Broccoli Casserole

Broccoli Casserole is a popular and comforting side dish that combines tender broccoli with a creamy, cheesy sauce and a crispy topping. It’s a crowd-pleasing recipe that is sure to become a favorite.

INGREDIENTS:

• 20 ounces (560 g) frozen broccoli spears
• 1 can (10 ounces, or 280 g) low-sodium cream of celery soup
• 1¼ cups (150 g) grated Cheddar cheese, divided
• ¼ cup (25 g) minced scallions
• 12 saltines, crushed

PREPARATION:

1. Spray the slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. In a large bowl, combine the frozen broccoli spears, cream of celery soup, 1 cup (115 g) of grated Cheddar cheese, and minced scallions. Mix well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
3. Pour the mixture into the prepared slow cooker, spreading it out evenly.
4. Sprinkle the crushed saltines and the remaining grated Cheddar cheese over the top of the broccoli mixture.
5. Cover the slow cooker, but slip a wooden toothpick between the lid and the pot to allow for venting during cooking.
6. Cook on low heat for 5 to 6 hours or on high heat for 2 to 3 hours, until the broccoli is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

YIELD:

• 6 servings

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• For added flavor, you can incorporate other ingredients such as cooked and crumbled bacon, diced red bell peppers, or sliced mushrooms.
• Feel free to use different types of cheese to suit your taste. Sharp Cheddar, Colby Jack, or Swiss cheese would all work well in this casserole.

TIPS:

• To achieve a crispy and golden topping, you can drizzle melted butter over the crushed saltines before sprinkling them on top of the casserole.
• If you prefer a more tender texture for the broccoli, you can partially thaw the frozen broccoli before adding it to the slow cooker.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING:

• 190 g water
• 220 calories (47% from fat, 20% from protein, 33% from carbs)
• 11 g protein
• 12 g total fat
• 6 g saturated fat
• 3 g monounsaturated fat
• 1 g polyunsaturated fat
• 19 g carbs
• 3 g fiber
• 2 g sugar
• 231 mg phosphorus
• 264 mg calcium
• 2 mg iron
• 607 mg sodium
• 398 mg potassium
• 1030 IU vitamin A
• 91 mg ATE vitamin E
• 85 mg vitamin C
• 35 mg cholesterol

In conclusion, Broccoli Casserole is a classic side dish that combines the goodness of broccoli with a creamy, cheesy sauce and a satisfying crispy topping. It’s a versatile recipe that can be enjoyed as part of a weeknight meal or served on special occasions.

The convenience of using a slow cooker makes this dish a breeze to prepare. Simply mix the ingredients together, pour them into the slow cooker, and let it work its magic. The result is tender broccoli enveloped in a luscious cheese sauce, with a crunchy layer on top.

Customize the casserole by incorporating additional ingredients to suit your preferences. Crumbled bacon, diced red bell peppers, or sliced mushrooms would all add depth of flavor and extra texture to the dish.

When serving, consider drizzling melted butter over the crushed saltines for a golden and crispy topping that will delight your taste buds. The combination of the creamy sauce, tender broccoli, and crispy topping creates a delightful contrast of textures.

Broccoli Casserole is not only delicious but also provides essential nutrients. It’s a good source of protein, calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin C. With its balanced macronutrient profile, it can be enjoyed as part of a well-rounded meal.

Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or simply looking for a comforting side dish, Broccoli Casserole is a reliable and flavorful choice. Its creamy, cheesy goodness will have everyone coming back for seconds.