Broccoli Eleganti
Broccoli Eleganti is a creamy, comforting casserole combining tender broccoli with a savory blend of sour cream, cream of celery soup, and onions. Topped with crunchy water chestnuts and optional pimentos, it's perfect for family dinners or potlucks, offering a rich flavor with a hint of crunch and warmth.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked and drained broccoli, sour cream, cream of celery soup, instant onion, sliced water chestnuts, and chopped pimentos if using. Mix well.
- Transfer the mixture into a buttered casserole dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes until hot and bubbly.
- Serve warm.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using low-fat sour cream or substituting Greek yogurt for a tangy flavor. You can also add some grated cheese on top before baking for extra richness. If you don't have pimentos, try using roasted red peppers or omit them entirely. Instant onion can be replaced with fresh minced onion for a more robust taste.
Serving Suggestions
Broccoli Eleganti is a wonderful side dish for roasted meats or grilled chicken. It pairs beautifully with a fresh salad or crusty bread, such as Low-Fat Bread. For a complete meal, serve it alongside baked potatoes or a grain like quinoa. Consider topping it with Tasty Pecans for added crunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes until warmed through, or microwave individual portions until hot. Avoid overcooking to maintain texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Broccoli Eleganti contains roughly 187 calories, with 7g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (59% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1744mg per serving (76% 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! Blanch it in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then shock it in ice water to maintain color and crunch. Drain well before mixing with the other ingredients to prevent excess moisture in the casserole.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil to prevent it from drying out. When ready to serve, bake it directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I substitute for cream of celery soup?
If you don’t have cream of celery soup, you can use cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup as an alternative. For a homemade option, mix equal parts of heavy cream and chicken or vegetable broth with sautéed celery and onions to mimic the flavor.
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).