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
Scale
- 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