Broccoli Crown
A savory broccoli casserole with creamy sauce, seasoned with onion and parsley, baked to perfection. Ideal for family dinners or special occasions, offering comforting flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Trim and discard outer leaves and tough stems from broccoli; chop and boil flowerets in salted water for 10 minutes.
- Drain well.
- Saute chopped onion in oleo.
- Stir in flour and Lawry's salt; cook and stir constantly just until bubbly.
- Stir in milk; cook and stir sauce until it thickens and boils 1 minute.
- Beat eggs slightly in a small bowl; stir in a generous 1/2 cup of the hot sauce.
- Quickly stir the egg mixture back into the sauce in the pan.
- Cook, stirring, until the mixture thickens.
- Stir in mayonnaise and parsley.
- Fold in drained broccoli.
- Spoon into a well-greased 5-cup ring mold.
- Place the ring in a dish of water and bake for 30 minutes in a 350°F oven.
- Loosen sides and turn out onto a plate.
- Serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. If you're short on time, pre-cut broccoli florets can save you some prep. To enhance flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder or a sprinkle of cheese to the sauce. Make sure to stir continuously while thickening the sauce to prevent lumps.
Serving Suggestions
This Broccoli Crown makes a stunning centerpiece and pairs beautifully with roasted chicken or a fresh garden salad. Consider serving it alongside a light vinaigrette or your favorite dipping sauce for added flavor. For a complete meal, serve with a side of whole grain rolls or the delicious Raisin Bran Muffins Ala Cooper.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover loosely; heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes, covered with foil to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Broccoli Crown contains roughly 755 calories, with 17g protein, 97g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (261% of the Daily Value), iron (59% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (35% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1093mg per serving (48% 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 make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just remember to bake it on the day you plan to serve it. This allows flavors to meld while making for an easier serving on the day of your event.
What can I use instead of oleo?
If you prefer, you can substitute oleo with butter or olive oil. Each option will give a slightly different flavor, but all work well for sautéing the onions and creating the sauce.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! You can mix in cooked carrots, cauliflower, or even spinach for additional color and nutrition. Just ensure that any added vegetables are cooked ahead of time to match the texture of the broccoli.
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).