Party Walnut Broccoli
Party Walnut Broccoli is a flavorful and crunchy casserole featuring tender broccoli, a savory chicken broth sauce, and a walnut-studded crust, perfect for gatherings and family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook broccoli according to package directions until just barely tender; drain well and place in an oiled 2-quart casserole.
- Melt 2 tablespoons of the margarine in a saucepan.
- Stir in the flour; cook briefly, then add chicken broth and cook, stirring constantly, until thickened.
- Set aside the sauce.
- Melt the remaining 4 tablespoons margarine in 2/3 cup water.
- Mix the margarine mixture with the herbed poultry stuffing and chopped walnuts.
- Pour the chicken broth sauce over the broccoli.
- Sprinkle evenly with the walnut mixture.
- Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes or until crusty on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or sour cream to the chicken broth mixture. If you're short on time, fresh broccoli can be used instead of frozen; just adjust the cooking time. For a nut-free version, you can substitute sunflower seeds for walnuts or omit them entirely. This dish can also be made vegetarian by using vegetable broth.
Serving Suggestions
This Party Walnut Broccoli makes a fantastic side dish for holiday meals or gatherings. It pairs beautifully with chicken recipes like Mandarin Dijon Chicken Breasts or can be served alongside a simple salad for a lighter meal. For a complete dinner, consider serving it with a grain like quinoa or rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals until hot. Be careful not to overcook, as this can make the broccoli mushy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Party Walnut Broccoli contains roughly 508 calories, with 6g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 50g fat. It is a good source of protein (12% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 561mg per serving (24% 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! Simply cut it into florets and steam until just tender before incorporating it into the dish. This will enhance the flavor and texture, but remember to keep an eye on the cooking time to avoid overcooking.
How can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the entire casserole up to the baking step and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply bake it straight from the fridge, adding an additional 5-10 minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
What can I substitute for the herbed poultry stuffing?
If you don’t have herbed poultry stuffing, you can use plain bread crumbs mixed with your favorite herbs like thyme, rosemary, and sage. This will add a similar flavor profile and help achieve that delicious crust on top.
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).