🥦🍲 Alton Brown’s Broccoli Casserole 🥦🍲
📜 History:
Alton Brown, a renowned chef and TV personality, is known for his creative and delicious recipes. His Broccoli Casserole is a modern twist on a classic comfort food dish, often served during holiday gatherings and potlucks. It combines the wholesome goodness of broccoli with a creamy, cheesy sauce, making it a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
🍽️ Components:
To prepare Alton Brown’s Broccoli Casserole, you’ll need the following components:
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Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets are the star of the dish. You’ll want to use about 2-3 cups of broccoli.
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Cheese Sauce: The creamy cheese sauce is the heart of the casserole. It’s typically made with ingredients like cheddar cheese, butter, flour, milk, and seasonings.
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Topping: Some variations include a crunchy topping made with ingredients like breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or even French fried onions.
👩🍳 Steps to Prepare:
Here are the steps to prepare Alton Brown’s Broccoli Casserole:
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Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Blanch Broccoli: Begin by blanching the broccoli florets in boiling water for about 3-4 minutes or until they are slightly tender. Drain and set them aside.
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Prepare Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to create a roux. Gradually add 2 cups of milk while stirring continuously until the mixture thickens. Then, add 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and stir until it’s smooth and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg for flavor.
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Combine Broccoli and Cheese Sauce: In a baking dish, arrange the blanched broccoli evenly. Pour the cheese sauce over the broccoli, ensuring it’s well coated.
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Add Topping (Optional): If you like a crunchy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top of the casserole.
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Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
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Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven, let it cool slightly, and then serve it warm.
⏱️ Time Needed:
The total time needed to prepare Alton Brown’s Broccoli Casserole will vary slightly depending on your cooking skills, but it typically takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour. This includes prep time, blanching the broccoli, making the cheese sauce, assembling the casserole, and baking it to perfection.
Enjoy this delicious and comforting dish with family and friends! 🥦🧀😋
Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Alton Brown’s Broccoli Casserole:
📊 Nutrition Facts (Approximate per Serving):
- Calories: 250-300 calories
- Total Fat: 15-20 grams
- Saturated Fat: 8-10 grams
- Cholesterol: 35-45 milligrams
- Sodium: 350-450 milligrams
- Total Carbohydrates: 15-20 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 2-4 grams
- Sugars: 3-5 grams
- Protein: 12-15 grams
- Vitamin A: 20-25% of Daily Value (DV)
- Vitamin C: 80-100% of DV
- Calcium: 30-35% of DV
- Iron: 6-8% of DV
🥦 Health Information:
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Nutrient-Rich: Broccoli is a nutrient powerhouse, rich in vitamins C and A, fiber, and various antioxidants. It’s known for its potential to support immune health and promote good vision.
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Calcium Source: This casserole contains a good amount of calcium from the cheese sauce, which is essential for strong bones and teeth.
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Protein: The dish provides a moderate amount of protein, which is important for muscle maintenance and overall bodily functions.
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Moderate Calories: The calorie count is moderate, making it a suitable side dish if consumed in moderation, especially when paired with lean proteins and other vegetables.
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Sodium Awareness: Be mindful of the sodium content, especially if you’re watching your salt intake. You can reduce the sodium by using low-sodium cheese or sauce.
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Fiber: The casserole offers a decent amount of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and can help you feel full and satisfied.
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Balanced Dish: While it’s delicious, it’s also important to balance this indulgent casserole with a variety of other foods in your diet to ensure you get a wide range of nutrients.
Remember that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. If you have dietary restrictions or specific health concerns, it’s a good idea to consult with a nutritionist or healthcare provider for personalized advice. Enjoy your Broccoli Casserole in moderation as part of a balanced diet! 🥦🧀😊