Mircowave Broccoli-Swiss Cheese Casserole
A creamy, cheesy broccoli casserole with crispy bacon and crunchy bread crumbs, perfect for a comforting family dinner or potluck addition.
Ingredients
- 8 slices bacon ⓘ
- 2 (10 oz.) packages frozen chopped broccoli ⓘ
- 1/4 cup onion ⓘ
- 1/4 cup water ⓘ
- 1 (8 3/4 oz.) can whole kernel corn ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Swiss cheese ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon butter ⓘ
- 2 cups cottage cheese ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 1/4 cup flour ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 4 drops hot sauce ⓘ
- 1/3 cup seasoned bread crumbs ⓘ
Instructions
- Place broccoli, onion, and water in a shallow 2-quart casserole dish.
- Cover with heavy-duty plastic wrap and microwave on High for 8 to 9 minutes, stirring once.
- Drain the mixture.
- Stir in the drained corn and shredded Swiss cheese; set aside.
- Combine melted butter, cottage cheese, eggs, flour, salt, and hot sauce in a blender and process until smooth, or stir by hand until smooth.
- Stir the blended mixture into the vegetable mixture.
- Sprinkle seasoned bread crumbs on top.
- Microwave uncovered on High for an additional 4-5 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a healthier twist, you can substitute turkey bacon for regular bacon. If you want to add some extra flavor, consider mixing in some garlic powder or a pinch of nutmeg with the cheese blend. You can also use fresh broccoli if you prefer; just steam it lightly before adding to the casserole. For a creamier texture, try adding a dollop of sour cream to the cottage cheese mixture.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole makes a great main dish and pairs well with a side salad or some crusty bread. For a complete meal, you might serve it alongside roasted chicken or as a hearty side with Roast Pork Tenderloin With Potatoes And Mushrooms. A light vinaigrette dressing on the salad can balance the richness of the casserole nicely.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions for about 1-2 minutes or until heated through, stirring halfway to ensure even warming. Alternatively, you can bake it in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mircowave Broccoli-Swiss Cheese Casserole contains roughly 670 calories, with 22g protein, 98g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (43% of the Daily Value) and iron (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1958mg 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, fresh broccoli can be used in place of frozen. Just make sure to steam it lightly before adding it to the casserole to ensure it cooks evenly. This will help maintain its vibrant color and texture in the dish.
How do I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this casserole gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Additionally, check that the seasoned bread crumbs are gluten-free as well. These substitutions will keep the dish delicious without gluten.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the point of cooking and then cover it tightly and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to serve, just microwave it as instructed, adjusting the cooking time if it's cold from the fridge.
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).