How to Make a Really Good Broccoli Dip

Broccoli is a type of cabbage that has multiple dense heads. It was first used as a food in Italy although the type of broccoli eaten is not the type we see most often today. Broccoli was first planted here in America at Monticello by Thomas Jefferson however it did not become popular until the 1920's when Italian immigrants started the first American broccoli agriculture company and advertised it extensively.

Making a really good broccoli dip at home is a simple and easy task. It will be very easy for you to create your own family tradition from the basic example listed below.

Ingredients:

12 ounce package of frozen broccoli pieces. ( the pieces are cheaper than the florets and include pieces of florets) I use Food Lion brand frozen vegetables because they are cheaper and of the same quality as brand names. Never pay for a name when you can be paying for more food when making a really good broccoli dip.

3 ounces of cheese. Pick your favorite. I use Mozzarella, Provolone, or Cheddar cheeses and in any combination I want. I always use the smoked Provolone or Mozzarella when making a really good broccoli dip for added flavor complexity.

2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese. This different cheese added to the above will add a contrast of flavors to your really good broccoli dip.

1 tablespoon of sour cream.

1 tablespoon of mayonnaise.

3 strips of bacon.

2-3 drops of lemon or lime juice.

Directions:

Cover the bottom of a cook pot with about 1 inch of water and put your 12 ounce package of broccoli pieces in the pot and place the lid on top. The idea here is you want to steam the broccoli more than boil it. This keeps more of the wonderful nutrition in the broccoli and less of it down the drain. Cook until well done.

While the broccoli is cooking, fry your 3 strips of bacon until they are very crispy. Lay them on a paper towel and allow the grease to drain off the bacon. When cool you want to break the bacon up into small pieces to make bacon bits for your really good broccoli dip.

Once your broccoli has steamed done, drain any remaining water out into a small bowl and sit to the side. Pour drained broccoli in a large bowl and add your cheeses, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Add your lemon or lime juice and the bacon bits too.

Mix all these ingredients while the broccoli is still hot from cooking and mash the broccoli until it is in a dip like consistency. Add water from the leftover cooking water to get a wet consistency for your dip and continue to stir in all the ingredients until your really good broccoli dip is thoroughly mixed.

Really good broccoli dip is best served with crackers or thick chips while it is still hot and the cheese is melty. It makes a excellent party dip or luncheon appetizer.