broccoli and cheese casserole recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
broccoli and cheese casserole recipe
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The Best broccoli and cheese casserole recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my family’s favorite broccoli and cheese casserole recipe. This dish has been a staple in our household for years, and it’s perfect for any occasion.

Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal to warm your belly on a chilly day or a crowd-pleasing dish to serve at your next family gathering, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. The combination of tender broccoli, creamy cheese, and crispy breadcrumb topping is absolute perfection.

And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and can be prepared in just 30 minutes from start to finish.

I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve made this recipe for my family, and every time it’s met with rave reviews. My kids can’t get enough of it, and I love that it’s a great way to get them to eat their veggies without even realizing it!

As a busy mom, I appreciate that this recipe is quick, easy, and can be made with minimal fuss. And let’s not forget about the health benefits – broccoli is packed with vitamins and antioxidants, making this dish a guilt-free option for even the pickiest eaters.

So go ahead, give this recipe a try, and get ready to become obsessed with the creamy goodness of broccoli and cheese casserole as much as we are!

Broccoli and Cheese Casserole

Broccoli and Cheese Casserole

4.7 from 762 votes

A comforting and cheesy broccoli and cheese casserole, perfect for a family dinner. This dish combines tender broccoli florets with a rich, creamy cheese sauce, baked to golden perfection.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Broccoli and Cheese Mixture

2 cups broccoli florets
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp flour
2 tbsp butter
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp paprika

For the Topping

1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 tbsp olive oil
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 375°F.
2Steam broccoli florets until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
Set aside.
3In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
4Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
5Stir in flour to form a roux, cooking for 2-3 minutes until lightly golden.
6Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream.
7Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens to a creamy consistency, about 5-7 minutes.
8Add salt, black pepper, and paprika.
9Stir well to combine.
10Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
11Add the steamed broccoli to the cheese sauce and mix well.
12Transfer the broccoli and cheese mixture to a baking dish.
13In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs, olive oil, and grated Parmesan cheese.
14Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the broccoli and cheese in the baking dish.
15Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
16Allow the casserole to cool for 5 minutes before serving.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Saucepan
Baking dish
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 24g💛Saturated Fat: 15g❤️Cholesterol: 85mg🧂Sodium: 900mg🌾Total Carbs: 18g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 4g🥩Protein: 16g

📝Notes

Tips: For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce. You can also add cooked chicken or bacon for extra protein and flavor.

Watch Video Of How Broccoli and Cheese Casserole Works

This broccoli and cheese casserole recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a casual dinner party or need a comforting meal after a long day.

It’s easy to reheat in the oven or microwave when serving leftovers and can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Broccoli and Cheese Casserole

Q: What type of cheese is best for this recipe?

A: For this recipe, I recommend using a combination of cheddar and mozzarella cheese. The cheddar adds a rich, tangy flavor while the mozzarella provides creaminess and melts beautifully. You can also experiment with other types of cheese like parmesan or provolone if you prefer.

Q: Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

A: Yes, you can definitely use frozen broccoli in place of fresh. Just thaw it first by leaving it in room temperature for about 30 minutes or by microwaving it according to package instructions. Make sure to squeeze out as much water as possible before adding it to the casserole mixture.

Q: How do I prevent the top from burning during baking?

A: To avoid overcooking the top layer of breadcrumbs, cover the dish with foil for most of the baking time (about 20-25 minutes). Remove the foil during the last 5-10 minutes of baking to allow the breadcrumbs to brown nicely.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare the casserole mixture up to a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator overnight. Simply assemble the dish when you’re ready to bake it, following the same instructions as before.

Q: What’s a good substitute for breadcrumbs?

A: If you don’t have breadcrumbs on hand or prefer not to use them, you can substitute crushed crackers (like Ritz or saltines) or even crushed nuts (like almonds or walnuts) for added crunch.

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