Creamy Broccoli Bacon Bake
This Creamy Broccoli Bacon Bake is a delightful, comforting dish that brings together tender broccoli, crispy bacon, and gooey American cheese, all enveloped in a creamy white sauce. Topped with crunchy slivered almonds and buttery breadcrumbs, this casserole is perfect for family dinners or potlucks. Not only is it easy to make, but it's also a fantastic way to sneak in some veggies while satisfying your cheese cravings. Serve hot, and watch it disappear!
3
Servings
247
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Frozen broccoli
10 ounces (cooked and drained)
Butter
1 tablespoon (melted for sauce and extra for breadcrumb topping)
All-purpose flour
1 tablespoon (for thickening sauce)
Milk
1 cup (whole or 2% milk for creaminess)
Salt
to taste (to season)
Black pepper
to taste (to season)
American cheese
1/2 cup (shredded)
Slivered almonds
1/4 cup (for topping)
Bacon
2 slices (cooked crisp and crumbled)
Buttered breadcrumbs
1/4 cup (for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a medium saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk to combine, cooking for about 1 minute until it becomes a paste.
3
Slowly pour in the milk, continuing to whisk until the mixture is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook until the sauce thickens, stirring frequently.
4
Remove the saucepan from heat and add the shredded American cheese, stirring until fully melted and creamy.
5
In a 9-inch baking dish, combine the cooked broccoli with the cheese sauce, mixing well to ensure the broccoli is evenly coated.
6
Sprinkle the slivered almonds and crumbled bacon over the top of the broccoli and cheese mixture.
7
In a small bowl, mix the buttered breadcrumbs with a little melted butter, then sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown. Remove from oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition Information
16g
Fat
14g
Carbs
11g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Broccoli Bacon Bake?
It is a comforting casserole dish featuring tender broccoli, crispy bacon, and American cheese in a creamy white sauce, topped with almonds and breadcrumbs.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to yield 3 servings.
What are the primary ingredients?
The main ingredients include frozen broccoli, bacon, American cheese, milk, butter, flour, slivered almonds, and breadcrumbs.
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh broccoli, but be sure to cook and drain it until tender before combining it with the cheese sauce.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
How long does the casserole need to bake?
Bake for 20 minutes or until the mixture is bubbly and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown.
What type of cheese is used in the sauce?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of shredded American cheese for a gooey and creamy texture.
Can I substitute American cheese?
Yes, you can substitute with other easy-melting cheeses like mild cheddar or Monterey Jack.
How do I make the creamy sauce?
Melt butter, whisk in flour to make a paste, slowly add milk while whisking until thick, then stir in the cheese.
What kind of milk works best?
Whole or 2 percent milk is recommended to ensure the sauce remains rich and creamy.
Is this Broccoli Bacon Bake gluten-free?
No, this recipe contains all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs, which contain gluten.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 247 calories.
Can I use different nuts for the topping?
Yes, while slivered almonds provide a great crunch, you could use chopped walnuts or pecans.
How should the bacon be prepared?
The bacon should be cooked until crisp and then crumbled into small pieces before adding to the topping.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the bacon to create a delicious vegetarian broccoli and cheese bake.
How should leftovers be stored?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, though the texture of the cream sauce may change slightly upon thawing and reheating.
What size baking dish is required?
A 9-inch baking dish is the ideal size for this recipe.
Can I use panko instead of regular breadcrumbs?
Absolutely, panko breadcrumbs will give the dish an even crunchier topping.
How do I prevent the sauce from getting lumpy?
Pour the milk in very slowly while whisking constantly to ensure a smooth consistency.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, cauliflower or diced carrots would make excellent additions to this casserole.
What is the protein content?
This dish provides 11 grams of protein per serving.
Is this a low-carb recipe?
With 14 grams of carbohydrates per serving, it is moderate; you can reduce carbs by omitting the breadcrumbs.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dish and refrigerate it, then bake it just before serving.
How do I reheat the leftovers?
Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through.
What side dishes go well with this?
It pairs perfectly with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or a fresh garden salad.
How much fat is in each serving?
There are 16 grams of fat per serving.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, though butter is recommended for the best flavor in the roux and breadcrumb topping.
What is the purpose of the flour?
The flour acts as a thickener when combined with butter and milk to create the base for the cheese sauce.
Is this recipe suitable for children?
Yes, the combination of cheese and bacon makes it a very kid-friendly way to serve vegetables.