This Broccoli and Potato Bake is a comforting, cheesy dish that’s perfect for a family dinner. Layered with mozzarella and a creamy white sauce, and served with a refreshing yogurt and herb sauce, this recipe is both satisfying and full of flavor.
Preparation Time:
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 broccoli, cut into florets
- 500 g (17.6 oz) potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 40 g (1.4 oz) Parmesan cheese, grated
- 55 g (2 tablespoons) butter
- 50 g (2 tablespoons) flour
- 500 ml (2 cups) milk
- Salt, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- Olive oil, for drizzling
- Mozzarella cheese, grated (amount as desired)
- 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Fresh dill, chopped
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Vegetables:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Blanch the Broccoli: Cut the broccoli into florets and blanch them in boiling salted water for 2 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Potatoes: Peel and cube the potatoes. Cook them in boiling salted water for 7 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the White Sauce:
- Melt Butter: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Cook the Flour: Add the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Add Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens.
- Season: Season the sauce with salt, nutmeg, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir to combine and set aside.
3. Prepare the Herb Sauce:
- Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, mix the Greek yogurt or sour cream with the mayonnaise, minced garlic, chopped dill, and parsley. Set aside.
4. Assemble the Bake:
- Layer the Ingredients: In a baking dish, layer the cooked potatoes, blanched broccoli, mozzarella cheese, and white sauce. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used.
- Add Parmesan and Olive Oil: Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan cheese.
5. Bake:
- Bake the Dish: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
6. Serve:
- Serve with Sauce: Serve the Broccoli and Potato Bake hot, with the yogurt and herb sauce on the side. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions:
- Side Dish: Pair with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal.
- Main Course: Serve with a side salad for a light vegetarian dinner.
Cooking Tips:
- Avoid Overcooking Vegetables: Be careful not to overcook the broccoli and potatoes in the boiling water as they will continue cooking in the oven.
- Smooth Sauce: Whisk the milk gradually into the flour-butter mixture to avoid lumps in the sauce.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Broccoli: High in vitamins C and K, and a good source of fiber.
- Potatoes: Provide potassium and vitamin C.
- Yogurt: Offers probiotics and protein.
Dietary Information:
- Vegetarian: This recipe is suitable for vegetarians.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour in the white sauce for a gluten-free version.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving):
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 15g
- Fat: 16g
- Fiber: 5g
Storage:
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until warmed through.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Comforting and Flavorful: The combination of creamy sauce, cheese, and tender vegetables is irresistible.
- Nutritious: Packed with vegetables and protein, making it a balanced meal.
- Versatile: Can be served as a main dish or side, and is easily adaptable.
Conclusion:
This Broccoli and Potato Bake with Creamy Herb Sauce is a delicious, comforting dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. The creamy white sauce, melted mozzarella, and refreshing yogurt herb sauce create a perfect harmony of flavors. Whether served as a side or a main dish, this bake is a wonderful addition to any meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I use frozen broccoli?
- Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just thaw and drain it well before adding it to the dish.
- Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
- Yes, you can assemble the dish and refrigerate it before baking. When ready to bake, increase the baking time slightly to ensure it’s heated through.
- Can I substitute the Parmesan cheese?
- Yes, you can use another hard cheese like Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano.
- Can I add meat to this dish?
- Absolutely! You can add cooked chicken or bacon for a heartier dish.
- What if I don’t have Greek yogurt or sour cream?
- You can substitute with plain yogurt or even a light cream cheese.
- How do I prevent the sauce from being lumpy?
- Whisk the milk into the flour and butter mixture gradually and consistently to ensure a smooth sauce.
- Can I use a different type of cheese?
- Yes, feel free to use your favorite cheese like cheddar, Gruyère, or Swiss.
- How can I make this dish dairy-free?
- Use plant-based butter, milk, and cheeses to make this dish dairy-free.
- Can I freeze leftovers?
- Yes, you can freeze the baked casserole. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven.
- Is this dish gluten-free?
- To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the flour with a gluten-free alternative suitable for sauces.