Let's dive into a delightful dish that promises both comfort and flavor — Savory Broccoli Bake. With its creamy texture and cheesy goodness, this casserole is a perfect way to enjoy your greens while indulging in a hearty meal. It's an excellent side dish for a family dinner or a potluck favorite.
The star of the show is broccoli, offering a nutritious base with its vibrant green color and slight crunch. Using shredded cheddar cheese adds a sharp, tangy flavor that melts beautifully, while cream of mushroom soup provides a creamy, savory backdrop without needing to make a separate sauce. The mayonnaise enhances the creaminess and adds a slight tang, and the beaten egg helps bind everything together. Adding chopped onion gives a mild sweetness and depth to the dish. The topping made from breadcrumbs and melted butter creates a crunchy, golden crust. Finally, a touch of salt and black pepper balances and elevates all the flavors.
This Savory Broccoli Bake pairs beautifully with roasted chicken or a nice grilled steak. For a vegetarian meal, serve it alongside a hearty quinoa salad or a simple tomato soup. It’s also delightful as part of a holiday spread with other casseroles and roasted vegetables.
First things first, let's get your oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) — this way, it’ll be ready to go when you are. While it’s warming up, steam your broccoli florets for about 5 minutes; you're looking for them to turn a bright green and become slightly tender. Steaming helps retain their nutrients and color.
Next, grab a large bowl and combine the shredded cheddar cheese, cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, beaten egg, and chopped onion. Stir these ingredients together until you have a smooth mixture, then season it with the salt and black pepper. This forms the creamy base of your bake.
Once your broccoli is ready, fold it into the cheese mixture. Gently mix until the broccoli is well-coated, ensuring every floret is covered with that creamy goodness. Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
For the topping, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter in a small bowl until the crumbs are well-coated. Sprinkle this mixture over the broccoli bake, ensuring an even layer for that perfect crunchy finish.
Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You'll know it's ready when the top is golden brown and you can see the edges bubbling. Let it cool for a few minutes before you dive in — this helps it set a little more, making it easier to serve.
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