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Alton Brown Broccoli Casserole Recipe

Alton Brown Broccoli Casserole Recipe

Alton Brown’s Broccoli Casserole is a dish worth adding to your recipe collection!

Using a blend of cheeses, yogurt, and mayonnaise, this casserole achieves a rich, creamy texture that’s perfect for any family meal.

The key to making this recipe shine is to ensure you blanch your broccoli for just one minute before baking.

This not only keeps the broccoli vibrant but also retains a delightful crunch.

I’ve made this dish countless times, and the combination of cheddar and broccoli always hits the spot, making it one of my favorites.

How to Make Alton Brown’s Broccoli Casserole

Ingredients

  • 2 cups Broccoli (chopped)
  • 1 cup Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
  • 1 cup Mayonnaise
  • 1 cup Yogurt
  • 0.5 cup Blue Cheese Dressing
  • 2 Eggs
  • 0.5 tsp Salt
  • 0.5 tsp Pepper
  • 1 pack Ramen Noodles (flavor pack separated)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.

Step 2:

In a large bowl, mix mayonnaise, yogurt, cheddar cheese, blue cheese dressing, eggs, salt, pepper, and the ramen noodle flavor pack.

Step 3:

Blanch the chopped broccoli in boiling water for one minute.

Step 4:

Prepare an ice bath and transfer the broccoli to it immediately after blanching.

Step 5:

Drain the broccoli and mix it with the sauce you prepared in Step 2.

Step 6:

Cook the ramen noodles as per package instructions, drain, and mix them into the broccoli and sauce mixture.

Step 7:

Spray an 8-inch square glass baking dish with nonstick spray.

Step 8:

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.

Step 9:

Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.

Step 10:

Uncover the dish and bake for an additional 15 minutes to let the top crisp up.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Mix Ingredients Thoroughly

Make sure to mix the cheeses, mayonnaise, and yogurt thoroughly for a well-blended and flavorful sauce.

Blanch Broccoli Quickly

Blanching the broccoli only takes a minute, and it’s crucial not to overcook it for a perfect texture.

Evenly Distribute Ingredients

Ensure that the wet mixture evenly coats the broccoli, mushrooms, and noodles for a consistent taste in every bite.

Bake Covered Then Uncovered

Cover the dish initially while baking to prevent the top from burning, and uncover it for the final 15 minutes to achieve a crunchy top.

Customize Flavor

Feel free to add extra ingredients like mushrooms or bacon to customize the flavor to your liking.

What to Serve with Alton Brown Broccoli Casserole

Garlic Bread

A classic pairing with broccoli casserole is garlic bread.

The crunchy crust and the savory garlic butter spread provide a delightful contrast to the creamy casserole.

You’ll find that it really complements the flavors!

Roasted Vegetables

Consider adding roasted vegetables to your meal.

Carrots, Brussels sprouts, and bell peppers work well because they bring color and added nutrients.

Roasting enhances their natural sweetness, adding balance to your plate.

Quinoa Salad

For something a bit lighter, try a quinoa salad.

Packed with protein, quinoa can add a healthy twist.

You can mix in some fresh herbs, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette.

Stuffed Peppers

For a more creative side, stuffed peppers can be a great choice.

Use a mixture of rice, ground meat, or beans with spices to fill your peppers.

They bring a pop of color and a new texture to your meal.

Baked Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are another side that complements broccoli casserole nicely.

Their natural sweetness and creamy texture blend well with the flavors of the casserole.

You can bake them until soft and top them with a bit of butter or cinnamon.

Enjoy your meal!

Variations and Substitutions

You can use different cheeses to change up the flavor of the broccoli casserole.

While cheddar is classic, adding some Gruyère or mozzarella can bring a different twist.

Instead of broccoli, you can mix in other vegetables like cauliflower or green beans.

For a healthier alternative, try using Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise.

You can bring more texture by swapping ramen noodles with cooked quinoa or brown rice.

Gluten-Free Option

If you need a gluten-free version, replace traditional ramen noodles with gluten-free pasta.

Ensure the broth or seasoning used is also gluten-free.

Protein Additions

Consider adding cooked chicken or turkey for a more hearty meal.

Dice the meat into small pieces to distribute it evenly throughout the casserole.

Vegan Adjustments

For a vegan casserole, use dairy-free cheese and plant-based yogurt.

Replace the eggs with a flax or chia seed mixture as a binder.

Use vegan mayonnaise available in most grocery stores.

Spicing Things Up

If you like some heat, add finely chopped jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes.

For a smoky flavor, a touch of smoked paprika can do wonders.

How to Store Leftover Alton Brown Broccoli Casserole

Container Choice

Use an airtight container to store leftover broccoli casserole.

This keeps it fresh and prevents any odors from your fridge affecting the taste.

Fridge Storage

Place the airtight container in the refrigerator.

Leftover broccoli casserole can be kept for up to 3-4 days.

Freezer Option

If you want to store it longer, freeze the casserole.

Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil.

It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking Broccoli

It’s crucial to not overcook the broccoli when making Alton Brown’s casserole.

Broccoli should be blanched for just one minute to maintain its firmness and bright green color.

Overcooked broccoli becomes mushy and loses its vibrant quality!

Uneven Mixing

Make sure to mix the cheeses, mayonnaise, and yogurt thoroughly for a consistent flavor throughout the casserole.

Uneven mixing can result in some bites being too salty or cheesy while others are bland.

Aim for an even coating on the broccoli, mushrooms, and noodles to provide balanced flavor in every bite!

Ignoring Noodle Seasoning

Don’t forget to use the flavor pack from the noodles as it adds a depth of taste to the dish.

Leaving out this seasoning means missing out on a layer of deliciousness that sets this casserole apart.

Remember to incorporate it well into the wet mixture for enhanced flavor!

alton brown broccoli casserole

Alton Brown Broccoli Casserole Recipe

Alton Brown's Broccoli Casserole is a dish worth adding to your recipe collection!
Using a blend of cheeses, yogurt, and mayonnaise, this casserole achieves a rich, creamy texture that's perfect for any family meal.
The key to making this recipe shine is to ensure you blanch your broccoli for just one minute before baking.
This not only keeps the broccoli vibrant but also retains a delightful crunch.
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time35 minutes
Total Time1 hour 5 minutes
Course: Dinner
Servings: 6

Ingredients

  • 2 cups Broccoli chopped
  • 1 cup Cheddar Cheese shredded
  • 1 cup Mayonnaise
  • 1 cup Yogurt
  • 0.5 cup Blue Cheese Dressing
  • 2 Eggs
  • 0.5 tsp Salt
  • 0.5 tsp Pepper
  • 1 pack Ramen Noodles flavor pack separated

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
  • In a large bowl, mix mayonnaise, yogurt, cheddar cheese, blue cheese dressing, eggs, salt, pepper, and the ramen noodle flavor pack.
  • Blanch the chopped broccoli in boiling water for one minute.
  • Prepare an ice bath and transfer the broccoli to it immediately after blanching.
  • Drain the broccoli and mix it with the sauce you prepared in Step 2.
  • Cook the ramen noodles as per package instructions, drain, and mix them into the broccoli and sauce mixture.
  • Spray an 8-inch square glass baking dish with nonstick spray.
  • Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
  • Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
  • Uncover the dish and bake for an additional 15 minutes to let the top crisp up.

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