Broccoli Elegant
Broccoli Elegant is a comforting, cheesy baked dish combining tender broccoli with a flavorful stuffing crust and creamy cheese sauce. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, it offers a rich, savory taste with hints of green onion and Cheddar, appealing to both vegetable lovers and cheese enthusiasts.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1/4 cup butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) package corn bread stuffing mix ⓘ
- 2 (10 oz.) packages frozen broccoli, thawed ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons butter or margarine ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon granules ⓘ
- 3/4 cup milk ⓘ
- 1 (3 oz.) package cream cheese, softened ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 4 green onions, sliced ⓘ
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine water, 1/4 cup butter, and the seasoning mix in a saucepan. Bring to a boil.
- Remove from heat and stir in the stuffing crumbs. Let stand for 5 minutes.
- Spoon the stuffing around the inside edge of a lightly buttered 13 x 9-inch baking dish, creating a well in the center. Place the thawed broccoli in the well. Set aside.
- Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a heavy pan over low heat.
- Add flour and stir until smooth. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Stir in chicken bouillon granules.
- Gradually add milk, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens.
- Add softened cream cheese and stir until smooth.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the center of the broccoli.
- Sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese and paprika on top.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F for 35 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, you can substitute the cream cheese with Greek yogurt. If you want to add more flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of water. You can also mix in some cooked chicken for added protein. To save time, use pre-cooked frozen broccoli. This dish pairs beautifully with Chicken Frito Pie for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is great as a main or side dish and pairs well with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside Chicken Breast Supreme or Beef Or Chicken Delight. Garnish with extra sliced green onions for added freshness.
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 for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Broccoli Elegant contains roughly 273 calories, with 11g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (76% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (35% of the Daily Value), and iron (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1314mg per serving (57% 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, but you will need to blanch it first. To blanch, boil the broccoli for 2-3 minutes, then immediately plunge it into ice water to stop the cooking. This will help maintain its vibrant color and crisp texture in the dish.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish up to the baking step, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply remove it from the fridge and bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
What can I use instead of Cheddar cheese?
If you're looking for a different flavor, you can substitute the Cheddar cheese with Monterey Jack or Gruyère cheese. Both options will melt beautifully and add a delicious twist to the dish. Feel free to mix cheeses for a more complex flavor profile.
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).