Baked Broccoli Parmesan Dip Recipe

Baked Broccoli Parmesan Dip

This Baked Broccoli Parmesan Dip is a creamy, cheesy, and deliciously savory appetizer perfect for gatherings or as a snack. Packed with tender broccoli and rich Parmesan flavor, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, steamed and chopped)
• 1 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Parmesan cheese, divided
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
• Crackers, sliced baguette, or veggie sticks, for serving

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Prepare the broccoli:

• If using fresh broccoli, steam the broccoli florets for about 3-4 minutes until tender. If using frozen broccoli, thaw and drain any excess moisture. Chop the steamed broccoli into small, bite-sized pieces.

3. Mix the creamy base:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and 1 cup of Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth and creamy.

4. Add the broccoli and seasonings:

• Fold in the chopped broccoli, minced garlic, lemon juice, red pepper flakes (if using), and mozzarella cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Transfer to a baking dish:

• Spoon the broccoli mixture into a greased baking dish or oven-safe skillet.

6. Top with Parmesan:

• Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese over the top of the dip.

7. Bake the dip:

• Brush a little olive oil over the top layer to help with browning. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

8. Serve:

• Once the dip is baked, let it cool slightly before serving. Serve with crackers, baguette slices, or vegetable sticks.

Tips:

• Variations: Add crispy bacon bits or diced sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
• You can prepare this dip ahead of time and store it in the fridge until ready to bake.
• For a more textured dip, you can lightly mash some of the broccoli florets with a fork before mixing.

This Baked Broccoli Parmesan Dip combines creamy richness with the nutritious goodness of broccoli, making it a fantastic choice for any occasion. Enjoy it warm and cheesy, straight out of the oven!