Broccoli Puff Pie(Makes 6 Servings, 9-Inch Pie Dish)
A savory broccoli puff pie with a creamy filling, Parmesan cheese, and chives, perfect for family dinners or gatherings, offering a comforting and flavorful vegetarian option.
Ingredients
- 9-inch prebaked and cooled pie shell ⓘ
- 2 cups cooked, chopped broccoli
- 2 tablespoons butter ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups commercial sour cream ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons flour ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives (optional) ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons seasoned bread crumbs ⓘ
Instructions
- Place butter in a custard cup and microwave on High until melted.
- Stir the warm butter into the cooked, chopped broccoli to coat.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the egg yolks and mix with sour cream, flour, chives (if using), salt, and pepper.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites with cream of tartar until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the broccoli mixture.
- Pour the mixture into the prebaked pie shell.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and seasoned bread crumbs over the top.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 30 minutes or until golden and set.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg to the broccoli mixture. If you don't have chives, green onions or shallots can be a great substitute. For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend. This dish is reminiscent of Broccoli Corn Scallop, so feel free to experiment with corn for added sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Broccoli Puff Pie warm as a delightful brunch dish or a light dinner. It pairs beautifully with a fresh Creative Salad for a complete meal. For added texture, consider serving with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on the side. It also makes a great side dish for grilled meats or fish.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual servings in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent over-browning.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Broccoli Puff Pie(Makes 6 Servings, 9-Inch Pie Dish) contains roughly 285 calories, with 11g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (24% of the Daily Value) and protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1539mg per serving (67% 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 cooked?
Yes, you can use fresh broccoli, but it should be steamed or blanched first to soften it before mixing it into the pie. This ensures it's tender and integrates well with the other ingredients.
What can I substitute for sour cream?
Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream and will provide a similar tangy flavor. You can also use crème fraîche or a dairy-free yogurt alternative if you prefer a non-dairy option.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just assemble the pie and bake it on the day you plan to serve it for the best texture and 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).