🥦 Don’t Cook Broccoli Until You See This Recipe! Very Tasty and Quick!
📝 Recipe Description
This easy, cheesy broccoli and potato bake is a comfort dish that’s creamy, satisfying, and packed with flavor. A perfect side or main vegetarian meal, it transforms everyday vegetables into something extraordinary. You won’t believe how delicious and simple this is until you try it!
🍽️ Servings
Serves: 4 people
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
🧂 Ingredients
- Broccoli: 1 head, chopped into florets
- Potatoes: 500g / 17.6 oz, peeled and sliced thinly
- Salt: 1 teaspoon (for boiling vegetables)
- Parmesan Cheese: 40g / 1.4 oz, grated
- Butter: 55g / 2 tablespoons
- Flour: 50g / 2 tablespoons
🍳 Instructions
- Pre-cook Vegetables:
- In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the potato slices for 5 minutes.
- Add broccoli florets to the pot and cook for another 3 minutes.
- Drain and set aside.
- Make the Sauce:
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour to create a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes until golden.
- Slowly add 1.5 cups of milk (not listed in original but needed for béchamel), whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
- Stir until the sauce thickens. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper (to taste).
- Stir in half of the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Assemble:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C / 390°F.
- In a baking dish, layer the potatoes and broccoli.
- Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the top.
- Sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan cheese.
- Bake:
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and bubbling.
- Serve:
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
💡 Tips & Notes
- Add Garlic or Nutmeg: A pinch of garlic powder or nutmeg in the sauce adds warmth.
- Extra Creamy: Use cream instead of milk for a richer texture.
- More Cheese, Please: Mix in mozzarella or cheddar with Parmesan for more flavor.
- Crunchy Topping: Add breadcrumbs mixed with a bit of olive oil for a crispy finish.
🥗 Nutritional Info (Per Serving, Approximate)
- Calories: 260
- Protein: 9g
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Calcium: 18% DV
- Iron: 10% DV
💪 Health Benefits
- Broccoli: Rich in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants.
- Potatoes: Great source of potassium and energy-boosting carbs.
- Parmesan Cheese: High in calcium and protein.
- Homemade Sauce: Avoids preservatives and reduces sodium compared to processed options.
❓ Q&A
❓ Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the dish up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Bake when ready.
❓ Can I freeze it?
Yes, freeze after baking. Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until hot.
❓ Can I make it vegan?
Substitute butter with olive oil, use plant-based milk, and vegan cheese.
❓ What can I serve it with?
Great with grilled chicken, baked fish, or a fresh side salad.