cheese and broccoli casserole recipe

The Best cheese and broccoli casserole recipe

I’ve been making this cheese and broccoli casserole recipe for years, and it’s still a family favorite. It’s a classic comfort food dish that never fails to impress. I love how the creamy cheese sauce and tender broccoli come together in a perfect harmony of flavors.

The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make, even on a weeknight. My kids devour it, and I appreciate how it’s a great way to get them to eat their veggies. The original recipe is from my grandmother, who brought it from her home state of Wisconsin.

She would often make it for church potlucks and family gatherings. Over time, I’ve tweaked it to suit our tastes, but the essence remains the same. It’s a crowd-pleaser, whether you’re serving it at home or taking it to a gathering.

And the best part? It’s relatively healthy, considering how rich and satisfying it is. The broccoli adds a nice dose of vitamins and fiber, while the cheese provides calcium and protein.

It’s a win-win all around! I usually serve it with some crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for a comforting meal that never fails to satisfy. This casserole has been a staple in our household for years, and I’m confident you’ll love it just as much as we do.

So go ahead, give it a try! You won’t regret it.

Cheese and Broccoli Casserole

4.5 from 1113 votes

A comforting casserole featuring tender broccoli and a creamy cheese sauce. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.

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

🥘Ingredients

For the Sauce

2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp flour
2 cups milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp garlic powder

For the Casserole

4 cups broccoli florets
1 cup breadcrumbs
1 tbsp olive oil

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 375°F.
2Grease a baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
Set aside.
3In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
4Add flour and whisk until smooth.
5Cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is bubbly and slightly thickened.
6Gradually add milk to the saucepan, whisking continuously.
7Cook for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens.
8Remove from heat.
9Stir in cheddar cheese, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Set aside.
10Place broccoli florets in the greased baking dish.
11Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the broccoli.
12Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top.
13Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and the broccoli is tender.
14Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Baking dish
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 use frozen broccoli for convenience. For a spicier casserole, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.

This cheese and broccoli casserole recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting dinner parties or just need a comforting meal after a long day. It’s easy to make ahead of time and freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.

When reheating leftovers, simply bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. Serve hot with some crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for an unbeatable combination.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Cheese and Broccoli Casserole

1.

Q: What type of cheese should I use in this recipe?
A: For this casserole, you can use any combination of cheddar, mozzarella, or parmesan cheese that you prefer. If you want an extra sharp flavor, go for the cheddar; if you prefer something milder, mozzarella is the way to go.

2.

Q: Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
A: Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works just as well as fresh in this recipe. Just thaw it first according to package instructions before adding it to the casserole.

3.

Q: How do I prevent the cheese from getting too browned during baking?
A: To avoid overbrowning the cheese, cover the casserole with aluminum foil for most of the baking time and remove it only during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking.

4.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate or freeze until baking day.

5.

Q: What’s the ideal baking temperature for this casserole?
A: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes or until golden brown on top and bubbly throughout.

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