Gourmet Broccoli
Gourmet Broccoli offers a delightful combination of tender-crisp broccoli topped with a rich, creamy sauce and seasoned stuffing, then baked to perfection with a golden brown finish. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, it pairs well with a variety of main courses and appeals to vegetable lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the broccoli until tender-crisp, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Drain well and spread in a 9 x 13-inch dish or pan.
- Melt 1/4 cup margarine in a saucepan.
- Add flour and cook, stirring, until smooth and bubbly.
- Add chicken-flavored stock base, milk, hot water, and salt.
- Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until thickened.
- Spread the sauce over the broccoli.
- Melt 6 tablespoons margarine in hot water.
- Pour over the seasoned dry stuffing and toss until evenly moist.
- Spread the stuffing over the sauce.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) until stuffing is slightly brown, about 20 to 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, consider using half-and-half instead of milk. You can also substitute vegetable stock for a vegetarian option. If you don't have seasoned dry stuffing, try using crushed crackers or breadcrumbs mixed with some herbs. Adjust the amount of salt based on the stock base's saltiness. For a twist, add sautéed onions or garlic to the sauce for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This gourmet broccoli dish pairs wonderfully with main courses like Golden Apricot Chicken or Chicken In Onion Gravy. Serve it alongside a fresh salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. It's a great side dish for holiday gatherings or family dinners and is sure to impress your guests with its rich flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil to prevent drying out. Heat at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave in individual servings, stirring halfway through for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Gourmet Broccoli contains roughly 694 calories, with 4g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 67g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (17% of the Daily Value) and calcium (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1740mg per serving (76% 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 make sure to blanch it in boiling water for 2-3 minutes before adding it to the dish. This will help keep the broccoli vibrant and tender-crisp. Fresh broccoli may require a bit more cooking time in the initial step, so keep an eye on it.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this gourmet broccoli dish gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. Ensure that the seasoned dry stuffing you use is also gluten-free. There are many options available in stores, or you can make your own using gluten-free bread.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the broccoli and sauce ahead of time and assemble the dish without baking it. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to serve, just sprinkle the stuffing on top and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
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).