simple broccoli casserole recipe

simple broccoli casserole recipe

The Best simple broccoli casserole recipe

I’ve been making this simple broccoli casserole recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. It’s a classic comfort food dish that’s easy to prepare and packed with nutrients. The broccoli is tender, the cheese is melted to perfection, and the whole thing is just so satisfying.

I love that it’s a one-dish wonder – just mix everything together, pop it in the oven, and you’re good to go. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion like holidays or potlucks. My kids love helping me make it, and they always ask for seconds (or thirds!)

The best part? It’s incredibly easy to customize to your tastes. Want more cheese?

Add some! Want less broccoli? Use less!

It’s a very forgiving recipe that’s hard to mess up. I’ve made it for my family, friends, and even at church potlucks. Everyone always raves about how delicious it is, and I’m happy to share my secrets with you.

Simple Broccoli Casserole

Simple Broccoli Casserole

4.6 from 1355 votes

A comforting and easy-to-make broccoli casserole with a creamy cheese sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as a side dish for holidays.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Broccoli

2 heads of broccoli, cut into florets
salt
pepper

For the Cheese Sauce

2 cups milk
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp flour
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

For the Topping

1 cup breadcrumbs
1 tbsp olive oil

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 375F.
2Cut broccoli into florets and place them in a large mixing bowl.
Set aside.
3In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
4Add flour and whisk to form a roux.
5Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture turns a light golden color.
6Gradually add milk to the roux, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
7Cook for 3-5 minutes, until the mixture thickens slightly.
8Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
9Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the saucepan and stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
10Remove from heat.
11Add the broccoli florets to the cheese sauce and toss to coat evenly.
12Transfer the broccoli and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish.
13Spread the mixture evenly in the dish.
14In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs and olive oil until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.
15Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top of the broccoli casserole.
16Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.
17The casserole is done when the top is golden brown and the broccoli is tender.
18Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

🔧Equipment

Baking dish
Saucepan
Mixing bowl
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: You can add cooked chicken or bacon to make it a heartier meal. You can also substitute the cheddar cheese with your favorite type of cheese.

Watch Video Of How Simple Broccoli Casserole Works

I love serving this simple broccoli casserole at family gatherings or potlucks because it’s easy to scale up or down depending on the number of guests. Plus, everyone loves it!

You can also store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or freeze them for later use. Reheating is as simple as popping it back in the oven or microwaving until warmed through.

My family always requests this casserole when we’re planning meals together – it never fails!

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Broccoli Casserole

Q: What type of cheese should I use?

I like to use a combination of cheddar and mozzarella for this recipe. The cheddar adds a sharpness that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the broccoli, while the mozzarella melts beautifully and adds creaminess.

Q: Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, you can definitely use frozen broccoli! Just thaw it out first and pat it dry with paper towels before using. This will help prevent excess moisture from affecting the casserole.

Q: How do I prevent the casserole from becoming too soggy?

To avoid sogginess, make sure to cook the pasta al dente before mixing it with the other ingredients. Also, don’t overmix the casserole – you want to maintain some texture from the pasta and broccoli.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, but don’t bake it until you’re ready to serve. Simply refrigerate it overnight and bake as directed.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

This recipe is vegetarian-friendly as long as you choose a vegetarian-friendly pasta option (like penne or fusilli). However, be sure to check the ingredients of your cheese blend for any animal-derived products.

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