Cheese 'N' Broccoli Puff
Cheese 'N' Broccoli Puff is a creamy, cheesy casserole with tender broccoli, perfect for family dinners or potlucks, offering comforting flavors with a crispy topping.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook broccoli according to package directions, omitting salt; drain.
- Combine cream of chicken soup and shredded cheddar cheese; stir in milk and mayonnaise.
- Blend in the beaten egg.
- Grease the bottom of a 2-quart casserole dish with 1 tablespoon of melted margarine.
- Place drained broccoli in the prepared dish.
- Pour the soup mixture over the broccoli.
- Top with dry bread crumbs and drizzle with melted margarine.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the soup mixture. If you're short on time, you can use fresh broccoli instead of frozen; just blanch it briefly before adding. To enhance the flavor, try mixing in some garlic powder or onion powder. You can also substitute the Cheddar cheese with a blend of your favorite cheeses for a different taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Cheese 'N' Broccoli Puff alongside a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal. It also makes a great side dish for protein-rich dishes, like Chicken Picadillo Pie. For a heartier option, consider pairing it with a serving of Chicken Rice-A-Roni Casserole for a comforting dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be cautious as it can dry out if overheated.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheese 'N' Broccoli Puff contains roughly 853 calories, with 8g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 71g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (22% of the Daily Value) and iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1011mg per serving (44% 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, you can use fresh broccoli! Just blanch it in boiling water for a few minutes until slightly tender, then drain and proceed with the recipe. Fresh broccoli will provide a slightly different texture, but it will still taste great.
Is there a vegetarian alternative for the cream of chicken soup?
Absolutely! You can substitute the cream of chicken soup with a cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for a vegetarian option. Alternatively, you can make a homemade version using vegetable broth, cream, and seasonings for a fresher taste.
How can I make this dish healthier?
To make this dish healthier, consider using low-fat mayonnaise and reduced-fat cheese. You can also increase the broccoli amount for more vegetables and reduce the amount of bread crumbs on top for fewer carbs. Additionally, incorporating whole grain bread crumbs can add nutritional value.
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).