This Broccoli and Potato Casserole is the perfect comfort dish for any occasion. Combining tender vegetables with a rich, cheesy batter, it’s a satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor. Whether you’re looking for a main dish or a hearty side, this casserole will hit the spot. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients
- 500 g (17.6 oz) broccoli, cut into florets
- 3 potatoes, peeled and sliced
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 1 carrot, peeled and sliced
- 1 pepper, cut into strips
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 stick celery, chopped
- 60 g (2.1 oz) flour
- 3 eggs
- 200 ml (6.8 fl oz) milk
- 100 ml (3.4 fl oz) sour cream
- 250 g (8.8 oz) Mozzarella cheese, grated
- A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt + more to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Preparation
1. Preparing the Broccoli
Start by cutting the broccoli into florets, removing them from the thick stem. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the broccoli florets and cook them for about 3 minutes. This will soften them slightly without losing their bright green color. After boiling, drain the broccoli well and set it aside to cool.
2. Preparing the Potatoes
While the broccoli is boiling, peel the potatoes and slice them thinly. The thinner the slices, the quicker they will cook and the more evenly they will bake. Arrange the potato slices evenly in a rectangular glass baking dish. This will form the base layer of your casserole, providing a hearty foundation for the other vegetables.
3. Adding the Vegetables
Now, it’s time to layer the rest of the vegetables. Add the sliced carrot, pepper strips, diced tomatoes, sliced onion, and chopped celery over the potato slices in the baking dish. Make sure to distribute everything evenly across the dish. Finally, add the drained broccoli florets on top, ensuring that each bite of the casserole will have a mix of all the vegetables.
4. Seasoning the Vegetables
Drizzle a bit of extra virgin olive oil over the vegetables in the baking dish. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste. Use your hands or a large spoon to mix everything together gently, ensuring the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the dish.
5. Preparing the Batter
In a separate bowl, crack the 3 eggs and add 200 ml of milk, 100 ml of sour cream, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Whisk everything together until you have a smooth, homogeneous mixture.
6. Adding the Flour
Gradually sift 60 g of flour into the egg mixture, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. The result should be a smooth, slightly thick batter. This batter will act as a binding agent, holding the vegetables together and giving the casserole a rich, creamy texture.
7. Pouring the Batter
Carefully pour the batter over the layered vegetables in the baking dish. Make sure the batter spreads evenly, covering all the vegetables. Use a spatula if necessary to help distribute the batter.
8. Adding the Cheese
Finally, sprinkle the grated Mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. The cheese will melt during baking, creating a golden, crispy topping that contrasts beautifully with the soft, tender vegetables underneath.
9. Baking the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 180°C (about 350°F). Once the oven is ready, place the baking dish in the center of the oven and bake for 55 minutes. The casserole is done when the top is golden brown, and the edges are slightly crispy. To ensure the potatoes are fully cooked, you can insert a knife into the center of the casserole—it should slide in easily without resistance.
10. Serving the Casserole
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. This Broccoli and Potato Casserole is best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven. You can serve it as a main dish with a side salad or as a hearty side dish alongside grilled meats or fish.
Nutritional Information
- Servings: Approximately 6 portions
- Calories per serving: 300 kcal
- Total Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Dietary Fiber: 4 g
- Sugars: 4 g
- Protein: 13 g
Conclusion
This Broccoli and Potato Casserole is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that brings together the wholesome flavors of fresh vegetables, creamy batter, and gooey melted cheese. It’s a perfect recipe for a cozy dinner or a versatile dish to bring to a potluck. With its vibrant mix of vegetables and satisfying cheesy topping, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation. Enjoy!
