Tuesday, March 11, 2025

1960s Broccoli and Cheese Casserole

I asked one of my siblings if our Mom ever made this. "Nope, and she probably wouldn't have, either". Mom was a northern girl. They boiled the liver out of their veggies, overcooked their rice, and put too much cheese in just about everything.

Damn Yankees! 

Well, I did have this in the 70s. Another one of those "people with six kids stretch the food" meal ideas. 

I ate this at the homes of those I babysat for. There was always some leftover from their family meal and after my young charges went to bed, I would slip in for a nibble or two.

It wasn't half bad. Should I healthify it? Ohhh maybe someday ;)

  • 2 cups white rice (cooked)
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • 6 tbsp fresh grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 tsp mixed dry herbs (herbs provincial)
  • 3 egg whites
  • 2 oz fontina or other very soft melting cheese
  • 4 cups chopped broccoli florets
  • 1 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1/4 cup reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese (can be replaced with shredded swiss)
  • 3/4 cups egg substitute
  • 3/4 cup 1% milk or original, unsweetened almond milk
  • 2 1oz sliced white bread, hardened from being in the air

  1. Combine rice, 1/2 of parmesan cheese, 1/4 tsp of the salt and herbs, and egg whites.
  2. Press into an 11 x 7 " coated dish. Sprinkle with the fontina and set aside.
  3. Cook the broccoli until tender, drain and dry on a tee towel.
  4. Heat a large, nonstick skillet
  5. Saute onion until tender
  6. Stir in the broccoli
  7. Spoon over the rice and top with the cheddar (or swiss) cheese.
  8. Combine egg substitute, milk, salt, and pepper.
  9. Whisk.
  10. Pour over the casserole.
  11. Process the bread into coarse crumbs
  12. Mix with the remaining parmesan cheese.
  13. Sprinkle over the casserole and bake at 400 degrees for 23 minutes.