Snowcapped Broccoli Spears
Snowcapped Broccoli Spears offers a delightful combination of tender broccoli topped with a cheesy, egg white meringue and a hint of Parmesan. Perfect as a side dish for family dinners or entertaining guests, it combines crisp textures with rich flavors for a memorable vegetable centerpiece.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook frozen broccoli spears according to package directions; drain well.
- Meanwhile, in a small bowl, beat egg whites and salt with a rotary beater until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold in mayonnaise or salad dressing; set aside.
- Arrange cooked broccoli spears with stem ends toward the center on an oven-proof platter or 9-inch pie plate.
- Drizzle the melted butter over broccoli spears.
- Spoon the mayonnaise mixture into the center of the platter over the broccoli stems.
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake in a 350°F oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until topping is golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. If you're short on time, you can use fresh broccoli, just steam it for a few minutes before arranging it on the platter. To add more flavor, try mixing in some garlic powder or a squeeze of lemon juice into the mayonnaise mixture.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. Serve alongside a fresh salad for added crunch. It also complements American recipes like Mom's Toffee Ice Cream Pie for dessert, making it a perfect choice for a family gathering or potluck.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the broccoli in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through. This will help maintain the texture of the broccoli and the crispness of the topping.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Snowcapped Broccoli Spears contains roughly 103 calories, with 13g protein, 5g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. 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, fresh broccoli can be used! Just steam it briefly until slightly tender before arranging it on the platter. This will enhance the flavor and texture of the dish.
What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?
If you don't have Parmesan cheese, you can use grated Romano or Pecorino for a different flavor. Nutritional yeast is also a great dairy-free alternative that adds a cheesy taste.
Can this dish be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the broccoli and the mayonnaise mixture in advance. Assemble everything on the platter and refrigerate. Just bake it right before serving to ensure it's hot and the topping is golden.
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).