This Baked Broccoli and Potato Casserole with Cheese is a delicious and hearty dish that’s perfect for a satisfying meal. Packed with nutritious vegetables and melted cheddar cheese, it offers a creamy and cheesy delight that everyone will love. Whether for a family dinner or a cozy gathering, this casserole is sure to impress.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4-6 servings
Ingredients:
For the Casserole:
- 1 broccoli head, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt (for broccoli)
- 500g (17.6 oz) potatoes, diced
- 1 teaspoon salt (for potatoes)
- 40g (1.4 oz) Parmesan cheese, grated
- 55g (2 tablespoons) butter
- 50g (2 tablespoons) flour
- 500ml (2 cups) milk
- 1 teaspoon salt (for sauce)
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- Olive oil (for greasing)
- 125g (5 oz) mozzarella cheese, grated
For the Topping:
- 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Fresh dill, chopped
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
- Prepare the Broccoli and Potatoes:
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and add 1 teaspoon of salt.
- Add the broccoli and cook for 2 minutes. Remove and chop finely.
- In the same pot, add the potatoes and cook for 7 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the flour and mix well to form a roux.
- Gradually add the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Add 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg.
- Continue stirring the sauce until it thickens.
- Add half of the grated Parmesan cheese and mix until melted and smooth.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Grease a baking dish with olive oil.
- Layer the bottom of the dish with half of the cooked potatoes.
- Pour half of the cheese sauce over the potatoes.
- Sprinkle with some of the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Add a layer of chopped broccoli.
- Add the remaining potatoes on top.
- Pour the remaining cheese sauce over the top.
- Sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake the Casserole:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Prepare the Topping:
- In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt or sour cream, mayonnaise, minced garlic, chopped dill, and parsley. Mix well.
- Serve:
- Once the casserole is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
- Serve hot with the prepared topping on the side.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- Serve alongside grilled chicken or fish.
- Top with extra grated cheese for added richness.
Cooking Tips:
- Stir the cheese sauce constantly to prevent it from burning and ensure it is smooth.
- Adjust seasoning and herbs to your taste.
- Use freshly grated cheese for better melting and flavor.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Broccoli: High in vitamins C and K, and fiber.
- Potatoes: Provide potassium and vitamin C.
- Cheese: Source of protein and calcium.
Dietary Information:
- Vegetarian: Yes
- Gluten-Free: No (use gluten-free flour if needed)
- Dairy-Free: No (use dairy-free butter, cheese, and milk substitutes if needed)
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- It’s a hearty and creamy meal, perfect for any time of the day.
- Packed with nutritious vegetables and melted cheese.
- Easy to make with simple ingredients.
Conclusion: Thank you for trying this Baked Broccoli and Potato Casserole with Cheese recipe. Enjoy the rich flavors and creamy textures. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more delicious recipes. Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
- Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before using.
- Can I add other vegetables to the casserole?
- Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like carrots, peas, or bell peppers.
- What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?
- You can substitute Parmesan with other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano.
- Is there a dairy-free option for the cheese sauce?
- Yes, you can use dairy-free butter, cheese, and milk alternatives to make the sauce.
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
- Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready to serve.
- How do I store leftovers?
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven before serving.
- Can I freeze the casserole?
- Yes, you can freeze the baked casserole. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven.
- What can I use instead of semolina for the topping?
- If you prefer, you can use breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for the topping.
- Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
- Yes, simply use gluten-free flour in the cheese sauce.
- What type of potatoes work best for this recipe?
- Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work well due to their creamy texture.