. jar of Cheez Whiz until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until bubbly and heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using garlic powder or crushed red pepper flakes when cooking the onion. If you don't have Cheez Whiz, you can substitute with a mixture of shredded cheddar cheese and cream for a similar cheesy texture. You can also use fresh broccoli instead of frozen, but blanch it first to maintain its vibrant color and crunch. This dish is a twist on classic American recipes, making it a family favorite.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Aunt Clara's Broccoli as a hearty side dish alongside grilled chicken or a simple salad. It pairs beautifully with Oven Macaroni And Cheese for a comforting meal. For a vegetarian option, consider adding a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad to balance the richness of the dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions until heated through, or place in an oven-safe dish and heat at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15-20 minutes until warm and bubbly again. This retains the cheesy goodness and prevents drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aunt Clara'S Broccoli contains roughly 798 calories, with 4g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 80g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (57% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1165mg per serving (51% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh broccoli! Just be sure to blanch it in boiling water for a few minutes until tender before adding it to the recipe. This will help maintain its color and prevent it from becoming mushy during baking.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish a day in advance. Just assemble it in the baking dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
What can I substitute for margarine?
If you're looking for a substitute for margarine, you can use unsalted butter or a plant-based butter alternative. Both will work well and provide a similar richness to the dish. For a healthier option, consider using olive oil or coconut oil.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).