Cheesy Broccoli Mushroom Bake
Indulge in this delightful Cheesy Broccoli Mushroom Bake that beautifully combines fresh broccoli, earthy mushrooms, and rich cheddar cheese. Perfect for a family dinner or potluck, this dish offers a creamy, satisfying taste while being packed with nutrients. Whether served as a side or a main dish over fluffy rice, this recipe is sure to impress your guests and leave them wanting more. A delicious comfort food option that's easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
fresh broccoli
3 cups (chopped)
fresh mushrooms
1 1/2 cups (sliced)
large onion
1 (chopped)
butter
1/4 cup (divided)
flour
2 tablespoons
milk
1 cup
salt
1/2 teaspoon
pepper
1/4 teaspoon
shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup
cooked rice
as needed (hot)
soy sauce
to taste
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the chopped broccoli in boiling water for about 5 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Drain and set aside.
2
In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Sauté the sliced mushrooms and chopped onion until the onion is tender and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
3
In a heavy saucepan, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over low heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour until the mixture is smooth. Continue whisking for about 1 minute to cook the flour.
4
Gradually pour in the milk while stirring constantly. Increase the heat to medium and cook the mixture, stirring often, until it thickens and starts bubbling, about 5-7 minutes.
5
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the salt, pepper, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese has fully melted. Incorporate the sautéed mushroom and onion mixture into the sauce.
6
In a greased 1 1/2 quart casserole dish, layer the cooked broccoli. Pour the cheesy sauce evenly over the broccoli.
7
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
8
Serve hot over cooked rice, drizzled with soy sauce for added flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Cheesy Broccoli Mushroom Bake?
It is a comforting casserole dish that combines fresh broccoli, mushrooms, and onions in a creamy cheddar cheese sauce, typically served over rice.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients in total, including vegetables, dairy, and seasonings.
What are the primary vegetables used in this bake?
The main vegetables are 3 cups of fresh broccoli, 1 1/2 cups of fresh mushrooms, and one large onion.
How should the broccoli be prepared before baking?
The broccoli should be chopped and cooked in boiling water for about 5 minutes until it is bright green and tender-crisp.
What oven temperature is needed for the Cheesy Broccoli Mushroom Bake?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long does the dish need to bake?
The casserole should bake for approximately 25 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
What kind of cheese is used in the sauce?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli, but ensure it is thawed and drained well to prevent the sauce from becoming too watery.
How do I prepare the mushrooms?
The fresh mushrooms should be cleaned and sliced before being sautéed with the onions.
What is the purpose of the flour in the recipe?
The flour is whisked into melted butter to create a roux, which acts as a thickening agent for the milk-based cheese sauce.
Can I substitute the butter?
You can use margarine or a plant-based butter substitute, though the flavor profile may change slightly.
How should the onion be processed?
The onion should be chopped and then sautéed in butter until it is tender and translucent.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains only vegetables, dairy, and grains.
What type of milk works best for the sauce?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of milk; whole milk or 2% usually provides the creamiest results.
How is this dish served?
It is traditionally served hot over a bed of fluffy cooked rice.
Why is soy sauce included in the instructions?
Soy sauce is used as a final drizzle over the served dish to add a boost of savory umami flavor.
Can I add other seasonings to the cheese sauce?
While the recipe specifies salt and pepper, you can add garlic powder or paprika for extra depth.
What size casserole dish is recommended?
A greased 1 1/2 quart casserole dish is the ideal size for this amount of ingredients.
How do I prevent the cheese sauce from curdling?
Remove the saucepan from the heat before stirring in the shredded cheddar cheese to ensure a smooth, melted consistency.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the layers and keep it refrigerated until you are ready to bake it, though you may need to add a few minutes to the baking time.
How do I know when the bake is finished?
The dish is ready when the cheese sauce is bubbling and the top layer has developed a light golden-brown color.
Is this a side dish or a main course?
It can serve as either; it is hearty enough for a main dish over rice or light enough to be a vegetable side.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, Swiss or Monterey Jack would also work well, though cheddar provides the classic sharp flavor.
How long should I sauté the mushrooms and onions?
Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes over medium heat until the onions are soft.
Can I add protein like chicken to the bake?
Yes, cooked shredded chicken can be added to the layers for a more protein-heavy meal.
What texture should the broccoli be after the initial boil?
It should be tender-crisp, meaning it is soft enough to eat but still retains a slight bite and firm structure.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Can the Cheesy Broccoli Mushroom Bake be frozen?
It can be frozen, though the texture of the mushrooms and dairy sauce may change slightly upon thawing.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, the mild, creamy cheese sauce makes it an excellent way to encourage children to eat their vegetables.
What makes this a 'comfort food'?
The combination of warm, melted cheese, creamy sauce, and hearty rice creates a satisfying and nostalgic meal experience.