Cheesy Jamie Oliver Broccoli Bake Recipe for Veggie Lovers

Broccoli bake emerges as a culinary revelation, transforming mundane vegetables into a mouthwatering sensation.

This vibrant dish packs a punch of flavor that will electrify your taste buds.

Emerald florets nestle beneath a crackling golden crust of seasoned breadcrumbs and melted cheese.

Velvety textures intertwine with crisp edges, creating a symphony of delectable sensations.

Nutrient-rich ingredients dance together, crafting a wholesome experience that nourishes body and soul.

With simple techniques and everyday kitchen tools, you can craft this stunning side dish that turns ordinary meals into memorable feasts.

Let this extraordinary broccoli bake become your secret weapon for delighting dinner companions and conquering culinary challenges.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 4

What You Need for Jamie Oliver Broccoli Bake

• Panko Breadcrumbs: Choose light, airy crumbs for maximum crunch and golden texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Select freshly grated cheese for richer, more authentic flavor.

• Butter: Use unsalted, high-quality butter for smoother sauce and better control of saltiness.
• Milk: Whole milk provides creamier consistency and richer mouthfeel.
• White Whole Wheat Flour: Select finely ground flour for smoother roux without grainy texture.
• Cheese: Pick sharp cheddar or gruyere for deeper, more complex cheese flavor.

• Broccoli: Choose fresh, bright green florets with tight, firm clusters for best texture.
• Salt: Use kosher or sea salt for cleaner, more balanced seasoning.
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground provides more vibrant, intense pepper notes.
• Mustard: Dijon mustard adds tangy depth to cheese sauce.
• Cayenne Pepper: Optional spice for those desiring subtle heat and complexity.

Cooking Steps for Jamie Oliver Broccoli Bake

• Fire Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a sizzling 400°F, getting ready for a mouth-watering culinary adventure.

• Create Crunchy Topping

Whip together crispy breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, setting the zesty mixture aside for a flavor explosion.

• Blanch The Broccoli

Quickly boil broccoli until it’s tender-crisp, then drain and set aside, preserving its vibrant green goodness.

• Craft The Creamy Base

Melt butter in a pan, dust with flour, and whisk until golden. Slowly pour in milk, stirring constantly to create a silky smooth sauce. Punch up the flavor with a dash of salt, mustard, and a hint of cayenne for a spicy kick.

• Cheese It Up

Pull the pan off the heat and fold in cheese until the sauce becomes luxuriously creamy and irresistible.

• Build The Casserole

Toss the broccoli into the cheesy sauce, spreading the mixture evenly in the pan. Shower the top with the crispy Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture for maximum crunch.

• Bake And Brown

Slide the pan into the oven for 20-25 minutes until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown. For extra pizzazz, zap it under the broiler for a few minutes to create an ultimate crispy crust.

Dive in and savor every cheesy, crunchy bite of this broccoli masterpiece!

Tips and Variations for Jamie Oliver Broccoli Bake

Explore different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar, gruyere, or pepper jack for unique flavor profiles.

Add red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, or fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary to enhance the dish’s overall taste and aroma.

Incorporate diced chicken, crispy bacon bits, or ham to transform the broccoli bake into a complete meal with added protein and texture.

Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or use low-fat milk to create a healthier version without compromising on creamy goodness.

How to Serve Jamie Oliver Broccoli Bake

• Serve Up Veggie Delight: Create a hearty main course with this cheesy broccoli bake as the star of your dinner plate.
• Pair with Protein: Complement the dish with grilled chicken, baked salmon, or sliced roasted turkey for a complete nutritious meal.
• Brunch-Style Presentation: Transform the bake into a breakfast favorite by adding a poached egg on top and serving alongside crispy toast or bacon strips.
• Side Dish Sensation: Use this broccoli bake as a crowd-pleasing side dish for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or family dinners, guaranteed to impress guests with its creamy texture and crunchy topping.

Store and Plan with Jamie Oliver Broccoli Bake

• Preserve Freshness Wisely
• Store leftover broccoli bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping its delicious flavors intact.
• Reheat with Care
• Warm the dish in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to maintain its crispy topping and prevent soggy texture.
• Freeze for Later Enjoyment
• Wrap the cooled broccoli bake tightly in freezer-safe wrap or container, storing for up to 2 months for a quick future meal.
• Prep Ahead Strategy
• Assemble the entire dish up to the baking stage, cover, and refrigerate for 24 hours before baking, making meal planning a breeze.

Kitchen Gear for Jamie Oliver Broccoli Bake

• Oven: Preheating to 400°F for perfect baking.
• Large Pot: For boiling broccoli to crisp-tender texture.
• Large Oven-Safe Pan: Cast iron or wide, deep skillet works great for mixing and baking.
• Whisk: Essential for creating smooth roux and preventing lumps in sauce.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise ingredient measurements.
• Colander: For draining boiled broccoli.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For mixing ingredients and stirring sauce.
• Cutting Board: Optional for preparing ingredients.
• Chef's Knife: Optional for chopping if needed.
• Broiler (optional): For extra crispy topping finish.

Wholesome Jamie Oliver Broccoli Bake Recipe

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4.7 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Jamie oliver’s broccoli bake combines creamy cheese sauce with tender broccoli florets in a comforting casserole. Simple ingredients and quick preparation make this dish perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something deliciously satisfying.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 5 cups (1.25 lbs/567 g) broccoli florets, coarsely chopped
• 1 ¾ cups (414 ml) non-fat milk
• ½ cup (50 g) extra sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
• ¾ cup (60 g) panko breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup (25 g) Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• 3 tbsps (42 g) unsalted butter, divided
• ¼ cup (30 g) white whole wheat flour
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp kosher salt
• ¼ tsp dry mustard
• ¼ tsp black pepper, freshly ground
• 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

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Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Crank the oven to 400°F (204°C), positioning the rack in the center for optimal heat distribution.
2. Cheese Crumb Topping: Blend Panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese in a mixing bowl, creating a crisp, savory coating that will crown the dish.
3. Broccoli Blanching: Plunge broccoli florets into boiling water for 3 minutes, achieving a vibrant green color and tender-crisp texture. Quickly drain and set aside.
4. Roux Foundation: In an oven-safe skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in white whole wheat flour, cooking for one minute to develop a nutty, golden base.
5. Sauce Development: Stream milk into the roux, stirring continuously to create a silky, lump-free sauce. Introduce salt, ground mustard, black pepper, and cayenne for a flavor-packed profile.
6. Cheese Integration: Remove from heat and fold in shredded cheese until completely melted, forming a luxurious, creamy sauce.
7. Broccoli Combination: Gently incorporate blanched broccoli into the cheese sauce, ensuring each floret is generously coated with the rich mixture.
8. Final Assembly: Spread the broccoli-cheese blend evenly in the skillet, then generously sprinkle the prepared Panko-Parmesan topping across the surface.
9. Baking Finale: Slide the skillet into the preheated oven, baking for 20-25 minutes until the topping turns golden and crispy. For an extra-crisp finish, broil for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Notes

• Optimize Blanching: Precisely time broccoli cooking to maintain vibrant color and crisp-tender texture without overcooking.
• Prevent Lumpy Sauce: Whisk flour and butter consistently, then add milk gradually to ensure a silky, smooth cheese sauce.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Remove skillet from heat when incorporating cheese to prevent separation and achieve creamy consistency.
• Crispy Topping Trick: Watch closely during broiling to achieve golden-brown crunch without burning the breadcrumb layer.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg