How Long Does Amy's Kitchen Broccoli & Cheddar Bake Last?
Shelf Life and Storage Tips
Amy's Kitchen Broccoli & Cheddar Bake is a delicious vegetarian option perfect for those seeking comfort in a casserole. Packed with rich flavors, thanks to the aged English cheddar, it's a hit for anyone craving a wholesome meal. For those with food allergies, it's essential to check the label for potential allergens as it contains dairy and gluten.
When stored properly in the refrigerator, Amy's Kitchen Broccoli & Cheddar Bake can last for up to three to four days. This ensures the casserole remains fresh and tasty for a few days after initial preparation. If you prefer a longer storage period, freezing is an excellent option.
Preparation methods include microwaving or baking in a conventional oven. The microwave method is quick, requiring just a few minutes, while baking in the oven enhances the texture and flavor. This flexibility makes it convenient for anyone's schedule, ensuring you can enjoy this dish, whether in a rush or having time to savor every bite.
Product Overview
Amy's Kitchen offers a flavorful Broccoli & Cheddar Bake that blends delicious and creamy organic ingredients. This vegetarian dish is known for its comforting qualities and rich taste, featuring aged English cheddar cheese that enhances its flavor profile.
The product is gluten-free and ideal for those mindful of food allergies, though it does contain milk. It's essential for consumers with dairy allergies to take note.
Both microwave and conventional oven instructions are available for preparation:
Microwave Oven
Make a 1-inch slit in overwrap.
Cook on high for 5 minutes.
Let sit for 1 minute before serving.
Conventional Oven
Preheat oven to 375°F.
Remove overwrap.
Place bowl on a baking sheet.
Bake for 35-40 minutes.
For those looking to enjoy a family-sized option, Amy's Kitchen also offers different cooking times and methods for larger servings.
Consumers can easily order this product through Amy's Kitchen's website. The convenience of ordering online ensures the dish can be enjoyed as part of a regular meal rotation.
Amy's Kitchen prioritizes organic ingredients, ensuring that their Broccoli & Cheddar Bake remains a nutritious option within the freezer meal category.
Nutritional Information
Calories: A serving of Amy's Kitchen Broccoli & Cheddar Bake typically contains around 460 calories. This makes it a substantial meal option for those looking to count their calorie intake.
Fat: The bake contains 21 grams of total fat, which is 27% of the daily recommended value. This includes 11 grams of saturated fat, equating to 55% of the daily value.
Organic Lowfat Milk: The product includes organic lowfat milk as an ingredient, contributing to its creamy texture and rich flavor. This aligns with Amy's Kitchen's commitment to using high-quality organic ingredients.
Sodium: A serving provides 690 milligrams of sodium, representing 30% of the daily recommended intake. This is an important consideration for those monitoring their sodium consumption.
Carbohydrates: The dish contains 50 grams of total carbohydrates, which is 18% of the daily recommended value. This includes dietary fiber and sugars.
Cholesterol: It contains 55 milligrams of cholesterol, accounting for 18% of the daily value.
This nutritional profile makes Amy's Kitchen Broccoli & Cheddar Bake a rich and flavorful option suitable for a satisfying meal. Careful consideration of these nutrition facts can help consumers make informed choices that align with their dietary needs and preferences.
Key Ingredients
Amy's Kitchen Broccoli & Cheddar Bake features a blend of nutritious and flavorful ingredients. The main components include organic broccoli, organic rice pasta, white cheddar cheese, and several other high-quality items.
Organic Broccoli
Organic broccoli serves as the foundation of this dish. It provides a rich source of vitamins C and K, as well as dietary fiber. The broccoli used in Amy's Kitchen dishes is grown without synthetic pesticides or GMOs, ensuring a cleaner and healthier ingredient.
Broccoli's distinct green color and slightly bitter taste balance well with the creamy cheese. Crucially, the organic aspect guarantees fewer chemical residues, appealing to health-conscious consumers.
Organic Rice Pasta
Complementing the broccoli, organic rice pasta offers a gluten-free alternative to traditional wheat pasta. This pasta retains the dish’s texture, providing a satisfying bite. Made from a blend of organic rice flour and water, it helps accommodate those with gluten sensitivities.
The rice pasta's mild flavor allows the other ingredients, particularly the cheese, to stand out. Its use reflects Amy's commitment to accommodate various dietary needs without compromising on taste or quality.
White Cheddar Cheese
The white cheddar cheese in this bake is a key element contributing to its richness. Made from pasteurized milk, culture, salt, and enzymes, this cheese is known for its sharp yet smooth flavor.
The aging process of cheddar develops its deep, robust taste. When combined with broccoli and pasta, the cheese melts evenly, creating a creamy consistency that enhances the dish’s overall appeal.
Additional Ingredients
Beyond the main components, several additional ingredients complete the flavor profile. Butter contributes to the creamy texture, while sea salt enhances the overall taste. Other ingredients like yeast extract and garlic powder add subtle umami and aromatic notes.
Quality control in using these ingredients ensures that every aspect of the dish upholds Amy's Kitchen's standards for health and flavor. Together, these elements create a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
Preparation Methods
Microwave Oven
Preparing Amy's Kitchen Broccoli & Cheddar Bake in the microwave:
Make a 1-inch slit in the overwrap. This allows steam to escape.
Cook on high for 5 minutes.
Let the dish sit for 1 minute before serving. This ensures even heating and better texture.
Conventional Oven
For those who prefer a conventional oven:
Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Remove the overwrap from the bake.
Place the bowl on a baking sheet.
Bake for 35-40 minutes. This method may take longer but often provides a more evenly baked dish.
Shelf Life and Storage
Amy's Kitchen Broccoli & Cheddar Bake has a shelf life that depends on storage conditions.
Unopened packages should be kept in the freezer and typically last up to 6 months. Always check the expiration date located on the side of the product box.
Once opened, the bake can last for up to 7 days in the refrigerator. Ensure it's properly sealed to maintain freshness.
Proper storage is crucial. To keep it fresh:
Store it in an airtight container.
Keep it at a constant freezer temperature of 0°F (-18°C).
Ingredients such as cream and cheese, which are common in the bake, require consistent refrigeration. These dairy products can spoil quickly if left at room temperature.
Cooked broccoli in the bake remains good for about 7-9 days when refrigerated. If the bake has been thawed, it shouldn't be refrozen.
Checklist for optimal storage:
Freeze: Up to 6 months.
Refrigerate (opened): Up to 7 days.
Thawed: Do not refreeze.
Maintaining these practices helps in keeping the broccoli fresh and the cheddar flavorful, ensuring your Amy's Kitchen Broccoli & Cheddar Bake is safe to eat and delicious.
Special Dietary Considerations
Amy's Kitchen Broccoli & Cheddar Bake is suitable for those looking for gluten-free and vegetarian options. It is also essential to be aware of potential allergens present in the dish.
Gluten-Free Composition
Amy’s Kitchen Broccoli & Cheddar Bake features a gluten-free composition, catering to individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Instead of traditional wheat pasta, rice pasta is used. Potato starch and soy flour are added to improve texture and flavor. These ingredients ensure that even those avoiding gluten can enjoy a comforting cheesy bake without compromising their dietary needs.
Vegetarian-Friendly
The Broccoli & Cheddar Bake is entirely vegetarian. It aligns with vegetarian dietary practices by excluding meat and fish. The richness of the dish comes from aged English cheddar, providing a robust flavor. The bake relies on quality ingredients like broccoli and pasta, making it a delicious and hearty meal for vegetarians.
Allergen Information
It is crucial for consumers with food allergies to note that Amy’s Kitchen Broccoli & Cheddar Bake contains soy and milk products. These are common allergens. Prospective buyers should check the packaging to ensure it does not contain tree nuts or any other specific allergens they might need to avoid. Ensuring awareness of these ingredients helps manage food allergies effectively.
Certifications
Amy's Kitchen Broccoli & Cheddar Bake holds several certifications that reflect the company's commitment to quality and health.
Organic: The dish is made with organic ingredients, ensuring no synthetic pesticides or fertilizers are used. This aligns with Amy's Kitchen's dedication to high-quality, wholesome foods.
Kosher: Certified kosher, it meets the dietary requirements of those following Jewish dietary laws.
Gluten-Free: The Broccoli & Cheddar Bake is gluten-free, catering to individuals with gluten sensitivities or Celiac disease.
Certification Details Organic No synthetic pesticides or fertilizers Kosher Complies with Jewish dietary laws Gluten-Free Safe for gluten-sensitive individuals
These certifications provide consumers with confidence in the quality and safety of the meal.
Taste and Texture Description
Amy's Kitchen Broccoli & Cheddar Bake offers a rich, creamy experience.
Cheddar cheese takes center stage, infusing the dish with robust flavor. The use of aged English cheddar adds a distinctive touch, enhancing the overall cheesy depth.
The broccoli provides a slight crunch, balancing the creaminess of the cheese sauce. The rotini noodles are tender, perfectly absorbing the cheddar sauce.
Each bite is loaded with cheese, ensuring a deliciously consistent taste throughout. The interplay of textures—from soft noodles to firm broccoli—creates a satisfying mouthfeel. The cream adds smoothness, making the dish both hearty and indulgent.
Packaging and Branding
Amy's Kitchen is known for its focus on quality and vegetarian-friendly products, and the packaging of the Broccoli & Cheddar Bake Bowl reflects these values.
The bowl comes in a single-serve 9.5-oz package, which is designed for convenience. The front of the package prominently features the Amy's Kitchen logo, giving it a recognizable and trustworthy appearance.
The package showcases a picture of the baked dish, highlighting its cheesy, comforting nature. This visual appeal is aimed at attracting customers looking for a delicious and easy-to-prepare meal.
The packaging includes detailed cooking instructions for both microwave and conventional ovens, catering to those who want a quick meal as well as those who prefer traditional cooking methods.
Amy's Kitchen also ensures that important information such as nutritional facts, ingredients, and allergen warnings are clearly displayed. This transparency is crucial for customers with dietary restrictions or those seeking specific nutritional benefits.
The branding is consistent with Amy's Kitchen’s commitment to vegetarian products, proudly stating that the dish is vegetarian on the packaging. This reinforces the brand's identity and appeal to health-conscious consumers.
Consumer Reviews and Feedback
Amy's Kitchen Broccoli & Cheddar Bake has received a variety of consumer reviews, reflecting its flavor and overall appeal. Many users have praised the rich cheese sauce made from aged English cheddar, which complements the dish's rotini noodles and broccoli florets.
Consumers appreciate the comfort food aspect of this meal. Comments often highlight the balance of flavors and the satisfaction it provides.
"Soaked in cheddar sauce"
"Creamy, dreamy entrée"
Users on Influenster frequently mention its convenience as a work meal, noting that it is both filling and enjoyable. The gluten-free aspect also gets positive feedback, particularly from those with dietary restrictions.
Most reviews indicate that while the bake is higher in fat and calories compared to other Amy's Kitchen offerings, it still fits well within a vegetarian diet due to its hearty vegetable content.
On Amazon, reviewers commend its taste and texture, emphasizing the quality of the ingredients. The product is well-received for its use of organic rice pasta and vegetables.
Common consumer feedback includes:
Flavor: Rich, cheesy, satisfying
Vegetarian: A hit among non-meat eaters
Convenience: Preferred for quick, microwavable meals
Overall, the Broccoli & Cheddar Bake is widely liked for its flavor and texture, making it a popular choice among Amy's Kitchen fans.
Comparative Analysis
Amy's Kitchen Broccoli & Cheddar Bake's shelf life can be contextualized by comparing it with other similar products on the market and homemade alternatives. Each option has its own pros and cons regarding storage, preparation, and quality.
Similar Products in the Market
Several brands offer comparable broccoli and cheddar bakes. Most of these ready-made meals are found in the freezer section and typically have a shelf life of several months. Stouffer's Broccoli Cheddar Bake and Lean Cuisine Broccoli & Cheddar Bake are popular choices.
An important consideration is nutritional content. Amy's Kitchen uses organic ingredients, which appeal to health-conscious consumers seeking non-GMO products. While options like Stouffer's may offer similar creamy and delicious flavors, they might not meet the same nutritional and ethical standards that Amy's does.
Homemade Alternatives
Homemade broccoli and cheddar bakes provide more control over ingredients and freshness but have a shorter shelf life than frozen store-bought options. Typically, a homemade broccoli and cheddar bake can be kept in the refrigerator for 3-5 days or frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Making a bake at home allows for adjustments in cheese, cream, and seasonings, resulting in a more personalized dish. Using fresh, organic ingredients can improve flavor and nutritional value, though it requires more time and effort compared to simply heating a pre-made option.
A table comparing different aspects could further elucidate these points:
Aspect Amy's Kitchen Bake Stouffer's/Lean Cuisine Homemade Bake Shelf Life Several months (frozen) Several months (frozen) 3-5 days (refrigerator), 2-3 months (frozen) Ingredient Control Medium Low High Nutritional Quality High (organic, non-GMO) Variable High (if quality ingredients used) Preparation Time Low (microwave or oven) Low (microwave or oven) High Flavor Creamy, Cheesy, Delicious Variable Customizable
These comparisons can help readers decide between convenience and control, factoring shelf life into their purchasing or cooking decisions.
Environmental and Ethical Considerations
Amy's Kitchen places a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability. This commitment is evident in their use of organic ingredients for their Broccoli & Cheddar Bake, which reduces the ecological impact associated with conventional farming practices.
Filtered water is used in their production process. This choice minimizes the presence of contaminants and promotes a healthier product for consumers and the environment.
The company operates from a facility designed to meet stringent environmental standards. For example, they employ energy-efficient practices and waste reduction strategies, ensuring minimal environmental footprint during production.
Amy's Kitchen's ethical approach extends to their sourcing policies. They focus on obtaining ingredients from suppliers who adhere to sustainable farming practices. This ensures that their products support environmentally responsible agriculture.
Organic certification also plays a crucial role. By prioritizing organic practices, Amy’s Kitchen reduces the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, fostering healthier ecosystems.
These measures not only highlight their dedication to sustainability but also align with consumer expectations for ethical products.
Purchase Channels
Amy's Kitchen Broccoli & Cheddar Bake is accessible through various purchase channels, making it convenient for customers to buy.
Online Ordering
Consumers can order Amy's Kitchen products directly from multiple websites. Instacart offers delivery in as fast as one hour. Major retailers, such as Amazon and Walmart, also feature Amy's Kitchen items with various delivery options.
In-Store Pickup
For those who prefer shopping locally, stores like Whole Foods, Target, and Kroger provide the option for in-store pickup. Customers can place their orders online and collect them at their convenience.
Local Grocery Stores
Amy's Kitchen products can be found in many local grocery stores' frozen food sections. Store chains such as Safeway, Publix, and Trader Joe’s typically stock these items, providing easy access for in-person shoppers.
Subscription Services
Subscription services like Hungryroot and Thrive Market might include Amy's Kitchen products in their meal kits. Such services deliver at regular intervals, ensuring that customers always have their favorite dishes on hand.
In summary, Amy's Kitchen Broccoli & Cheddar Bake can be easily purchased through online orders, in-store pickups, local grocery stores, and subscription services, providing flexibility and convenience to meet various shopping preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Amy's Kitchen Broccoli & Cheddar Bake last in the freezer?
Amy's Kitchen Broccoli & Cheddar Bake can last up to 12 months in the freezer if stored properly. Ensure it remains in its original packaging or an airtight container to maintain quality.
What are the cooking instructions for this dish?
Microwave Oven: Make a 1-inch slit in the overwrap. Cook on high for 5 minutes. Let sit for 1 minute before serving.
Conventional Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F. Remove overwrap and place the bowl on a baking sheet. Bake for 35-40 minutes.
How should it be stored after opening?
After opening, any uneaten portions should be kept in an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator. Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.
What are some serving suggestions?
This Broccoli & Cheddar Bake pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread. It can also be used as a filling for a baked potato or as a side dish to grilled chicken or fish.
Can it be reheated after cooking?
Yes, reheat leftovers in the microwave. Cover and heat on medium power, checking every 1-2 minutes until heated through. Do not reheat more than once to maintain food safety.
Is it suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, Amy's Kitchen Broccoli & Cheddar Bake is vegetarian-friendly, made without any meat products.
Can it be prepared in any other ways?
While it's primarily designed for microwave and conventional oven use, it could also be prepared in a toaster oven. Adjust cooking times accordingly and ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
