Holiday Broccoli
Holiday Broccoli is a delightful side dish that combines the fresh taste of broccoli with the rich creaminess of celery soup and a hint of sharp cheese. Perfect for festive gatherings, this dish adds a vibrant touch to any table and is sure to please both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook broccoli with bouillon cubes and water until just tender.
- Heat celery soup.
- Pour hot soup over broccoli.
- Garnish with cheese and pimento.
- Serve at once.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more flavorful dish, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of bouillon cubes. You can also substitute the cream of celery soup with cream of mushroom for a different taste. Adding a sprinkle of garlic powder or nutmeg can enhance the flavors. If you're in a pinch, fresh broccoli can be used instead of frozen, but adjust cooking times accordingly.
Serving Suggestions
This Holiday Broccoli pairs beautifully with Chicken & Spaghetti Casserole or can be served alongside roasted chicken or turkey for a festive meal. For a complete dinner, consider adding a light salad or some crusty bread. It's a great side dish for any holiday gathering or family dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals until heated through. Adding a splash of milk can help restore creaminess when reheating the soup.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Holiday Broccoli contains roughly 116 calories, with 4g protein, 9g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 800mg per serving (35% 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 for this recipe?
Yes, fresh broccoli can be used, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time. Steam the broccoli until just tender before adding it to the soup. This will ensure it maintains its texture and flavor.
What can I substitute for cream of celery soup?
If you don't have cream of celery soup, you can use cream of mushroom or even a homemade white sauce. Just season it with celery salt and pepper to mimic the flavor of cream of celery.
How can I make this dish lighter?
To lighten this dish, consider using low-fat cream of celery soup and reduced-fat cheese. You can also reduce the amount of cheese used or skip it entirely. Adding more broccoli will enhance the volume without adding many calories.
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).