Potatoes And Broccoli
A comforting baked potato and broccoli casserole with creamy cheese and crispy fried onions, perfect for family dinners or potlucks craving hearty, cheesy flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Whip together mashed potatoes, softened cream cheese, milk, egg, and butter until smooth.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper if desired.
- Fold in French fried onions into the potato mixture.
- Spread the potato mixture over the bottom and up the sides of a buttered 8 x 12-inch baking dish to form a shell.
- Bake, uncovered, at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes.
- Cook and drain the frozen broccoli spears.
- Arrange hot broccoli spears in the potato shell.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese and remaining fried onions over the top.
- Bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes until cheese melts and onions are crispy.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding garlic powder or onion powder to the potato mixture. If you don't have cream cheese, sour cream can be a good substitute. For added texture, feel free to mix in some cooked bacon bits or sautéed mushrooms. This dish can also incorporate leftover mashed potatoes, making it a great way to reduce food waste.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a light salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. Consider serving alongside grilled chicken or fish to balance the flavors. For a vegetarian option, serve with a side of Microwaved Mixed Veggies for a colorful, nutritious plate.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave portions for 2-3 minutes, covering with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Potatoes And Broccoli contains roughly 1093 calories, with 13g protein, 124g carbohydrates, and 61g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (39% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (38% of the Daily Value), and iron (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 spears. Simply blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes before draining and adding them to the dish. This ensures they maintain their vibrant color and crisp texture.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure that your French fried onions are certified gluten-free. You can also substitute the butter with a gluten-free margarine and use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of traditional ones if you want extra crunch.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the potato shell and fill it with broccoli and cheese a day in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove from the fridge and allow it to come to room temperature before baking.
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).