broccoli cheddar casserole recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best broccoli cheddar casserole recipe

I’ve always been a fan of comforting, homestyle recipes that are perfect for family gatherings or everyday meals. One of my go-to dishes is broccoli cheddar casserole, and I’m excited to share my favorite recipe with you. This classic American dish has its roots in traditional English cuisine, where broccoli was a staple vegetable and cheese was a prized ingredient. The combination of tender broccoli, sharp cheddar, and a crispy breadcrumb topping is a match made in heaven.

My kids love helping me prepare this casserole, as it’s easy to make and always a hit with them. As for me, I appreciate how versatile this recipe is – it’s just as suitable for a weeknight dinner as it is for a special occasion. Plus, it’s surprisingly healthy, given the amount of cheese involved! Broccoli is packed with vitamins and antioxidants, while whole wheat breadcrumbs add fiber and texture.

With just a few simple ingredients and no fancy cooking techniques required, this casserole is a true comfort food. I’ve made it countless times over the years, but it never fails to impress my family and friends. In fact, I’ve even converted some skeptics into broccoli enthusiasts through this very dish! Whether you’re looking for a satisfying side dish or a filling main course, broccoli cheddar casserole is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

As I mentioned earlier, this recipe has its roots in traditional English cuisine. However, the modern American version has evolved significantly over time. Today’s broccoli cheddar casserole typically features steamed broccoli florets mixed with a blend of cheeses (including cheddar, of course!) , cream or milk to create a rich sauce, and crunchy whole wheat breadcrumbs on top.

Some variations may include additional ingredients like cooked bacon or diced onions to add extra flavor depth. The magic happens when you combine these simple ingredients in just the right proportions. The key home cooking technique here is steaming the broccoli until tender but still crisp – not too hard or too soft – so that it pairs perfectly with the gooey cheese sauce and crunchy breadcrumbs. In terms of taste and feel, I find that this casserole checks all the right boxes: comforting without being heavy; flavorful without being overpowering; and satisfying without being overly rich.

Of course, no discussion of broccoli cheddar casserole would be complete without mentioning storage and reheating ideas! When properly stored in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerated within 2 hours after baking, the leftovers can last up to 3-4 days in the fridge or up to 2 months in the freezer.

Broccoli Cheddar Casserole

4.7 from 779 votes

A creamy and cheesy baked casserole featuring tender broccoli florets in a rich cheddar sauce, topped with a crispy breadcrumb crust. This comforting side dish pairs perfectly with roasted meats or can be served as a vegetarian main course.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 320 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Casserole

4 cups broccoli florets (about 1 large head)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Topping

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons melted butter
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 375°F.
2Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat, then add the broccoli florets and cook for 2 minutes until bright green and slightly tender.
3Drain the broccoli in a colander and immediately rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process, then set aside.
4In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter until it bubbles.
5Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to form a smooth paste without browning.
6Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream while whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
7Continue cooking over medium heat, whisking often, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5 to 7 minutes.
8Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
9Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
10Place the blanched broccoli in the 9×13 inch baking dish and pour the cheese sauce evenly over the top, gently stirring to coat all florets.
11In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and Parmesan cheese, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole.
12Bake the casserole uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes until the sauce is bubbly around the edges and the topping is golden brown and crispy.
13Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set slightly.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Colander
Medium saucepan
Whisk
9×13 inch baking dish
Mixing bowl
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 320 kcal🧈Total Fat: 22g💛Saturated Fat: 13g❤️Cholesterol: 65mg🧂Sodium: 520mg🌾Total Carbs: 18g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 4g🥩Protein: 14g

📝Notes

For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream and use reduced-fat cheddar. To add extra texture, stir in 1/2 cup cooked, crumbled bacon or toasted almonds before baking.

Watch Video Of How Broccoli Cheddar Casserole Works

This broccoli cheddar casserole is a reliable dish that works for any occasion. I make it for family dinners, potlucks, and holiday gatherings. It always gets compliments and the dish is empty by the end of the meal.

For storing leftovers, let the casserole cool completely then cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. It will keep in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, place it in a 350 degree oven for about 15 minutes or until hot.

You can also microwave individual portions. For serving, I like to pair it with roasted chicken or a simple green salad. It also makes a great side dish for ham or turkey.

The leftovers are just as good the next day, if not better. This recipe is a keeper that I know you will love as much as my family does.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Broccoli Cheddar Casserole

Q1: What type of cheese should I use?

In this recipe, we recommend using sharp cheddar cheese for its rich flavor profile.

Q2: Can I substitute other types of vegetables?

While broccoli is an essential component of this dish, you can experiment with other cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower or kale if you prefer.

Q3: How do I prevent the breadcrumbs from becoming soggy?

To avoid sogginess, mix your breadcrumb topping with grated Parmesan cheese before sprinkling it evenly across the casserole surface.

Q4: Is there any way to reduce the sodium content?

You can try substituting low-sodium chicken broth for regular chicken broth or reducing the amount used altogether.

Q5: Can I make individual portions?

Yes, you can easily portion out individual servings using ramekins or small baking dishes.

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