Baked Broccoli with Mozzarella Recipe

If you’ve never been a fan of broccoli, this recipe is sure to change your mind. This Easy Baked Broccoli with Mozzarella is a game-changer, transforming the humble broccoli into a delicious and satisfying dish. With tender broccoli florets, rich mozzarella cheese, and a seasoned egg mixture, this dish is both nutritious and incredibly flavorful. Paired with savory potatoes, it makes for a hearty, comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

For the Broccoli:

  • 1 head of broccoli (cut into florets)
  • Boiling water
  • Salt (to taste)

For the Egg Mixture:

  • 3 large eggs
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Ground black pepper (to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons milk (30 ml)

Other Ingredients:

  • Olive oil (for greasing the baking dish)
  • 7 oz mozzarella cheese (200 g, sliced or shredded)
  • Oregano (to taste)
  • Red smoked paprika (to taste)

For the Side Dish: Savory Potatoes

  • 5 medium potatoes
  • Boiling water and salt
  • 1 onion (finely chopped)
  • 1 red pepper (finely chopped)
  • Smoked paprika (to taste)
  • Butter (for frying)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Egg Mixture:

  1. Crack and Season: Start by cracking the three eggs into a mixing bowl. Add a pinch of salt and ground black pepper to season.
  2. Add Milk: Pour in the two tablespoons of milk. The milk adds a bit of creaminess to the egg mixture, helping it coat the broccoli evenly.
  3. Whisk Together: Use a whisk to beat the eggs and milk together until the mixture is well-combined and slightly frothy. Set this aside for later use.

Assembling the Dish:

  1. Cook the Broccoli: Place the chopped broccoli florets into a pot of boiling salted water. Cook on low heat for about 10 minutes until the broccoli is tender but still slightly firm. Drain the broccoli and set it aside.
  2. Grease the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking and to add a bit of flavor.
  3. Layer the Broccoli: Arrange the cooked broccoli evenly in the greased baking dish. Make sure the florets are spread out so that the egg mixture can coat them evenly.
  4. Add the Egg Mixture: Pour the prepared egg mixture over the broccoli, making sure it seeps into all the crevices. This mixture will bind the dish together and give it a fluffy, custardy texture.
  5. Top with Mozzarella: Lay slices of mozzarella cheese on top of the broccoli. You can also use shredded mozzarella if you prefer. The cheese will melt beautifully in the oven, creating a gooey, delicious topping.
  6. Season with Spices: Sprinkle oregano and red smoked paprika over the top. These spices add a burst of flavor and a slight smokiness that complements the cheese and broccoli perfectly.

Baking to Perfection:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 180°C (350°F) to preheat.
  2. Bake the Dish: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes. The dish is ready when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.

Preparing the Side Dish: Savory Potatoes

  1. Cook the Potatoes: Place the whole potatoes in a pot of boiling salted water. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the potatoes are slightly tender. Drain and let them cool slightly before cutting them into cubes.
  2. Fry the Potatoes: In a large pan, heat a generous amount of butter over medium heat. Add the cubed potatoes and cook them until they are golden brown on all sides. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
  3. Add Onions and Peppers: Once the potatoes are golden, add the finely chopped onions and red pepper to the pan. Cook until the onions are soft and the peppers are fragrant.
  4. Season: Sprinkle the mixture with smoked paprika to add a smoky, savory flavor. Stir to combine all the ingredients well.

Serving with Love:

  1. Present the Dish: Once the broccoli is baked to perfection, carefully transfer it to a serving dish. Serve alongside the savory potatoes for a complete meal.
  2. Garnish: For an extra touch of elegance, sprinkle some fresh herbs like parsley or a bit of grated Parmesan cheese over the baked broccoli. This adds color and a burst of fresh flavor.
  3. Enjoy: Gather your family or friends around the table and serve up this delicious, comforting meal. Enjoy the combination of tender broccoli, melted cheese, and flavorful potatoes with every bite.

Tips for Success

  • Choose Fresh Broccoli: Fresh broccoli will have the best flavor and texture. Look for firm, bright green florets.
  • Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: Cook the broccoli just until tender. Overcooking can lead to mushy broccoli, which won’t hold up as well in the baking process.
  • Customize the Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your liking. You can add other herbs like thyme or rosemary for a different flavor profile.
  • Check for Doneness: The cheese should be fully melted and slightly golden brown when the dish is ready to be removed from the oven.

Nutrition Information

  • Serving Size: 1 portion (based on 4 servings)
  • Calories: Approximately 350 kcal
  • Total Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 175mg
  • Sodium: 500mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Dietary Fiber: 4g
  • Sugars: 4g
  • Protein: 16g

Conclusion

This Baked Broccoli with Mozzarella is a delightful and easy way to enjoy broccoli. The combination of tender broccoli, rich mozzarella, and a perfectly seasoned egg mixture makes this dish both comforting and nutritious. Paired with savory potatoes, it’s a complete meal that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or a side, this recipe will make you fall in love with broccoli all over again!

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