One of my absolute favorite dishes to make for a cozy family dinner or a potluck get-together is Broccoli Almond Casserole. It’s a dish that’s close to my heart, and not just because it’s incredibly delicious, but also because it carries a lot of fond memories from my childhood. I remember my mom making this comforting dish on chilly nights, its creamy, cheesy aroma filling our home and making everything feel warm and cozy. This dish is not just a recipe; it’s a cherished memory, a comfort food classic that has been passed down in my family for generations. The combination of broccoli and almonds may seem unusual, but trust me, it works beautifully. The broccoli’s earthy flavor is enhanced by the creamy, cheesy sauce, and the toasted almonds add a delightful crunch that contrasts perfectly with the soft, cheesy broccoli. And the best part? It’s really simple to make! With just a few common ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up this comfort food classic in no time. So why do I love it? Well, apart from the nostalgic factor, I love the simplicity and versatility of this dish. It’s a fantastic way to get your veggies in, and it pairs well with almost anything. Whether you serve it as a side dish with grilled chicken or as a main dish with a side of garlic bread, it never fails to impress. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients
- 2 (10 oz.) pkg. frozen chopped broccoli
- 1/4 c. chopped onion
- 1/4 c. butter
- 2 Tbsp. flour
- 1/2 c. milk
- 1 (8 oz.) jar pasteurized process cheese spread
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/8 tsp. pepper
- 2 eggs, well beaten
- 1/2 c. bread crumbs
- 2 Tbsp. melted butter
- 1/4 c. toasted slivered almonds
Baking Instructions
- Cook broccoli in boiling, salted water.
- Drain thoroughly. Cook onion in 1/4 cup butter until soft.
- Blend in flour, then milk.
- Cook, stirring constantly until thickened.
- Stir in cheese spread, salt and pepper until thoroughly blended.
- Remove from heat.
- Add cheese mixture to eggs, a little at a time, stirring constantly.
- Stir in broccoli.
- Place in a greased 1 1/2-quart casserole.
- Toss crumbs with melted butter and sprinkle on top. Top with almonds.
- Bake in a slow oven (325°) until set, 40 to 45 minutes.
- Makes 6 servings.
Calorie: 350
Total cooking time: 1 hour
Difficulty level: Easy
The Great Broccoli Bake-Off
Ah, the humble broccoli. A vegetable that has caused more than its fair share of dinner table standoffs between parents and their veg-phobic offspring. But today, my friends, we’re going to transform this little green tree into a dish that even the pickiest of eaters can’t resist: Broccoli Almond.
The Green Scene
To kick things off, we’re going to wrangle two 10 oz. packages of frozen chopped broccoli. Yes, frozen. Please, hold your gasps of horror. I promise you, it’s not going to taste like that one time you tried to microwave a frozen pizza and ended up with a sad, soggy mess. Just trust me on this.
The Onion Incident
Next up, we’re going to dice 1/4 cup of onion. Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Onion? In a broccoli dish? Has she lost her mind?” Maybe. But that’s neither here nor there. The onion adds a nice kick and helps balance out the cheesy goodness that’s coming up. Just remember, no crying allowed. This is a happy broccoli dish, not a tear-jerker.
The Butter Battle
Now, we’re going to cook our onions in a 1/4 cup of butter until they’re soft. I know, I know. You’re probably saying, “Butter? Really?” Yes, really. Because everything is better with butter. If you can’t handle the truth, then I suggest you butter up and move along.
The Flour Power Hour
Next, we’re blending in 2 tablespoons of flour and then some milk. This will thicken up our mixture and give us a nice, creamy base. And before you ask, no, you cannot substitute the flour with protein powder. This isn’t a protein shake, it’s a casserole. Keep your gym habits at the gym.
The Cheese Chase
Once our mixture is nice and thick, we’re going to stir in an 8 oz. jar of pasteurized process cheese spread. Yes, cheese spread. Why? Because life is short and cheese is delicious. Plus, it’s a great way to make your broccoli more appealing to the little ones. Or the big ones who still act like little ones when it comes to vegetables.
The Eggstraordinary Interlude
Here’s where things get a little tricky. We’re going to take our cheese mixture off the heat and add it to two well-beaten eggs, stirring constantly. It’s a bit like trying to pat your head and rub your stomach at the same time, but with higher stakes.
The Crumbly Finale
Finally, we’re going to stir in our broccoli, place everything in a greased casserole dish, and top it with a mix of bread crumbs and melted butter. Toss some toasted slivered almonds on top, and voila! You’ve got yourself a Broccoli Almond ready to bake in a slow oven (325°) until set, about 40 to 45 minutes.
So, there you have it. Broccoli Almond: a dish that’s sure to turn your next meal into a culinary comedy. Just remember to laugh through the tears when the onion gets tough, and to always, always add more cheese. Happy cooking!
