Delicious Main Dishes To Serve With Broccoli Cheese Casserole

Broccoli and cheese casserole is a versatile side dish that can be served with a variety of main courses. It goes well with roasted turkey breast, smoked prime rib, steak, sugar-glazed ham, roast chicken, and pork chops. For a more substantial meal, it can be served with egg noodles or rice, or even turned into a one-dish meal by adding shredded chicken to the recipe.

Roasted turkey breast with garlic and herbs

A delicious and healthy dish, roasted turkey breast with garlic and herbs is the perfect main course to serve with a side of broccoli and cheese casserole. This dish is not only juicy and tender but also full of flavour, making it a great option for a family dinner or even a holiday meal. Here is a detailed recipe to help you prepare this mouth-watering dish.

Ingredients:

• Turkey breast, preferably with skin on and bone-in (around 2.5 kg or 5 pounds)
• 4-6 cloves of garlic, peeled and minced
• 2-3 sprigs of fresh rosemary
• 3-4 sprigs of fresh thyme
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 tablespoon of butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon of paprika (optional)
• 1/2 cup of chicken broth or white wine

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
• Using a sharp knife, carefully separate the skin from the turkey breast meat, creating a pocket. Be gentle to avoid tearing the skin.
• In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, olive oil, softened butter, salt, pepper, and paprika (if using).
• Carefully spread the herb and garlic mixture under the skin of the turkey breast, massaging it into the meat.
• Place the turkey breast, skin-side up, in a roasting pan. Pour the chicken broth or white wine into the bottom of the pan.
• Roast the turkey in the preheated oven for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast reads 74°C (165°F).
• Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.
• Carve the turkey breast and serve it with the broccoli and cheese casserole.

Tips and Variations:

• If you prefer a stronger garlic flavour, you can make small slits in the meat and insert thin slices of garlic.
• For a crispier skin, rub the outside of the turkey breast with a mixture of olive oil and your choice of herbs and spices before roasting.
• You can also add other herbs and spices of your choice to the mixture, such as sage, parsley, or red pepper flakes.
• If you want to make a gravy, use the juices from the roasting pan. Simply transfer the juices to a saucepan, skim off the excess fat, and add some cornstarch or flour to thicken.

Enjoy your delicious roasted turkey breast with garlic and herbs, paired perfectly with the broccoli and cheese casserole!

Smoked prime rib

A smoked prime rib is a large cut of beef, weighing up to 30 pounds, that is perfect for a holiday table or special occasion. It is a boneless or bone-in ribeye roast, slow-smoked at lower temperatures to achieve the desired internal doneness.

Ingredients:

• 8-10 pound prime rib roast
• Sea salt and black pepper for seasoning
• Olive oil or another preferred oil/fat
• Fresh herbs such as parsley, thyme, and rosemary (or dried herbs)
• Garlic

Method:

• Preheat your smoker to between 225° and 235°F.
• Trim any excess fat from the prime rib, leaving some fat to help flavour the meat.
• Coat the roast with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.
• Make a garlic and herb rub by mixing olive oil with the herbs and garlic.
• Coat the prime rib with the garlic and herb rub, ensuring it is completely covered.
• Place the roast on the top rack of the smoker and put an aluminium pan underneath to catch any drippings.
• Smoke the prime rib until it reaches an internal temperature of 100°F. This usually takes about 2 1/2 to 3 hours.
• Increase the smoker temperature to 400°F or 500°F and continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 118° to 120°F.
• Remove the roast and spread on any remaining garlic and herb rub.
• Let the prime rib rest for about 20 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips:

• A bone-in prime rib will take longer to smoke.
• It is important to have cold meat when placing it on the smoker to absorb as much smoke as possible.
• The fat cap on the roast helps to provide flavour.
• When resting the roast, it will increase in temperature by another 5° to 10°F.
• Trimming the fat before cooking will help create a desirable crust.
• For a rare, bone-in roast, plan for 35 minutes per pound of prime rib.
• It takes approximately 35 minutes per pound to smoke prime rib to rare doneness at 225°F.
• If you prefer your prime rib closer to medium doneness, plan for 40 minutes per pound at 225°F or smoke at 250°F for 30-35 minutes per pound.
• For a complete meal, serve the smoked prime rib with a side of broccoli and cheese casserole.

Roast chicken

Choosing the Right Chicken

Select a whole chicken that is the right size for the number of people you are serving. A good rule of thumb is to allow about 1/2 pound of chicken per person. Look for a chicken with healthy, plump breast meat and avoid any with discoloured skin. You can also opt for a free-range or organic chicken, which tend to have better flavour and texture.

Preparing the Chicken

Take the chicken out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before you plan to cook it to bring it to room temperature. This will help ensure more even cooking. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper, both inside and out. You can also stuff the cavity with aromatics like lemon wedges, garlic cloves, and fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to add extra flavour.

Cooking the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the chicken on a rack in a roasting pan, breast-side up. For a crispy skin, brush the chicken with melted butter or olive oil before placing it in the oven. Roast the chicken for about 20 minutes per pound, or until the juices run clear when you cut between the leg and thigh. The internal temperature should be 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer.

Serving the Chicken

Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and ensure that the meat is juicy and tender. Carve the chicken into serving pieces and arrange on a platter. Serve alongside your broccoli and cheese casserole for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Customising the Dish

You can also customise your roast chicken to suit your taste preferences. Try rubbing the chicken with your favourite herbs and spices before roasting, or make a compound butter with garlic, parsley, and lemon zest to brush over the chicken. You can also add vegetables to the roasting pan, such as potatoes, carrots, or onions, to create a complete one-pan meal.

Pork tenderloin

Pork, Broccoli and Rice Casserole

This is a hearty and flavourful dish that combines pork, broccoli, rice, and a hint of curry. It can be made ahead of time and is easy to prepare. You can use leftover pork roast, or cook the pork specifically for this dish. The recipe suggests browning the pork in a skillet with olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, dried onion, garlic, salt, and pepper. The pork is then combined with cooked rice, broccoli, and a creamy soup mixture, and baked in the oven.

Cheesy Potato Broccoli Pork Chop Bake

This recipe takes the classic combination of potatoes, cheese, and broccoli to the next level by adding seasoned pork chops. The pork chops are seasoned with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, and browned in a skillet before being added to the casserole. The casserole itself is made with frozen hash brown potatoes, cream of celery soup, sour cream, milk, shredded cheese, and chopped onion. Broccoli florets are added to the mixture, and the pork chops are placed on top before baking.

Pork & Broccoli Casserole

This recipe is perfect for making ahead and freezing. It combines cubed boneless pork chops with cooked bow tie pasta, fresh broccoli florets, cream of mushroom soup, cream of celery soup, Worcestershire sauce, and grated Parmesan cheese. The pork and pasta are cooked and combined with the soups and seasonings, then layered with the broccoli in a baking dish. The casserole is then baked in the oven until heated through.

When serving pork tenderloin with broccoli and cheese casserole, you can adjust the recipes to your taste and add your own favourite ingredients. These dishes are sure to be a hit with your family and friends!

Steak

Grilled Steak

For a classic option, you can grill your favourite cut of steak to your desired doneness. A well-seared ribeye or strip steak can be a delicious choice. Serve the steak with a generous portion of the broccoli and cheese casserole on the side. Don't forget to season the steak with salt and pepper, and perhaps a herb butter on top for extra flavour.

Pan-Seared Steak

If you prefer a pan-seared steak, go for a cut like sirloin or filet. Sear the steak in a hot cast-iron skillet until it reaches your desired doneness. Rest the steak for a few minutes before slicing it against the grain. Serve it alongside the broccoli casserole, and perhaps add some roasted vegetables or a green salad to complete the meal.

For a more indulgent option, prepare a creamy peppercorn sauce to go with your steak. You can use a recipe that includes cognac or brandy for a more sophisticated flavour profile. Pan-sear your chosen cut of steak and let it rest while you make the sauce in the same pan. Serve the steak with the peppercorn sauce on top, alongside the broccoli and cheese casserole.

If you're looking for a lighter option, a steak salad can be a great choice. Grill or pan-sear a flank or skirt steak, and let it rest before slicing it thinly across the grain. Prepare a salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, red onions, and your choice of salad dressing. Place the sliced steak on top, and sprinkle some blue cheese crumbles over the salad. Serve this with the broccoli and cheese casserole on the side for a delicious and satisfying meal.

For a fun and interactive meal, steak fajitas are a great choice. Marinate your steak in a mixture of lime juice, olive oil, garlic, and chilli powder. Grill or pan-fry the steak strips until they are cooked to your liking. Serve the steak with warm tortillas, salsa, guacamole, and the broccoli and cheese casserole on the side. Your guests can assemble their own fajitas, making it a perfect option for a casual get-together.

Frequently asked questions