Swiss Cheese Broccoli
Swiss Cheese Broccoli is a comforting baked dish featuring tender broccoli smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce with a rich onion flavor. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, it combines wholesome vegetables with smooth Swiss cheese for a satisfying, flavor-packed side or main course.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grease a 10 x 6-inch baking dish.
- In a 2-quart saucepan, bring water to a boil and add 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- Add the chopped broccoli to the boiling water and cook for 10 minutes, covered.
- Drain the broccoli and set aside.
- In the same saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Add 3 tablespoons chopped onion and cook until translucent.
- Stir in 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in 1 1/4 cups milk, cooking until the mixture thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese until melted.
- In a bowl, beat 2 eggs and then mix into the cheese sauce.
- Add the cooked broccoli to the cheese mixture and combine.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding garlic or nutmeg to the cheese sauce. If you don't have Swiss cheese, Gruyère or cheddar can be excellent substitutes. For a lighter version, you can use low-fat milk and less butter. Ensure you cook the broccoli just until tender to maintain its vibrant color and texture.
Serving Suggestions
This Swiss Cheese Broccoli dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or can be served alongside grilled chicken for a complete meal. It also makes a delightful side for any main course, particularly during family gatherings or potluck events. For a comforting dessert, consider serving it with Hot Cinnamon Cocoa.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings, but be cautious to avoid overcooking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Swiss Cheese Broccoli contains roughly 1249 calories, with 24g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 109g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (68% of the Daily Value), protein (49% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1470mg per serving (64% 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 make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish, assemble it in the baking dish, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before popping it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
What can I use instead of broccoli?
If broccoli isn't your favorite, you can substitute it with other vegetables like cauliflower or spinach. Just adjust cooking times accordingly; for example, spinach will require a much shorter cooking time compared to broccoli.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Absolutely! This Swiss Cheese Broccoli recipe is vegetarian-friendly, as it contains no meat. It's a great option for those following vegetarian recipes, and you can also add more vegetables to customize it to your taste.
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).