Broccoli And Cheese To Please
A creamy, cheesy broccoli dish with tender vegetables and savory flavors, perfect for family dinners or gatherings, offering comfort and wholesome goodness.
Ingredients
- 2 (10 oz.) pkgs. frozen chopped broccoli ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 1/4 cup butter ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) can sliced mushrooms, drained ⓘ
- 1/4 cup butter ⓘ
- 1/4 cup all purpose flour ⓘ
- 2 cups milk ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the frozen broccoli according to package instructions and drain.
- Transfer the cooked broccoli to a large bowl and set aside.
- In a large skillet, sauté chopped onion and celery in 1/4 cup melted butter until vegetables are tender.
- Add drained mushrooms to the skillet and cook briefly.
- Combine the sautéed vegetables and mushrooms with the broccoli in the large bowl.
- In a separate saucepan, melt 1/4 cup butter and stir in flour to make a roux.
- Gradually whisk in 2 cups milk until the mixture thickens.
- Add softened cream cheese, salt, and pepper; stir until smooth.
- Mix the cheese sauce into the broccoli mixture.
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and well combined.
- Serve hot as a savory side dish or main course.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using half-and-half instead of milk. If you're short on time, you can substitute fresh broccoli with frozen, as in this recipe. Adding a sprinkle of garlic powder or nutmeg can enhance the flavor profile. If you prefer a lighter version, you can use low-fat cream cheese or a dairy-free alternative.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish as a savory side or main course, pairing it with grilled chicken or a light salad for a balanced meal. It complements well with crusty bread or can be enjoyed alongside recipes like Burger Loaf for a comforting dinner. For a vegetarian option, serve it with quinoa or brown rice.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk to keep it creamy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Broccoli And Cheese To Please contains roughly 584 calories, with 21g protein, 81g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (100% of the Daily Value), protein (42% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2085mg per serving (91% 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 blanch it in boiling water for about 2-3 minutes until tender, then drain and proceed with the recipe as usual. Fresh broccoli will have a slightly firmer texture, which can add a nice bite to the dish.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to create the roux. Ensure that your cream cheese and other ingredients are labeled gluten-free, and you can enjoy this dish without any gluten concerns.
What can I add for extra protein?
To boost the protein content, consider adding cooked chicken, turkey, or even diced tofu if you're keeping it vegetarian. You can mix these proteins into the broccoli mixture before adding the cheese sauce for a more filling 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).