Description
The Cheesy Broccoli Bake Delight is a hearty and comforting dish that showcases the perfect blend of nutritious broccoli and creamy cheese. This dish is versatile enough to serve as a main course or as a complementary side. With its rich Alfredo sauce and a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, it promises a delightful eating experience that’s both satisfying and flavorful.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds broccoli crowns or florets
- 1 small yellow onion
- 4 ounces low-moisture mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 ounce Parmesan cheese (about 2 tablespoons grated)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, plus more for greasing
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1 jar (approximately 16 ounces) Alfredo sauce
- 1/2 cup whole or 2% milk, or water
Step-by-step Directions
Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 400°F and generously butter an 8-inch square or 2-quart baking dish. Place the prepared dish on a baking sheet to catch any drips during cooking.
Step 2: Prep Broccoli and Onions
Cut the broccoli into 1-inch pieces, including the stalks if using crowns. Finely dice the yellow onion for a smoother texture and more even flavor distribution.
Step 3: Grate Cheeses
Grate the mozzarella cheese using the large holes of a box grater and the Parmesan cheese using the smaller holes, or use pre-grated cheese if preferred.
Step 4: Cook Onions and Spices
Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and kosher salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent and softened, about 5 minutes.
Step 5: Combine Sauce Ingredients
Add the Alfredo sauce and milk (or water) to the skillet along with half of the mozzarella cheese. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Continue cooking until the cheese is completely melted. Adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed.
Step 6: Mix Broccoli with Sauce
Add the broccoli to the skillet, stirring until each piece is evenly coated with the creamy sauce. Then, transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
Step 7: Bake
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and all of the Parmesan cheese over the top. Bake in the preheated oven until the broccoli is tender and the top is bubbly and golden, about 30 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Servings & Preparation Time
- Servings: 4-6
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 55 minutes
Tips for Storage & Reheating
- Storage: Cool the dish completely and store in an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through. If using the oven, cover with foil to prevent drying out.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Broccoli Bake Delight is ideal for anyone looking for a delicious and easy-to-prepare dish that combines healthful ingredients with indulgent flavors. Whether it’s served as a winter warmer or a flavorful side, this recipe is sure to please the palate and offer comfort. Try customizing it with different cheeses or adding other vegetables to make it your own!
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Cheesy Broccoli Bake Delight
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
Description
The Cheesy Broccoli Bake Delight is a hearty and comforting dish that showcases the perfect blend of nutritious broccoli and creamy cheese. This dish is versatile enough to serve as a main course or as a complementary side. With its rich Alfredo sauce and a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, it promises a delightful eating experience that’s both satisfying and flavorful.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds broccoli crowns or florets
- 1 small yellow onion
- 4 ounces low-moisture mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 ounce Parmesan cheese (about 2 tablespoons grated)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, plus more for greasing
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1 jar (approximately 16 ounces) Alfredo sauce
- 1/2 cup whole or 2% milk, or water
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F and generously butter an 8-inch square or 2-quart baking dish. Place the prepared dish on a baking sheet to catch any drips during cooking.
- Prep Broccoli and Onions: Cut the broccoli into 1-inch pieces, including the stalks if using crowns. Finely dice the yellow onion for a smoother texture and more even flavor distribution.
- Grate Cheeses: Grate the mozzarella cheese using the large holes of a box grater and the Parmesan cheese using the smaller holes, or use pre-grated cheese if preferred.
- Cook Onions and Spices: Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and kosher salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent and softened, about 5 minutes.
- Combine Sauce Ingredients: Add the Alfredo sauce and milk (or water) to the skillet along with half of the mozzarella cheese. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Continue cooking until the cheese is completely melted. Adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed.
- Mix Broccoli with Sauce: Add the broccoli to the skillet, stirring until each piece is evenly coated with the creamy sauce. Then, transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- Bake: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and all of the Parmesan cheese over the top. Bake in the preheated oven until the broccoli is tender and the top is bubbly and golden, about 30 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes