Broccoli Elegant

Elevate your weeknight dinner game with "Broccoli Elegant," a rich and creamy baked broccoli dish that's as indulgent as it is easy to prepare. Featuring tender blanched broccoli florets smothered in a luscious cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar, Parmesan, and a hint of nutmeg, this recipe delivers layers of flavor in every bite. Topped with golden, buttery panko breadcrumbs for a satisfying crunch, this dish combines comfort and elegance with minimal effort. Perfect as a standout vegetarian main or a decadent side dish, "Broccoli Elegant" is ready in just 40 minutes and will transform your table into a gourmet experience. Whether you're planning a family dinner or hosting guests, this recipe is sure to impress!

Nutriscore Rating: 61/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 grams broccoli florets
• 60 grams unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 250 ml whole milk
• 50 ml heavy cream
• 50 grams Parmesan cheese, grated
• 80 grams sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
• 0.25 teaspoon nutmeg, freshly grated (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Grease a baking dish lightly with olive oil.

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Blanche the broccoli florets for 3 minutes, then quickly transfer them to an ice bath to halt the cooking. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a medium-sized saucepan, melt 40 grams of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 4

Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.

Step 5

Gradually pour in the milk, whisking continually until smooth and thickened, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 6

Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and cheddar cheese until melted and combined. Season with salt, black pepper, and nutmeg if using. Remove from heat.

Step 7

In a small skillet, melt the remaining 20 grams of butter. Add the panko breadcrumbs and toast them over medium heat until golden and crisp. Set aside.

Step 8

Arrange the blanched broccoli florets in the greased baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the broccoli.

Step 9

Sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs over the top to create a crispy layer.

Step 10

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the tops are golden and the sauce is bubbling.

Step 11

Allow the dish to cool slightly for 5 minutes before serving. Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1090.6 grams (1090.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1788

Total Fat 133.30g	171%
Saturated Fat 74.20g	371%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.60g
Cholesterol 350mg	117%
Sodium 4333mg	188%
Total Carbohydrate 92.10g	33%
Dietary Fiber 14.80g	53%
Total Sugars 22.00g
Protein 75.80g	152%

Vitamin D 131IU	653%
Calcium 1724mg	133%
Iron 8mg	46%
Potassium 543mg	12%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 64.1%

Protein: 16.2%

Carbs: 19.7%