Parmesan Broccoli
Creamy Parmesan broccoli with a crunchy breadcrumb topping, perfect as a comforting side dish for family dinners or special occasions, blending cheesy richness with tender vegetables.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the frozen broccoli until nearly done, then drain and set aside.
- Fry the chopped onion in 3 tablespoons of butter until translucent.
- Stir in the flour, salt, and pepper, cooking for another minute.
- Gradually add the milk, stirring constantly, and cook until the mixture boils, thickens, and becomes smooth.
- Beat the egg yolk lightly in a small bowl.
- Gradually add about half of the hot sauce mixture into the egg yolk, then pour this mixture back into the saucepan, stirring constantly.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce and mix well.
- Lay the cooked broccoli in a buttered casserole dish.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the broccoli evenly.
- Mix the melted butter and bread crumbs with a fork to combine.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the casserole.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the crumbs are lightly browned and the mixture is heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using sharp Parmesan cheese instead of regular. If you're short on time, you can use fresh broccoli instead of frozen, just adjust the cooking time accordingly. If you want a crunchier topping, add some crushed crackers or panko breadcrumbs mixed with the melted butter. This dish also works well with a sprinkle of garlic powder for an extra kick.
Serving Suggestions
This Parmesan Broccoli casserole is delightful as a main dish or a side. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish and can be served alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal. For a vegetarian twist, consider serving with Easy Butterscotch Sticky Buns for a sweet finish after your savory meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, but cover them to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Parmesan Broccoli contains roughly 682 calories, with 15g protein, 75g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (134% of the Daily Value), protein (30% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2294mg per serving (100% 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
What can I substitute for the egg yolk?
If you're looking for an egg-free option, you can use 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water as a substitute. This will help thicken the sauce without altering the flavor of the dish.
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).