Broccoli-Walnut Casserole
A hearty broccoli casserole with walnuts and seasoned dressing, topped with a creamy cheese sauce, perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the chopped broccoli until tender and place in a casserole dish.
- Melt 1/2 cup of margarine and 4 chicken bouillon cubes in a saucepan.
- Stir in 4 tablespoons of flour and gradually add 2 cups of milk, cooking until the mixture thickens.
- Pour the sauce over the cooked broccoli in the casserole dish.
- Melt 1/4 cup of margarine and stir in chopped walnuts and 2 cups of seasoned Pepperidge Farm dressing.
- Pour the walnut mixture over the broccoli and sauce in the casserole.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 to 45 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding sautéed onions or garlic to the sauce. If you're in a pinch, you can substitute fresh broccoli with frozen, just be sure to thaw and drain excess moisture. For a gluten-free option, use cornstarch instead of flour and gluten-free bread crumbs for the dressing. This casserole can also be made ahead of time and refrigerated before baking for a convenient meal.
Serving Suggestions
This Broccoli-Walnut Casserole makes a fantastic side dish for grilled meats or a hearty vegetarian main course. It pairs beautifully with Stove Top Barbecue Chicken for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside a fresh salad or some crusty bread to balance the richness. For a festive touch, include it in a spread with other American recipes during holiday gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. Microwaving is also an option; just be sure to cover it to avoid drying out the dish.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Broccoli-Walnut Casserole contains roughly 1195 calories, with 15g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 110g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (30% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (28% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 663mg per serving (29% 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 ensure to cook it until tender before adding it to the casserole. This will give you a fresher taste and vibrant color in your dish.
How can I make this casserole vegetarian?
To make this casserole vegetarian, simply omit the chicken bouillon cubes and replace them with vegetable broth or a vegetarian bouillon. This will maintain the flavor while keeping the dish meat-free.
Is there a way to make this casserole dairy-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the margarine with a dairy-free alternative and use almond or soy milk instead of regular milk. Just ensure that your dressing is also dairy-free to keep the entire dish compliant.
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).