Imagine a dish that combines the hearty goodness of cornbread with the nutritious crunch of broccoli, all melted together with gooey cheddar cheese. This Broccoli Cornbread Casserole is not just a side dish – it's a culinary adventure that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal that will have your family begging for seconds. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner solution or a crowd-pleasing potluck contribution, this recipe is about to become your new kitchen superhero!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 package (8.5 oz) cornbread mix
- 1 cup frozen chopped broccoli, thawed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x9 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly drain the thawed frozen chopped broccoli, removing any excess moisture to prevent the casserole from becoming watery.
- In the same bowl, combine the cornbread mix, shredded cheddar cheese, milk, eggs, chopped onion, salt, and pepper. Mix ingredients until well blended, ensuring no dry pockets remain.
- Gently fold the thawed broccoli into the cornbread mixture, distributing it evenly throughout the batter.
- Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula to create a smooth top surface.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set and makes it easier to slice.
- Cut into squares and serve warm as a delicious side dish or light main course.
Tips
- Moisture Management: Make sure to thoroughly drain the thawed broccoli to prevent a soggy casserole. Use a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to remove excess water.
- Cheese Selection: While cheddar is classic, don't be afraid to experiment with different cheese varieties like monterey jack or pepper jack for a flavor twist.
- Mix Gently: When combining ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a tough, dense casserole.
- Even Baking: For consistent cooking, spread the mixture evenly in the baking dish and rotate the dish halfway through baking if your oven has hot spots.
- Serving Suggestion: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking. This allows it to set and makes cutting and serving much easier.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This casserole can be prepared in advance and refrigerated before baking. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 65mg
