Broccoli Casserole

This is not just a great Thanksgiving day side dish, this is also incredible as a side for steak, chicken, pork or as a light main dish with a small salad.

The other thing I like about this dish, believe it or not, it it takes almost an hour to make. I know so many people want fast and easy but honestly this is the best of both worlds. The prep time is actually quick and easy. Then you throw it in the oven for roughly an hour. Perfect amount of time to have a glass of wine, take a relaxing bath if you’re so inclined, download the day with your loved ones, or just relax and inhale the delicious smells from the oven as it all comes together. Trust me, your family and friends will ask you to make this one again!

While I usually like to make everything from scratch, one of the key ingredients to this dish is Cheese Whiz….pure processed goodness! I’ve tried other substitutes but nothing compares soooooo….everything in moderation right? Plus, it has broccoli in it so that makes everything healthy right?! For this dish, give into the Whiz!!!

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Recipe

Broccoli Casserole

• 4 Tablespoons butter

• 1 small onion, diced small to medium

• 2 Tablespoons Flour

• 1/2 cup water

• 8 oz of Cheese Whiz

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper

• 1 bag frozen chopped broccoli (12 oz)

• 3 XL eggs, well beaten

• 2 Tablespoons butter

• 1/2 cup Italian style Panko bread crumbs

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and pour yourself a glass of chardonnay. No, the wine does not make the pven preheat any faster but it sure does make the time going by more delicious and enjoyable!

2. Butter a 1 1/2 qt casserole dish well (sides and bottom).

3. Melt the 4 Tablespoons of butter in a large saute pan over medium high heat. Chop onion and add to melted butter and saute for a few minutes. Add the flour and mix well stirring for a minute. Add the water and continue stirring for another minute or so until thick.

4. Add that “organic” goodness called Cheese Whiz and stir to melt and combine.

5. Add frozen broccoli and stir until thoroughly combined. Add the salt and pepper and give one last stir. Remove pan from heat.

6. Add beaten eggs and combine completely. Pour into greased casserole dish.

7. Now because I don’t like doing dishes, and because I’m a big believer in picking up as much of that cheesy goodness in the pan as possible, add your remaining 2 Tablespoons of butter to same saute pan and melt over medium heat. Add your Panko crumbs and stir to coat and combine, for about a minute or 2.. Make sure to scrape up all that goodness. Sprinkle over top of casserole and spread to fully cover.

8. Bake at 350 for 50-55 minutes until just set and barely jiggles when you lightly shake the dish. Take out of oven and let sit for a few minutes and then serve.

crispy topping, creamy custardy cheesiness inside….yummmmmmm