Craving a delicious and healthy meal that's both comforting and satisfying? Look no further than this incredible Broccoli Potato Bake! This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a simple yet flavorful dish the whole family will adore. Forget complicated recipes and lengthy cooking times; this easy recipe is your ticket to a homemade, healthy meal without the fuss. Let's dive in!
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup milk (whole milk recommended for creaminess)
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional, for added warmth)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Vegetables
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Boil the sliced potatoes until slightly tender, about 5-7 minutes. This helps them cook evenly in the bake. Meanwhile, steam or blanch the broccoli florets until bright green and crisp-tender, about 3-5 minutes. Avoid overcooking, as we want them to retain their texture.
Step 2: Sautéing Aromatics
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Assembling the Bake
In a large bowl, combine the partially cooked potatoes, broccoli florets, and sautéed onion-garlic mixture. Add the milk, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Gently toss everything together until well combined.
Step 4: Baking to Perfection
Pour the potato and broccoli mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender, the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is lightly golden brown.
Step 5: Serving and Enjoying
Remove the Broccoli Potato Bake from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This delicious and healthy meal is perfect on its own or paired with a simple side salad.
Cooking Tips for the Best Broccoli Potato Bake:
- Don't overcook the vegetables: Slightly undercooked vegetables will finish cooking in the oven, resulting in a better texture.
- Use quality cheese: The cheese plays a vital role in the flavor and richness of this dish. A sharp cheddar is a great choice.
- Add some herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary would complement the flavors beautifully. Add them to the sautéed onions and garlic.
- Make it creamy: For an extra creamy bake, add a splash of heavy cream along with the milk.
Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Add protein: Cooked bacon, ham, or sausage would add a savory dimension to this dish.
- Different cheese: Experiment with other cheeses like Gruyere, Fontina, or Monterey Jack.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: 10-15g
- Protein: 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
- Fiber: 4-5g
This Broccoli Potato Bake is a simple, delicious, and healthy addition to your weekly meal rotation. It's a quick dinner idea that's perfect for a comforting and satisfying meal any night of the week. Enjoy!