Baked Broccoli With Cheese
Creamy baked broccoli topped with blue cheese and a crunchy cracker crumb topping, perfect as a comforting side dish for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Cook and drain the chopped broccoli, then spread it in a shallow casserole dish.
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add flour, salt, and milk to the saucepan, cooking until the mixture thickens.
- Add the cream cheese and blue cheese, blending well until smooth.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the broccoli in the casserole dish.
- Sprinkle cracker crumbs on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, consider using half-and-half instead of milk. If you want a milder flavor, substitute the blue cheese with cheddar or mozzarella. You can also add garlic powder or mustard for extra flavor. Make sure to drain the broccoli well to prevent a watery casserole. You might also try adding some sautéed onions or mushrooms for added depth, as seen in other American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This baked broccoli with cheese makes a delightful side dish to accompany grilled meats or roasted chicken. It pairs beautifully with Baked Apple And Carrot Casserole for a comforting meal. You can also serve it with a light salad to balance the richness. For a vegetarian option, enjoy it alongside quinoa or rice dishes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions, but the oven will help maintain the crispiness of the cracker topping.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Broccoli With Cheese contains roughly 578 calories, with 10g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 53g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (46% of the Daily Value) and protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1572mg per serving (68% 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 absolutely use fresh broccoli! Just steam or blanch it until slightly tender before adding it to the casserole. This will help to retain its color and flavor, making your dish even more vibrant.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Certainly! To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for the sauce. You can also use gluten-free cracker crumbs for the topping to keep the entire dish compliant.
What can I add to enhance the flavor of the cheese sauce?
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a dash of hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, or even some freshly cracked black pepper. You can also mix in some cooked bacon bits or sautéed vegetables for a heartier dish.
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).