Broccoli Or Squash Casserole
A comforting casserole combining tender broccoli or squash with cheesy rice and crunchy crackers, perfect for family dinners and versatile for vegetable preferences.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook broccoli or squash until tender and prepare rice separately.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cooked broccoli or squash, cooked rice, chopped onions, celery, melted margarine, milk, eggs, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into a casserole dish.
- Top with crushed Hi Ho crackers.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 40 minutes until the top is browned.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding garlic or herbs like thyme or dill to the mixture. If you don’t have frozen broccoli, fresh broccoli can be blanched instead. You can substitute rice with quinoa for a healthier option. For a creamier texture, mix in some cream cheese or sour cream. This dish is great for using up leftover vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh garden salad or roasted vegetables. For added protein, serve alongside grilled chicken or fish. A light vinaigrette can complement the dish well. If you're looking for more satisfying sides, consider offering Noodle Spinach Ring for a complete meal experience.
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 (175°C) for about 20 minutes until heated through, or microwave portions for 2-3 minutes until warm. Ensure it's heated evenly to maintain texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Broccoli Or Squash Casserole contains roughly 572 calories, with 13g protein, 68g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (25% of the Daily Value) and calcium (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 922mg per serving (40% 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, fresh broccoli can be used. Just make sure to blanch it in boiling water for a few minutes until tender before adding it to the mix. This will help maintain its vibrant color and texture in the casserole.
Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian?
The recipe is already vegetarian-friendly, but ensure that your margarine is dairy-free if you're aiming for a vegan version. You can also replace the eggs with flaxseed meal or a commercial egg replacer to keep it plant-based.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking 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).