Broccoli Almond Casserole: A Delightful Cheesy Side Dish
Welcome to Love With Recipes, where we bring you classic recipes with a touch of love. Today, we’re excited to share a cherished recipe from the Farm Journal cookbooks—a delightful Broccoli Almond Casserole. This creamy, cheesy side dish is perfect for special occasions, boasting a texture reminiscent of a light and airy souffle. With a blend of broccoli, cheese, and almonds, it’s sure to be a hit at your next meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup cheese spread
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). This will ensure it’s at the right temperature when it’s time to bake the casserole.
2. Prepare the Broccoli:
In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add a pinch of salt. Carefully drop in the broccoli florets and cook them for about 2-3 minutes, just until they turn bright green and become tender. Drain the broccoli thoroughly and set it aside.
3. Cook the Onions:
While the broccoli is cooking, melt 1/4 cup of butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and translucent, which should take around 4-5 minutes.
4. Make the Cheese Sauce:
To the skillet with the onions, blend in 1/4 cup of flour, stirring constantly to create a smooth mixture. Gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and starts to bubble, approximately 5-7 minutes.
Stir in the cheese spread, salt, and pepper, and cook for another minute until everything is well blended and the cheese has melted. Remove the skillet from heat.
5. Combine the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg until it’s well combined. Slowly add the cheese mixture to the egg, a little at a time, while stirring constantly to prevent the egg from curdling. Once the cheese mixture and egg are well blended, fold in the cooked broccoli.
6. Prepare the Casserole:
Lightly grease a 1 1/2 quart casserole dish. Pour the broccoli and cheese mixture into the prepared dish.
7. Add the Topping:
In a small bowl, toss 2 tablespoons of bread crumbs with 1/2 cup of melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole. Add the sliced almonds on top of the bread crumbs for an extra crunch and nutty flavor.
8. Bake the Casserole:
Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the casserole is set and the top is golden brown. For best results, consider adding the bread crumbs and almonds about halfway through the baking time to avoid over-browning.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Once baked, let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes it easier to scoop out perfect portions.
This Broccoli Almond Casserole, with its creamy texture and crunchy topping, makes an ideal side dish for a festive meal or any special occasion. It’s both comforting and elegant, ensuring your meal is memorable.
Happy cooking from Love With Recipes! 🌟👩🍳🍽️
