Creamy Broccoli Bake: A Comforting and Nutritious Dinner Masterpiece

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Creamy Broccoli Bake

The Story Behind the Dish

In the world of comfort food, few dishes can rival the heartwarming appeal of a creamy, vegetable-packed bake. This recipe is a testament to the magic that happens when simple, wholesome ingredients come together. Born from the desire to transform humble vegetables into a spectacular dinner centerpiece, this Creamy Broccoli Bake is more than just a side dish – it’s a celebration of flavor, nutrition, and culinary creativity.

Ingredients List (US and Metric Measurements)

Main Ingredients

  • Broccoli: 1 head (approximately 300-350g or 10-12 oz)
  • Onion: 1 medium (about 150g or 5.3 oz)
  • Carrots: 2 medium (approximately 200g or 7 oz)
  • Eggs: 4 large (about 200g or 7 oz)
  • Butter: 50g (1.8 oz or 3.5 tablespoons)
  • Heavy Cream: 1 cup (200 ml or 6.8 fl oz)
  • Parmesan Cheese: 100g (3.5 oz or 1 cup grated)

Seasonings

  • Salt: To taste
  • Black Pepper: To taste
  • Dried Basil: 1 teaspoon (2g)

Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions

Preparing the Vegetables

  1. Wash the broccoli thoroughly and break it into small florets.
  2. Peel and finely dice the onion.
  3. Peel and slice the carrots into thin rounds.

Cooking Process

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
  2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
  3. Sauté the onions until translucent and slightly golden, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Add the carrot slices and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
  5. Grate about half the broccoli using a box grater, leaving the remaining florets whole.
  6. Add the grated and whole broccoli to the skillet, stirring to combine with the onions and carrots.

Preparing the Custard

  1. In a large mixing bowl, crack the eggs.
  2. Pour in the heavy cream.
  3. Add salt, black pepper, and dried basil.
  4. Whisk the mixture until well combined and smooth.

Assembling and Baking

  1. Transfer the vegetable mixture to a baking dish.
  2. Pour the egg and cream mixture over the vegetables.
  3. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top.
  4. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
  5. Let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Nutritional Information

Per Serving (Approximate):

  • Calories: 280-320
  • Protein: 12-15g
  • Carbohydrates: 10-12g
  • Fat: 22-25g
  • Fiber: 4-5g

Preparation Time: 15-20 minutes Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes Total Time: 45-55 minutes Servings: 4-6

Pro Cooking Tips and Tricks

  • For a crispier top, broil the bake for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking.
  • Ensure your vegetables are cut to similar sizes for even cooking.
  • Use fresh broccoli for the best flavor and nutritional value.
  • Don’t overcook the vegetables before baking – they’ll continue to cook in the oven.
  • Let the bake rest for a few minutes after cooking to set and make cutting easier.

Delicious Variations and Substitutions

  1. Vegetarian Protein Boost: Add cubed tofu or chickpeas to increase protein content.
  2. Dairy-Free Option: Replace cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
  3. Herb Variations: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano.
  4. Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne for heat.
  5. Gluten-Free Version: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I prepare this dish in advance? A: Yes! You can assemble the bake up to a day ahead and refrigerate. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

Q2: How do I store leftovers? A: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain texture.

Q3: Can I use frozen vegetables? A: Fresh is best, but you can use frozen vegetables. Thaw and drain thoroughly to prevent excess moisture.

Q4: Is this dish kid-friendly? A: Absolutely! The creamy texture and cheesy top make it appealing to children.

Q5: Can I make this recipe vegan? A: Yes, use plant-based egg replacer, coconut cream, and nutritional yeast.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

  • Refrigeration: Keeps well for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container.
  • Freezing: Can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Reheating: Best reheated in the oven at 160°C (320°F) to maintain crispy top.

Dive into this Creamy Broccoli Bake and transform your dinner into a nutritious, flavor-packed experience that will have everyone asking for seconds!

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