Broccoli Casserole, a lip-smacking dish enriched with the flavor of broccoli, comes in many variants made in combination with ingredients like walnuts, chicken, turkey, etc. It is indeed the nutritional value of the chief ingredient broccoli, which makes this a hot favorite among the foodies. Broccoli casserole recipes are easy-to-prepare and the  major time consumption is only for the baking process.

History of Broccoli Casserole

In the olden times, broccoli casserole used to be cooked with canned cheese soup or canned cream and cheese. In most cases, the classic broccoli casserole recipes also include meat like ham, chicken or bacon, depending on the family tradition.

Ingredients Used and Popular Methods of Preparation of Broccoli Casserole Recipes

The classic cheese broccoli casserole can be cooked in different variations. The traditional ingredients include fresh broccoli, vegetable broth, cornstarch, vegetable oil, minced garlic, soy sauce, diced carrots, mushroom slices, plain breadcrumbs, butter and shredded cheddar cheese. These days egg based broccoli casserole recipes are becoming very popular and the well known examples include frittatas, stratas and quiches. The meal can also be prepared with grains such as barley and quinoa. Pine nuts and sun dried tomatoes can also be added to the dish. Depending on recipe, broccoli casseroles can take 20 minutes to one hour to bake. Broccoli casserole recipes can be eaten as standalone dishes or along with noodles, pasta, green salad or garlic bread.

Popular Broccoli Casserole Variations 

The vegan broccoli casserole is becoming quite popular these days, which can be cooked with non-dairy substitutes like soy cheese, soy milk and tofu. Nutritional yeast is also added in the vegan versions instead of cheese. The Asian broccoli casserole is another favorite that mostly relies on soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic and cashews. Healthier broccoli casserole recipes include low fat and low sodium versions where reduced fat cheese, brown rice and eggs play the key ingredients.

Health and Nutrition Facts of Broccoli Casserole Recipes

Since broccoli is a low fat and low calorie vegetable, it is considered healthy for consumption if the other ingredients used in cooking the broccoli casserole are healthy.