Broccoli Parmesan
Broccoli Parmesan is a delicious and nutritious side dish featuring tender steamed broccoli topped with a creamy, cheesy sauce infused with Parmesan and a hint of mustard. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, it combines fresh flavors with a rich, savory finish that complements various main courses.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Arrange broccoli in a steamer basket over boiling water, cover, and steam for 5 minutes until crisp-tender. Keep warm.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and cook until translucent.
- Stir in all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Add chicken bouillon granules and gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and dry mustard.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the steamed broccoli.
- Optional: sprinkle additional grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding minced garlic when sautéing the onions. If you prefer a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken bouillon for a vegetarian version. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese enhances the taste, but pre-grated can work in a pinch.
Serving Suggestions
This Broccoli Parmesan dish makes a great side for grilled meats or can be a standalone vegetarian option. It pairs beautifully with Baked Cheesy Tater Casserole for a comforting meal. Consider serving with a light salad or crusty bread to round out the meal. For a festive touch, sprinkle with extra Parmesan just before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the broccoli and cheese sauce in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. You can also reheat it gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk to maintain creaminess.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Broccoli Parmesan contains roughly 146 calories, with 7g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is a good source of protein (15% of the Daily Value) and iron (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 622mg per serving (27% 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 frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli can be used, but the texture may be softer. Steam it according to package instructions before adding the cheese sauce. This is a great time-saving option if you are short on time.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the cheese sauce. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack, to give it a spicy twist.
Is there a vegan alternative to this recipe?
Certainly! Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use almond or soy milk instead of regular milk. For the cheese, you can use nutritional yeast to achieve a cheesy flavor without dairy. This way, you can enjoy a delicious vegan version.
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).