- Broccoli cheese casserole combines fresh broccoli and creamy cheese sauce for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish.
- It offers flexibility with customizable ingredients, making it approachable for all types of eaters.
- Essential tips include using fresh broccoli, proper cheese selection, and baking uncovered for a crispy topping.
Broccoli cheese casserole is one of those timeless comfort food recipes that always seems to find a place on my table. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner, a holiday feast, or a potluck with friends, this casserole manages to win hearts every single time. With tender broccoli florets coated in a rich, cheesy sauce and topped with a golden crust, it strikes the perfect balance between wholesome and indulgent. What I love most is how approachable it is: easy to prepare, endlessly customizable, and always crowd-pleasing. This dish works equally well as a cozy side dish or even as the star of the meal when paired with a crisp salad.
Table of contents
Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe
Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe
6
servings15
minutes30
minutes320
kcalThis broccoli cheese casserole is creamy, cheesy, and comforting, the perfect side dish or main event. With a golden topping and rich sauce, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
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Ingredients
5 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, thawed)
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1.5 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (freshly grated)
0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
0.25 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, for depth)
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 cup breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers)
2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping)
Directions
- Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish. Blanch your broccoli florets in boiling water for about 2 minutes, then plunge them into ice water to keep their color vibrant.
- In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in the flour to form a roux. Cook it for 1 to 2 minutes, then slowly whisk in milk and cream. Stir until smooth and slightly thickened. Remove from the heat and stir in most of the cheese, reserving a handful for the top. Season with garlic powder, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the broccoli evenly in the baking dish, pour the cheese sauce over it, and gently mix. Top with the reserved cheese. Combine breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes until the casserole is bubbling and golden brown. Let it rest before serving.
Notes
- Freshly grated cheese always melts better than pre-shredded.
- For extra flavor, mix a little Parmesan into the breadcrumb topping.
- This casserole reheats beautifully, just cover with foil and warm in the oven.
Nutrition Facts
- Fat: 21g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 12g
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What Makes This Dish Stand Out
What makes this broccoli cheese casserole shine is its combination of flavors and textures. The broccoli adds a fresh, earthy bite, while the cheese sauce provides a creamy, savory richness that ties everything together. Unlike store-bought or shortcut versions, this recipe relies on real ingredients — no canned soups needed. You get full control over the seasoning, the level of creaminess, and the type of cheese you prefer.
Another reason this recipe works is its flexibility. You can swap in gluten-free breadcrumbs, choose sharp cheddar for bold flavor, or lighten it up with reduced-fat cheese. For families, it’s also a clever way to get more greens on the plate, broccoli never tasted this irresistible.
Prep Smart, Cook Easy
Getting organized before you cook this casserole makes the whole process much smoother. Here are a few steps you can do in advance:
- Blanch the broccoli: Quickly boil the florets for 2 to 3 minutes, then cool them in ice water. Store in the fridge until ready to use.
- Grate your cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that affect melting. Grating fresh cheese in advance gives you the best texture.
- Prepare the topping: Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter or olive oil and store in a covered container.
- Assemble early: You can fully assemble the casserole (without baking) up to one day ahead. Just cover and refrigerate.
Pro Advice for Perfect Results
A good casserole is all about balance and technique. Here are my tried-and-true tips for making your broccoli cheese casserole the best it can be:
- Use fresh broccoli when possible for brighter flavor and firmer texture. Frozen works, but thaw and drain it well.
- Don’t overcook the broccoli before baking. Slightly crisp-tender broccoli will hold up better in the oven.
- Choose a cheese with good melting qualities like sharp cheddar, Gruyère, or Monterey Jack. Avoid overly soft cheeses that may separate.
- Make a proper roux (butter and flour cooked together) for the cheese sauce. This prevents clumps and ensures a silky finish.
- Bake uncovered so the topping crisps up nicely and gives you that golden crust everyone loves.
- Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving so the layers set and slice neatly.
If you’d like more professional advice on working with cheese in recipes, the Wisconsin Cheese Board has excellent resources.
Make It Your Own
One of the joys of broccoli cheese casserole is how adaptable it can be. Here are some delicious twists you might want to try:
- Broccoli Rice Casserole
If you want something heartier, fold in cooked rice before baking. The rice absorbs the cheesy sauce, creating a filling main dish. Brown rice adds nuttiness, while white rice keeps it classic. - Low-Carb Broccoli Cheese Casserole
For a lighter version, skip the breadcrumbs and use crushed pork rinds or almond flour for the topping. This keeps it keto-friendly while still delivering that crunch. - Broccoli and Cauliflower Casserole
Half broccoli, half cauliflower gives you more variety in flavor and texture. The cauliflower’s mild sweetness pairs perfectly with broccoli’s earthy bite. - Chicken Broccoli Cheese Casserole
Add shredded cooked chicken for a complete one-pan meal. This version is especially good for using up leftover rotisserie chicken. - Spicy Broccoli Cheese Casserole
Mix in diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to add heat. Pepper jack cheese also works beautifully here.
And for another comforting casserole, don’t miss trying the Beef Lombardi Casserole recipe!
FAQs about Broccoli Cheese Casserole
Yes, you can assemble it up to a day ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake when ready, adding a few minutes to the cook time.
Yes, but thaw and drain it well to prevent excess water in the casserole.
Sharp cheddar is the classic choice, but Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or Colby also work beautifully.
Make sure broccoli is well-drained after blanching, and avoid overcooking it before baking.
It’s comfort food, but you can lighten it up with reduced-fat cheese, low-fat milk, and a lighter topping. For nutritional benefits of broccoli, see Mayo Clinic’s broccoli nutrition profile.
The Last Bite
Broccoli cheese casserole is one of those recipes that proves simple ingredients can create something extraordinary. Creamy, cheesy, and perfectly baked, it’s the kind of dish that brings comfort to any table. Whether you serve it as a weeknight side, a holiday favorite, or even as a main with some chicken or rice, it never fails to satisfy.
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