Aunt Nannie'S Wonderful Walnut Broccoli Casserole
A creamy, crunchy broccoli casserole with walnuts, perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings, combining rich flavors and textures that appeal to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Grease a 2-quart casserole dish.
- Spoon the frozen chopped cooked broccoli into the prepared casserole.
- In a saucepan, melt 1/2 cup butter.
- Stir in 1/4 cup flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Add 1 to 2 tablespoons instant chicken bouillon, then gradually whisk in 2 cups milk and 2/3 cup water.
- Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in 1/3 cup butter and chopped walnuts.
- Pour the sauce over the broccoli in the casserole dish.
- Bake for approximately 30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a cup of sour cream or cream cheese to the sauce. If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half for the milk. Feel free to use fresh broccoli instead of frozen; just blanch it before adding. For added flavor, try incorporating garlic powder or your favorite herbs into the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole serves well as a hearty side dish alongside roasted chicken or grilled meats, making it a great addition to family dinners. It pairs beautifully with Hot Or Cold Chicken Salad for a complete meal. For a vegetarian option, serve alongside a fresh salad or crusty bread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, covering them to retain moisture, for 2-3 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aunt Nannie'S Wonderful Walnut Broccoli Casserole contains roughly 571 calories, with 10g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (22% of the Daily Value) and protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 for this casserole?
Yes, you can use fresh broccoli! Just make sure to blanch it in boiling water for a couple of minutes until it's slightly tender before adding it to the casserole. This will ensure it cooks evenly and maintains its vibrant color.
How can I make this broccoli casserole healthier?
To make this casserole healthier, consider reducing the amount of butter used or substituting with olive oil. You can also swap regular flour for whole wheat flour and use low-fat milk instead of whole milk. Adding more vegetables or using less cheese will also lighten the dish.
Can this casserole be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and allow it to come to room temperature before baking as directed. This is perfect for busy days!
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).