Don’t cook broccoli until you see this recipe! This delicious and versatile broccoli dish is perfect for everyday meals. Follow these easy steps to create a mouthwatering casserole that combines broccoli, potatoes, and a creamy cheese sauce, baked to perfection. This casserole is sure to become a family favorite with its rich, comforting flavors and satisfying texture.
Ingredients
- 1 head of broccoli
- Salt
- 500 g (17.6 oz) potatoes
- 1 teaspoon salt (for potatoes)
- 40 g (1.4 oz) Parmesan cheese, grated
- 55 g (2 tablespoons) butter
- 50 g (2 tablespoons) flour
- 2 cups (500 ml) milk
- 1 teaspoon salt (for sauce)
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- Olive oil
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Fresh dill, chopped
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Prepare the Vegetables
Cook Potatoes:
- Remove the potato skins and cut them into bite-sized pieces.
- Place in a pot of salted water (1 teaspoon salt) and cook for 7 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Prepare Broccoli:
- Cut the broccoli into florets.
- Blanch the broccoli in boiling salted water for 2-3 minutes until just tender. Drain and set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce
Prepare the Sauce:
- Over medium heat, melt the butter in a medium-sized saucepan.
- Add the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually add the milk, stirring constantly to avoid clumping.
- Cook the mixture, stirring continuously, until it thickens and comes to a simmer.
- Add 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg. Mix well.
- Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Assemble the Casserole
Layer the Ingredients:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Lightly oil a baking dish with olive oil.
- Arrange the cooked potatoes in an even layer on the bottom of the dish.
- Place the blanched broccoli florets over the potatoes.
Add the Cheese Sauce:
- Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the broccoli and potatoes.
- Add a liberal amount of shredded Mozzarella cheese on top.
Bake the Casserole
- Place in the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Prepare the Topping
Make the Yogurt Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt (or sour cream), mayonnaise, minced garlic, chopped dill, and parsley.
Serve
Finish and Serve:
- After baking the casserole, take it out of the oven and allow it to cool a bit before serving.
- Serve the broccoli and potato casserole with a dollop of the yogurt sauce on top.
Tips
- Extra Veggies: Add other vegetables like cauliflower, carrots, or peas for a more colorful dish.
- Cheese Options: Use different cheeses like cheddar or Gruyère for a variation in flavor.
- Herbs: Experiment with other fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or chives.
Conclusion
This delicious broccoli and potato casserole is perfect for any meal. The creamy cheese sauce, combined with the freshness of the vegetables, creates a dish that will become a family favorite. Enjoy cooking and savoring this delightful recipe! 🥦🧀🍽️