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A close-up of a creamy broccoli casserole topped with golden breadcrumbs, a delicious veggie side dish.

What I Cook When I Crave Veggie Sides Recipes

This recipe features tender steamed broccoli baked in a creamy cheese sauce and topped with crispy bread crumbs. It's a comforting and flavorful side dish that's perfect for any meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Steaming Time 5 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 191

Ingredients
  

For the Broccoli
  • 4 bunches broccoli cut into florets
For the Cheese Sauce
  • 6 tablespoons butter divided
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups 2% milk
  • 1 large egg yolk beaten
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper
For the Topping
  • 1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs

Equipment

  • Steamer basket
  • large saucepan
  • 13x9-in. baking dish
  • Small saucepan
  • small skillet

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place half of the broccoli florets in a steamer basket set over 1 inch of boiling water in a large saucepan. Cover and steam for 3-4 minutes, or until crisp-tender. Transfer the steamed broccoli to a greased 13x9-inch baking dish. Repeat with the remaining broccoli.
  2. Meanwhile, melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring, until tender. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute longer.
  3. Stir in the flour until blended. Gradually whisk in the milk. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cook and stir for 2 minutes, or until thickened. Stir a small amount of the hot mixture into the beaten egg yolk, then return the tempered egg yolk mixture to the saucepan, stirring constantly. Cook and stir for 1 minute longer. Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Pour this sauce over the broccoli in the baking dish.
  4. In a small skillet, cook the bread crumbs in the remaining butter until golden brown. Sprinkle the toasted bread crumbs over the top of the broccoli and sauce.
  5. Bake uncovered for 15-18 minutes, or until the dish is heated through and the topping is golden.

Nutrition

Calories: 191kcalCarbohydrates: 19gProtein: 11gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 41mgSodium: 388mgFiber: 6gSugar: 7g

Notes

This recipe is a versatile side dish. You can substitute other vegetables like cauliflower or green beans for the broccoli. Adjust the seasoning to your preference.

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