Swiss-Basil Broccoli
A delightful blend of tender broccoli topped with toasted whole wheat breadcrumbs and melted Swiss cheese, accented by fresh basil and nutmeg. This comforting dish offers a balance of crunchy and creamy textures, perfect for a quick, nutritious side or light main for vegetable lovers and cheese enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt margarine in a small nonstick skillet over medium heat.
- Add breadcrumbs and dried basil; sauté for 2 minutes or until lightly toasted. Set aside.
- Cook the broccoli in boiling water until tender, about 3-4 minutes; drain.
- In a saucepan, whisk together the flour, salt, and nutmeg if using.
- Gradually stir in the milk, cooking and stirring until the mixture thickens.
- Add shredded Swiss cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
- Place cooked broccoli in serving dish, pour the cheese sauce over.
- Sprinkle toasted breadcrumb mixture on top before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using olive oil instead of margarine. If you can't find whole wheat breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs work just fine. You can also substitute the Swiss cheese with mozzarella for a milder flavor. Adding a squeeze of lemon juice to the cheese sauce can enhance the flavors. Make sure not to overcook the broccoli to retain its vibrant color and crunch.
Serving Suggestions
This Swiss-Basil Broccoli pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. It can also be served as a side dish alongside roasted potatoes or a light salad. For a vegetarian option, serve it with a hearty grain like quinoa or brown rice. Consider browsing more vegetarian recipes for complementary dishes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk if the sauce thickens too much. Avoid reheating in the oven as it can dry out the broccoli and sauce.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Swiss-Basil Broccoli contains roughly 769 calories, with 17g protein, 140g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (53% of the Daily Value), protein (34% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1943mg per serving (84% 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 frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the dish. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly as frozen broccoli tends to cook faster than fresh.
What can I use instead of Swiss cheese?
If you don't have Swiss cheese, feel free to substitute with Gruyère or even a sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile. Both will melt nicely and complement the broccoli well, adding richness to the dish.
How can I make this dish vegan?
To make this dish vegan, replace the margarine with a plant-based butter, use almond or oat milk instead of skim milk, and substitute nutritional yeast for the Swiss cheese to maintain a cheesy flavor without dairy.
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).