Broccoli With Cheese Casserole
A creamy, cheesy broccoli casserole with crunchy bread crumbs and nuts, perfect as a hearty side dish for family dinners or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook broccoli until just tender.
- Drain and place in a greased casserole dish.
- Make a sauce with butter, flour, salt, milk, pepper, and cheese.
- Pour the sauce over the broccoli in the casserole dish.
- Sprinkle chopped nuts over the broccoli.
- Sprinkle bread crumbs on top.
- Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes or until bubbling hot and browned on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, consider adding a bit of cream cheese or sour cream to the cheese mixture. If you want to reduce calories, use low-fat cheese and milk. You can substitute the broccoli with other vegetables like cauliflower or spinach for a different flavor. To enhance the dish, try adding some garlic powder or onion powder to the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This Broccoli With Cheese Casserole is perfect as a side dish for grilled meats or roasted chicken. You can also serve it alongside a fresh salad or with crusty bread for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with the Heart Healthy Almond Pound Cake for a delightful ending to your dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. If you prefer a quicker method, you can use the microwave, heating in 30-second intervals until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Broccoli With Cheese Casserole contains roughly 121 calories, with 3g protein, 9g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (65% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 934mg per serving (41% 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, you can use frozen broccoli in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the casserole dish, as it can release excess moisture during cooking.
What type of cheese works best for this casserole?
Cheddar cheese is commonly used for its melting properties and flavor, but you can experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or a blend of cheeses for a unique taste. Just ensure that the cheese you choose melts well.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
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).