Walnut Broccoli
A creamy, hearty casserole combining tender broccoli with a savory cheese sauce, topped with buttery stuffing and crunchy walnuts. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, it offers comforting flavors with a satisfying texture that appeals to both vegetable lovers and those craving a cozy, flavorful dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the frozen chopped broccoli until barely tender, then drain and transfer to a casserole dish.
- In a saucepan, melt 1/2 cup butter and stir in the flour to make a roux.
- Remove from heat and add chicken bouillon crystals, stirring until dissolved.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, then return to heat and cook until the sauce is smooth and boiling.
- Pour the sauce over the cooked broccoli in the casserole dish.
- In a separate saucepan, heat 3/4 cup water and 6 tablespoons butter until melted.
- Add the herb stuffing and walnuts to the butter mixture, stirring until combined.
- Sprinkle the stuffing mixture over the broccoli and bake at 400°F for 20 to 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Walnut Broccoli, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or freshly grated nutmeg to the béchamel sauce. If you don't have chicken bouillon crystals, vegetable broth can be used instead for a vegetarian option. For a crunchier topping, mix in some toasted walnuts or use crushed crackers along with the herb stuffing. Adjust the consistency of the sauce with more milk if needed.
Serving Suggestions
Walnut Broccoli makes a delightful side dish for roasted meats or poultry and pairs beautifully with Chicken recipes like Marsha'S Chicken. Consider serving it alongside a fresh salad or crusty bread to balance the richness of the dish. This versatile recipe can also serve as a vegetarian main course when paired with a hearty grain like quinoa or brown rice.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Walnut Broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Walnut Broccoli contains roughly 673 calories, with 12g protein, 95g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (44% of the Daily Value), calcium (36% of the Daily Value), and protein (23% 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 use fresh broccoli! Simply steam or blanch the fresh broccoli until tender before adding it to the casserole dish. Fresh broccoli will provide a slightly different texture but will work beautifully in this recipe.
What can I substitute for the herb stuffing?
If you don’t have herb stuffing, you can create your own by combining breadcrumbs with dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, and sage. This allows for customization of flavors and can be a great way to use up stale bread.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just assemble it without baking, cover tightly, and it will keep for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake it directly from the fridge, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
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).