Creamed Broccoli
Creamed Broccoli offers a comforting blend of tender broccoli in a rich, cheesy, and creamy sauce, topped with crunchy crumbs or chips. This versatile dish suits family dinners or casual gatherings, providing a flavorful side with a satisfying texture and golden topping.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook frozen chopped broccoli in salted water in a saucepan.
- Drain the broccoli well.
- In the same saucepan, melt butter and blend in flour.
- Gradually add milk, salt, and pepper, and cook until the mixture thickens.
- Add chopped onion to the drained broccoli.
- Combine the broccoli and onions with the cream sauce and beat until light.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
- Top with cracker crumbs or potato chips and grated cheese.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) until bubbly and lightly browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using half-and-half instead of milk. You can also substitute the broccoli with other vegetables like cauliflower or spinach for variety. If you're short on time, you can use fresh broccoli, but make sure to blanch it before adding to the dish. For a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. This dish is a great side for hearty main courses.
Serving Suggestions
Creamed broccoli makes an excellent side dish for roasted meats or baked chicken. It pairs beautifully with Southern Tea Cakes for dessert. Consider serving it alongside a light salad or some crusty bread to complete the meal. You can also use it as a filling for a vegetable quiche or as a topping for baked potatoes for a hearty vegetarian meal.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover creamed broccoli can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce, and stir until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Creamed Broccoli contains roughly 415 calories, with 10g protein, 77g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (25% of the Daily Value) and protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1956mg per serving (85% 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 tender, then drain and proceed with the recipe as directed. Fresh broccoli will add a slightly different texture but will be just as delicious.
What type of cheese works best for this recipe?
Cheddar cheese is a classic choice for creamed broccoli, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gruyère for a different flavor. Mixing cheeses can also create a richer taste.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make creamed broccoli gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. Be sure to check that your milk and cheese are also gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy a comforting dish without the gluten.
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).