Cheddar-Almond-Broccoli Casserole
A creamy, cheesy broccoli casserole with toasted almonds and a hint of sherry, perfect as a comforting side dish for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb broccoli or 2 (10 oz) packages frozen broccoli spears ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp salt ⓘ
- 1/4 cup margarine or butter ⓘ
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 cup milk ⓘ
- 3/4 cup water ⓘ
- 1 tsp instant chicken or beef bouillon granules ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice ⓘ
- 1 to 2 tablespoons dry sherry
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese (2 oz) ⓘ
- 1/2 cup toasted slivered almonds ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Wash and cut fresh broccoli into spears, or prepare frozen broccoli according to package instructions.
- In a large saucepan, bring 1 inch of water to a boil.
- Add broccoli and salt to the boiling water.
- Cook, covered, for 8 to 12 minutes or until crisp-tender.
- Drain the broccoli and transfer to a 2-quart baking dish.
- In the same saucepan, melt margarine or butter over medium heat.
- Stir in all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in milk, water, bouillon granules, and lemon juice.
- Add dry sherry and pepper, stirring until the mixture thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in shredded Cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Pour cheese sauce over the broccoli in the baking dish.
- Sprinkle toasted slivered almonds on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, consider adding a bit of cream cheese or sour cream to the cheese sauce. If you prefer a lighter dish, replace the butter with olive oil and use low-fat milk. You can also substitute the almonds with pecans or walnuts for a different flavor. When cooking broccoli, be careful not to overcook it; you want it to retain some crunch for the best texture.
Serving Suggestions
This Cheddar-Almond-Broccoli Casserole pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or a side salad for a complete meal. Serve it alongside dishes like Robin'S Potato Soup for a comforting dinner. You can also top it with additional cheese or breadcrumbs for an extra crunch. It's perfect for potlucks or family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be careful not to overheat, as this can make the broccoli mushy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheddar-Almond-Broccoli Casserole contains roughly 449 calories, with 10g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (105% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1449mg per serving (63% 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 works wonderfully in this casserole! Just be sure to wash and cut it into spears, and blanch it for a few minutes before adding it to the dish. This will help maintain its vibrant color and crisp texture.
Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make it vegetarian, simply replace the chicken or beef bouillon granules with vegetable bouillon. Additionally, ensure that the cheese used is rennet-free if you want to keep it vegetarian-friendly.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time. Assemble it up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When 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).