Cheesy Broccoli
Creamy, cheesy broccoli bake with Parmesan and Cheddar, seasoned with spices; perfect as a comforting side dish for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place cooked broccoli in a 12 x 8 x 2-inch baking dish.
- Sauté chopped onion in margarine until tender.
- Add flour to the onion and butter mixture, stirring until smooth.
- Cook the mixture for 1 minute, then gradually add milk, stirring constantly.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring until the sauce thickens and bubbles.
- Add Parmesan cheese, salt, mustard, pepper, paprika, and marjoram; stir until cheese melts.
- Spoon the sauce over the broccoli in the baking dish.
- Bake at 375°F for 15 minutes.
- Sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese over the top.
- Bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, you can substitute half of the milk with heavy cream. If you prefer a healthier option, use a low-fat margarine or olive oil. Adding garlic to the sautéed onion can enhance the flavor. Consider using other cheeses like Gruyère or mozzarella for a different taste. If you want a bit of heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper works well.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the cheesy broccoli as a delightful side dish with grilled chicken or fish. It pairs beautifully with Oven-Fried French Fries for a comforting meal. For a vegetarian option, enjoy it alongside a hearty grain salad or a fresh green salad. Garnish with extra Parmesan for added flavor.
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 for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture and prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheesy Broccoli contains roughly 466 calories, with 14g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (144% of the Daily Value), iron (41% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1696mg per serving (74% 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 cooked?
Yes, you can use fresh broccoli, but it should be steamed or blanched first to ensure it cooks evenly in the baking dish. This will help maintain its bright color and slightly crunchy texture when baked.
What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?
If you don't have Parmesan, Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano can be used as substitutes. For a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast offers a cheesy flavor without the dairy. Just adjust the amount to taste, as some substitutes can be saltier than Parmesan.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This cheesy broccoli dish is great for meal prep. You can prepare it in advance and store it in individual portions. Just remember to add the Cheddar cheese just before baking to keep it fresh and melty when you reheat.
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).