Are you ready to transform ordinary broccoli into a mouthwatering masterpiece that will have everyone at the dinner table begging for seconds? This Puffed Broccoli Cheese Casserole is not just a side dish – it's a culinary adventure that combines the nutritious crunch of broccoli with the irresistible creaminess of melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or when you simply want to elevate your meal with a dish that looks and tastes like it came straight from a gourmet kitchen!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup biscuit mix
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Wash the broccoli florets thoroughly under cold running water and pat them dry using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Chop the florets into bite-sized pieces if they are large.
- Steam the broccoli florets for 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender but still crisp. Alternatively, you can blanch them in boiling water. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and black pepper until well combined and smooth.
- Add the biscuit mix to the egg mixture and whisk until no dry lumps remain, creating a smooth batter.
- Gently fold the steamed broccoli florets and shredded cheddar cheese into the batter, ensuring even distribution.
- Pour the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes to set and cool slightly before serving.
- Cut into squares and serve warm as a delightful side dish or light main course.
Tips
- For maximum flavor, use freshly shredded cheddar cheese instead of pre-packaged shredded cheese. The texture and taste are significantly better.
- Don't overcook the broccoli during steaming – you want it bright green and slightly crisp to maintain its nutritional value and prevent a mushy texture.
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking. This helps it set and makes cutting into perfect squares much easier.
- For a protein boost, consider adding diced cooked chicken or ham to the mixture before baking.
- If you want a crispier top, sprinkle some extra cheese or breadcrumbs during the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Make sure your baking dish is well-greased to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking – just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 223kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
