Savory Broccoli
A creamy, savory broccoli dish with crispy fried onions, perfect as a comforting side or crowd-pleasing appetizer featuring rich flavors and crunchy texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the broccoli according to package directions.
- Drain water from the cooked broccoli.
- Return broccoli to the pan and add the cream cheese, cut into small pieces.
- Once the cream cheese has melted, add the salt, cream of mushroom soup, and half of the crushed fried onions.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
- Top with the remaining fried onions and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of milk or sour cream to the mixture before baking. If you're out of cream cheese, Greek yogurt or ricotta can be used as a substitute. To enhance the flavor, try adding minced garlic or sautéed onions. If using fresh broccoli, steam it lightly before following the recipe. This dish can be easily adapted to fit vegetarian recipes as well.
Serving Suggestions
This savory broccoli dish pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or steak as a hearty side. For a vegetarian meal, serve it alongside a fresh salad or over a bed of rice. It also complements dishes like Hash Brown Supreme or can be a comforting addition to a holiday table. Garnish with fresh herbs for added flavor and color.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the broccoli in a baking dish and cover with foil to prevent drying out. Heat in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. It can also be microwaved, but be cautious not to overcook.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Savory Broccoli contains roughly 270 calories, with 5g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (17% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (15% of the Daily Value), and protein (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 569mg per serving (25% 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, you can absolutely use fresh broccoli! Just steam it lightly until tender before mixing with the other ingredients. This will ensure the dish remains creamy and flavorful. Adjust the cooking time in the oven if necessary, as fresh broccoli may cook faster than frozen.
Is there a way to make this dish healthier?
You can lighten this dish by using low-fat cream cheese or a dairy-free alternative. Additionally, you could substitute the cream of mushroom soup with a homemade version using vegetable broth and mushrooms to control the ingredients. Adding extra vegetables can also boost its nutritional value.
What can I do with leftovers?
Leftovers can be transformed into a delicious filling for a baked potato or stirred into a pasta dish for added creaminess. You can also mix the leftover broccoli with scrambled eggs for a nutritious breakfast option. Just make sure to store it properly to keep it fresh.
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).