Broccoli Cheese Casserole

Name: Broccoli Cheese Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped; 1/2 cup chopped onion; 1/4 cup butter; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 2 cups milk; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup breadcrumbs; 2 tablespoons melted butter

Author: Tessa

Published: July 15, 2025

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Broccoli Cheese Casserole has been a staple in my kitchen for as long as I can remember, bringing a smile to everyone’s face around the dinner table. There’s something so incredibly comforting about that creamy, cheesy goodness combined with tender broccoli, all crowned with a golden, crispy topping. It reminds me of those cozy weeknight meals after a busy day, where a warm, hearty dish was exactly what we needed. This recipe isn’t just easy to whip up; it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and the ultimate comfort food. Get ready to create some delicious memories with this simple yet incredibly satisfying casserole!

Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Cheese Casserole

You’re going to fall head over heels for this Broccoli Cheese Casserole because it’s incredibly simple to make, yet delivers on big, comforting flavors. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights, a fantastic side dish for holidays, or even a delightful vegetarian main. Its versatility means you can easily adapt it to your family’s tastes, and trust me, those cheesy, creamy bites are utterly irresistible!

The Irresistible Charm of Broccoli Cheese Casserole

There’s a reason Broccoli Cheese Casserole holds such a special place in my heart, and I think it will in yours too. It’s the ultimate family-friendly meal, appealing to even the pickiest eaters with its rich, cheesy sauce and tender broccoli. It’s pure comfort food, perfect for any occasion, from a casual dinner to a festive potluck.

Essential Equipment for Your Broccoli Cheese Casserole

Making a fantastic Broccoli Cheese Casserole doesn’t require a lot of fancy gadgets. You’ll need a good quality 9×13 inch baking dish, a large saucepan for making that luscious cheese sauce, a whisk to keep things smooth, and a cutting board and sharp knife for your broccoli and onion prep. That’s really all it takes!

Ingredients for the Best Broccoli Cheese Casserole

Creating this amazing Broccoli Cheese Casserole starts with a few simple, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

Broccoli Cheese Casserole - detail 1

4 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
1/2 cup yellow onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup unsalted butter, for the sauce base
1/4 cup all-purpose flour, to thicken our creamy sauce
2 cups whole milk, for richness and smooth consistency
1 teaspoon salt, to enhance all those wonderful flavors
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, for a subtle aromatic kick
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, for that classic cheesy goodness
1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or plain), for the crispy topping
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, to bind the breadcrumbs

Step-by-Step: How to Make Broccoli Cheese Casserole

Making this Broccoli Cheese Casserole is a breeze, and I’ll walk you through each step to ensure you get that perfect, bubbly, and incredibly delicious result every single time. The key is to prepare each component thoughtfully, and then bring them all together for a symphony of flavor and texture. Don’t rush, enjoy the process, and you’ll be rewarded with a truly comforting dish.

Preparing Your Broccoli Cheese Casserole Foundation

First things first, let’s get our oven ready and our main vegetable prepped. You’ll want to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This prevents any cheesy goodness from sticking! Next, steam or boil your chopped broccoli florets until they’re tender-crisp. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. You don’t want them mushy, just bright green and slightly yielding. Drain them really well to avoid a watery casserole later.

Crafting the Creamy Cheese Sauce for Broccoli Cheese Casserole

Now for the heart of our Broccoli Cheese Casserole: the sauce! In a large saucepan, melt 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat. Add your chopped onion and cook until it’s softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the flour and cook for just 1 minute, stirring constantly to create a roux. This helps thicken the sauce. Gradually, and I mean gradually, whisk in the milk until your sauce is smooth. Keep whisking constantly as it cooks, and you’ll see it thicken beautifully, which takes about 5-7 minutes. Remove it from the heat, then stir in your salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Finally, add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until it’s completely melted and velvety smooth. This is where the magic happens!

Assembling and Baking Your Broccoli Cheese Casserole

With our sauce perfect and broccoli ready, it’s time to bring it all together. Gently fold the cooked broccoli florets into your creamy cheese sauce. Pour this delicious mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. In a small separate bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter, then sprinkle this crunchy topping evenly over the casserole. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until it’s bubbly around the edges and the breadcrumbs are golden brown. Let it stand for 5 minutes before serving—it helps the casserole set and prevents burns!

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Tips for a Perfect Broccoli Cheese Casserole Every Time

For the best Broccoli Cheese Casserole, don’t skimp on the cheese! A good quality sharp cheddar makes all the difference, or try a blend with Gruyere for extra depth. Always cook your broccoli until just tender-crisp; overcooked broccoli can lead to a watery casserole. And for that irresistible golden, crunchy topping, ensure your buttered breadcrumbs are spread evenly and baked until deeply golden, not just lightly toasted. These small details elevate your casserole from good to absolutely amazing!

Variations and Serving Suggestions for Broccoli Cheese Casserole

One of the things I adore about this Broccoli Cheese Casserole is how wonderfully versatile it is! You can easily adapt it to suit your mood, what you have on hand, or even to make it a more substantial meal. And when it comes to serving, this casserole plays nicely with so many other dishes, making it a fantastic addition to almost any dinner table. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make this recipe truly your own!

Creative Twists on Your Broccoli Cheese Casserole

Want to make your Broccoli Cheese Casserole even heartier? Try adding cooked, diced beef bacon or lamb for a protein boost. You could also experiment with different cheeses; a mix of sharp cheddar with some smoked gouda or a touch of Monterey Jack can elevate the flavor profile beautifully. A pinch of nutmeg in the sauce adds a lovely warmth, too!

What to Serve with Broccoli Cheese Casserole

This creamy, dreamy Broccoli Cheese Casserole is fantastic as a stand-alone vegetarian main, but it also shines as a side dish. I love serving it alongside roasted chicken or a perfectly grilled steak. For a lighter meal, pair it with a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. It’s also a holiday table superstar, complementing everything from a festive roast to a simple ham.

Storing and Reheating Your Broccoli Cheese Casserole

If you have any delicious Broccoli Cheese Casserole leftovers (a rare occurrence in my house!), proper storage is key to enjoying it later. Let the casserole cool completely to room temperature, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can pop individual servings in the microwave, or for a crispier top, warm the entire casserole in an oven preheated to 325°F (160°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions About Broccoli Cheese Casserole

I get a lot of questions about making the perfect Broccoli Cheese Casserole, and I’m always happy to share my insights! Here are some of the most common inquiries I receive, along with my best tips to ensure your casserole is a resounding success. From make-ahead options to preventing a watery dish, I’ve got you covered.

Can I Prepare Broccoli Cheese Casserole Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire Broccoli Cheese Casserole, including the breadcrumb topping, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

What Kind of Cheese is Best for Broccoli Cheese Casserole?

For a classic Broccoli Cheese Casserole, sharp cheddar cheese is my top pick for its robust flavor. However, feel free to experiment! A blend of cheddar and Gruyere, or even a touch of smoked gouda, can add wonderful complexity.

Can I Use Frozen Broccoli in this Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe?

Yes, you can definitely use frozen broccoli! Just be sure to thaw it completely and drain it very well before adding it to your sauce. Excess water from frozen broccoli is a common culprit for a runny casserole.

How Do I Prevent a Watery Broccoli Cheese Casserole?

The key to preventing a watery Broccoli Cheese Casserole is to properly drain your cooked broccoli. Also, ensure your cheese sauce is thick enough before folding in the broccoli. Overcooking the broccoli can also release too much moisture.

Nutritional Information

While this Broccoli Cheese Casserole is incredibly delicious, it’s also good to have an idea of its nutritional content. Per serving (approximately 1 cup), you’re looking at around 350 calories, 25g of fat (with 15g saturated), 18g of protein, and 20g of carbohydrates. Please remember these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients, brands, and portion sizes used in your kitchen.