Southern Baked Broccoli
A comforting baked broccoli casserole with cheesy, creamy, and savory flavors, topped with crispy stuffing. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a large bowl, combine beaten egg, celery soup, mayonnaise, chopped onion, and drained broccoli. Season with salt and pepper and mix well.
- Spoon the mixture into a well-greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Spread the corn bread stuffing mix over the cheese.
- Drizzle melted butter on top of the stuffing.
- Bake for 40 to 45 minutes until heated through and golden on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the mixture. If you're out of corn bread stuffing mix, you can substitute with crushed crackers or breadcrumbs mixed with a bit of seasoning. For added flavor, you might include garlic powder or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. This dish is also versatile; feel free to incorporate other vegetables like cooked cauliflower or carrots.
Serving Suggestions
Southern Baked Broccoli makes a delightful side dish for grilled meats or a hearty main dish when paired with a fresh salad. It also pairs beautifully with Butterscotch Cheese Pie for dessert. Consider serving it alongside roasted chicken or as part of a vegetarian spread, making it an excellent addition to any gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in an oven preheated to 350°F for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for quicker reheating, but this may affect the texture of the topping.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southern Baked Broccoli contains roughly 680 calories, with 6g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 66g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 813mg per serving (35% 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?
Absolutely! If using fresh broccoli, steam it lightly until just tender before adding it to the mixture. This will ensure the broccoli maintains its texture and flavor during baking. Fresh broccoli can enhance the dish's color and nutritional value.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just remember to add the cheese, stuffing mix, and butter just before baking to keep the topping crispy. This makes it a great option for meal prep or holiday gatherings.
What can I use instead of mayonnaise?
If you're looking for a healthier alternative to mayonnaise, try using Greek yogurt or a vegan mayonnaise substitute. Both options will provide creaminess without the extra calories. Additionally, sour cream can be a delicious swap that adds a nice tang to 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).