Broccoli Crunch
A creamy, crunchy broccoli casserole with water chestnuts and cheese, topped with crispy onion rings—perfect as a comforting side dish for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the frozen broccoli until almost tender and place it in a 2-quart casserole dish.
- Combine the water chestnuts, grated American cheese, cream of mushroom soup, and evaporated milk. Mix well.
- Pour the cheese mixture over the cooked broccoli in the casserole dish.
- Top the casserole with onion rings.
- Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes until heated through and the topping is crispy.
Tips & Substitutions
For a bit of extra flavor, consider adding some garlic powder or fresh herbs to the cheese mixture. If American cheese isn't available, a blend of cheddar and mozzarella can work as a substitute. You can also use fresh broccoli instead of frozen; just blanch it before adding. This dish pairs beautifully with American recipes for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
This Broccoli Crunch makes a delightful side dish to accompany grilled meats or roasted chicken. It also pairs well with a fresh salad for a light meal. Consider serving it alongside dishes like Pumpkin Dump Cake Dessert for a comforting dinner experience. For a vegetarian option, serve it with a hearty grain salad.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Broccoli Crunch can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be cautious to avoid overcooking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Broccoli Crunch contains roughly 278 calories, with 7g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (18% of the Daily Value), calcium (15% of the Daily Value), and protein (14% 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 a few minutes until tender, then drain and proceed with the recipe. This will enhance the texture and flavor of your dish.
How can I make this dish lighter?
To lighten Broccoli Crunch, consider using low-fat cream of mushroom soup and reduced-fat cheese. You can also substitute Greek yogurt for the evaporated milk for a healthier twist while maintaining creaminess.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance by assembling all the ingredients and storing it in the refrigerator. Just add the onion rings before baking and increase the baking time slightly if it's coming straight from the fridge.
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).