Broccoli With Mornay Sauce
Creamy broccoli with a rich Mornay sauce featuring Swiss and Parmesan cheeses, perfect as a comforting side dish for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook broccoli in boiling salted water for 5 minutes or until almost tender.
- Refresh under cold water and drain well.
- In a medium saucepan, sauté onion in butter for 3 minutes.
- Add flour and stir constantly over low heat for 1 minute.
- Add milk, whisking constantly, and cook over medium-high heat for 5 minutes until mixture thickens.
- Stir in Swiss cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
- Coat the bottom of a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish with the sauce.
- Arrange broccoli over the sauce.
- Pour remaining sauce over the broccoli.
- Combine Parmesan cheese and white bread crumbs.
- Sprinkle bread crumb mixture over the casserole.
- Drizzle with melted butter.
- Bake uncovered at 375°F for 20 to 25 minutes until lightly browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier Mornay sauce, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or using Gruyère cheese instead of Swiss. If you prefer a lighter dish, substitute half the milk with low-fat milk. Fresh garlic can be sautéed with the onions for added flavor. For a gluten-free version, replace the flour with a gluten-free blend or cornstarch.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. Serve alongside a crisp green salad or roasted potatoes for a balanced plate. For a comforting vegetarian option, pair it with a side of Oatmeal Apple Muffins for a delightful brunch spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Broccoli With Mornay Sauce contains roughly 846 calories, with 18g protein, 88g carbohydrates, and 49g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (50% of the Daily Value), protein (36% of the Daily Value), and iron (35% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2488mg per serving (108% 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 as a convenient alternative. Just make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess water before adding it to the casserole. This will help maintain the texture of the dish.
How can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the Mornay sauce and blanch the broccoli a day in advance. Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature before placing it in the oven.
What can I substitute for Swiss cheese?
If you don't have Swiss cheese, you can use Gruyère or even cheddar for a different flavor profile. Each cheese will impart its own unique taste, so feel free to experiment based on your preference.
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).