When it comes to comfort food, this potato and broccoli bake takes the cake. It’s easy to prepare, full of rich flavors, and perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends. This dish combines tender potatoes, nutritious broccoli, and a velvety cheese sauce to create a mouthwatering meal that everyone will enjoy. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or a hearty side dish, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 900 g (2 lbs) potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 500 g (1 lb 2 oz) broccoli, cut into florets
- 50 g (2 oz) butter
- 2 cups (480 ml) milk
- 2 tbsp (16 g) flour
- 50 g (2 oz) Parmesan, grated
- 50 g (2 oz) Emmental cheese (or other cheese of your choice), grated
- Salt, pepper, and nutmeg, to taste
- Oil, for greasing or cooking
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Boil the Potatoes
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the peeled and chopped potatoes and cook them for 8 minutes, just until they’re partially cooked. You want the potatoes to hold their shape for baking, so avoid overcooking. Once ready, drain the potatoes and set them aside.
2. Prepare the Broccoli
In a separate pot, bring another batch of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 7 minutes until they become tender but still vibrant in color. After cooking, drain the broccoli thoroughly and set it aside alongside the potatoes.
3. Make the Velvety Cheese Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, add the flour and stir continuously for 1–2 minutes to form a smooth roux. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking as you go to avoid lumps. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Once thickened, season the sauce generously with salt, freshly ground pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth. Set the sauce aside.
4. Assemble the Potato and Broccoli Bake
Preheat your oven to 180°C (360°F). Grease a large baking dish with a bit of oil. Now, begin layering the dish. Start with a layer of the partially cooked potatoes, followed by some broccoli florets. Pour over a portion of the cheese sauce, ensuring it coats the vegetables evenly. Continue layering potatoes, broccoli, and sauce until all the ingredients are used, finishing with a top layer of sauce.
5. Add the Cheesy Topping
Once the layers are complete, generously sprinkle the grated Parmesan and Emmental cheese over the top. This will create a wonderfully golden and bubbly crust during baking.
6. Bake to Perfection
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes. Keep an eye on the dish—it’s ready when the top is beautifully golden brown and the sauce is bubbling at the edges. Once done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Tips for Perfecting the Dish
- Choose the right potatoes: Waxy potatoes, like Yukon Gold or red potatoes, hold their shape well during baking and offer a creamy texture that complements the cheese sauce perfectly.
- Don’t overcook the vegetables: Partially boiling the potatoes and broccoli before baking ensures they’ll be tender but not mushy once the dish is finished.
- Adjust the seasoning: Be sure to taste the sauce before layering the dish. A good balance of salt, pepper, and nutmeg enhances the flavors of the vegetables and cheese.
Serving Suggestions
This indulgent potato and broccoli bake can be enjoyed on its own as a satisfying vegetarian main course, or it can serve as a delicious side dish to complement roasted meats or grilled fish. To complete the meal, consider pairing it with a crisp side salad or crusty bread for extra texture.
Nutritional Information
This recipe serves 6 and provides approximately:
- Calories: 360 kcal per serving
- Protein: 12 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Calcium: 180 mg
Broccoli adds a great dose of fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins C and K to the dish, while potatoes offer a good source of potassium, vitamin B6, and vitamin C. The combination of vegetables with the rich cheese sauce ensures both flavor and nutrition in every bite.
Sharing and Enjoying
Once you’ve mastered this recipe, it’s a wonderful dish to share with friends and family. Perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or cozy gatherings, this potato and broccoli bake brings everyone to the table. The comforting blend of soft potatoes, tender broccoli, and gooey cheese makes it a dish worth savoring—and a recipe you’ll return to again and again.
Enjoy this comforting potato and broccoli bake, and don’t forget to pass the recipe on to fellow food lovers who appreciate a hearty, delicious meal!