Sunday Cheesy Broccoli Bake
Highlighted under: Classic Comfort Food Collection
I love gathering my family around the table for a delicious meal, and there's nothing quite like my Sunday Cheesy Broccoli Bake to make that happen. This dish combines tender broccoli and gooey cheese, resulting in a creamy, comforting side that complements our Sunday roast perfectly. The tantalizing aroma as it bakes fills the kitchen and gets everyone excited for dinner. Plus, it's simple enough to whip up even on the busiest of Sundays, making it a beloved staple in our home.
When I first experimented with the Sunday Cheesy Broccoli Bake, I wanted to elevate a simple veggie side dish into something everyone would love. After various trials and using different cheeses, I found that a combination of sharp cheddar and creamy mozzarella provided the perfect balance of flavor and texture. The crust forms from the cheese as it bakes, adding a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft broccoli.
One of my favorite tips is to use a mix of fresh and slightly blanched broccoli. Blanching for just a couple of minutes helps to keep that vibrant green color while ensuring the broccoli is tender enough to absorb all the cheesy goodness. Each bite bursts with flavor, and it's become a must-have at our Sunday family dinners!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Creamy, cheesy goodness that everyone adores
- A nutritious way to enjoy your vegetables
- Quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy Sundays
Ingredients
Gather all your ingredients to make this delightful dish:
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh broccoli florets
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Make sure to measure out your ingredients properly for the best results!
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your Sunday Cheesy Broccoli Bake:
Prepare the broccoli
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Blanch the broccoli florets in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then drain and set them aside.
Mix the cheese sauce
In a medium bowl, combine the heavy cream, sharp cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble the bake
In a baking dish, layer the blanched broccoli and pour the cheese mixture over the top. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs, then drizzle with olive oil.
Bake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Serve
Remove from oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this cheesy delight as a side dish!
Enjoy your delicious Sunday Cheesy Broccoli Bake!
Pro Tips
- For added flavor, consider mixing in some cooked bacon or sautéed onions. You can also substitute different vegetables such as cauliflower or Brussels sprouts if broccoli isn't your favorite.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess water before using.
→ How can I make this dish lighter?
You can substitute the heavy cream with a lighter alternative, such as half-and-half or unsweetened almond milk.
→ Can I prepare this in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the dish a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
→ What can I serve this with?
It pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, a roast, or can be served as part of a vegetarian meal.
Sunday Cheesy Broccoli Bake
I love gathering my family around the table for a delicious meal, and there's nothing quite like my Sunday Cheesy Broccoli Bake to make that happen. This dish combines tender broccoli and gooey cheese, resulting in a creamy, comforting side that complements our Sunday roast perfectly. The tantalizing aroma as it bakes fills the kitchen and gets everyone excited for dinner. Plus, it's simple enough to whip up even on the busiest of Sundays, making it a beloved staple in our home.
Created by: Rachel Green
Recipe Type: Classic Comfort Food Collection
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh broccoli florets
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
How-To Steps
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Blanch the broccoli florets in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then drain and set them aside.
In a medium bowl, combine the heavy cream, sharp cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
In a baking dish, layer the blanched broccoli and pour the cheese mixture over the top. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs, then drizzle with olive oil.
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Remove from oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this cheesy delight as a side dish!
Extra Tips
- For added flavor, consider mixing in some cooked bacon or sautéed onions. You can also substitute different vegetables such as cauliflower or Brussels sprouts if broccoli isn't your favorite.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 230 kcal
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 320mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 14g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 11g