cheesy broccoli casserole recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
cheesy broccoli casserole recipe
Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

The Best cheesy broccoli casserole recipe

I’ve been making this cheesy 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 make and packed with nutrients. The combination of steamed broccoli, melted cheddar cheese, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping is pure perfection.

My kids love it when I serve it with a side of crusty bread or a green salad. I’ve even made it for family gatherings and potlucks, and it’s always the first dish to disappear. The best part?

It’s incredibly healthy, thanks to the broccoli and cheese being the main ingredients. I’ve served it at least once a month for years, and my family never gets tired of it. The recipe is also super versatile – you can add different types of cheese, meats, or vegetables to suit your taste.

My personal favorite is to add some cooked bacon or ham for an extra boost of flavor. It’s also a great way to get my kids to eat their veggies – who doesn’t love a good casserole?! The technique behind this recipe is all about layering the ingredients in just the right way.

You start with a bed of steamed broccoli, then add a layer of creamy cheese sauce, followed by a crunchy breadcrumb topping. The key is to not overmix the cheese sauce – you want it to stay smooth and creamy. This recipe has been passed down through generations in my family, and I’m so glad I can share it with you today.

It’s truly a staple in our household, and I know it will be in yours too once you try it.

Cheesy Broccoli Casserole

Cheesy Broccoli Casserole

4.7 from 533 votes

A comforting and flavorful casserole featuring tender broccoli and a rich, creamy cheese sauce. Perfect for a family dinner or a potluck.

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

🥘Ingredients

For the Broccoli

4 cups broccoli florets

For the Cheese Sauce

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

For the Topping

1 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 375°F.
2Steam broccoli florets until tender and bright green, about 5-7 minutes.
Set aside.
3In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
4Add flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes until the mixture turns light brown and smells nutty.
5Gradually add milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
6Cook the sauce over medium heat until it thickens and begins to bubble.
7Add shredded cheddar cheese, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
8Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
9In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked broccoli and cheese sauce.
10Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and spread it evenly.
11In a separate bowl, mix breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
12Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the broccoli and cheese mixture in the baking dish.
13Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
14Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
15This allows the casserole to set and makes it easier to serve.

🔧Equipment

Baking dish
Saucepan
Mixing bowl
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 12g❤️Cholesterol: 65mg🧂Sodium: 900mg🌾Total Carbs: 28g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 6g🥩Protein: 18g

📝Notes

Tips: Add cooked chicken or bacon for extra protein. Use low-fat milk and reduced-fat cheese to lower calories.

This cheesy broccoli casserole recipe is truly one of my favorites – not only does it taste amazing, but it’s also ridiculously easy to make. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for your next family gathering, this recipe delivers every time.

And the best part? It’s incredibly healthy thanks to the broccoli and cheese being the main ingredients.

So go ahead – give this recipe a try tonight and see why it’s been a staple in our household for years!

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Cheesy Broccoli Casserole

Q: What type of cheese should I use?

A: For this recipe, I recommend using a combination of cheddar and mozzarella cheese for the best flavor. You can also experiment with different types of cheese like parmesan or provolone for a unique twist.

Q: Can I make this recipe without bacon or ham?

A: Of course! While bacon or ham adds an extra layer of flavor, you can easily omit them if you’re looking for a vegetarian option.

Q: How do I store leftovers?

A: This casserole keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days, so feel free to make it ahead of time and store it in an airtight container.

Q: Can I freeze this recipe?

A: Yes! This casserole freezes beautifully, so go ahead and make two or three at once and freeze them for later.

Q: What if I don’t have steamed broccoli on hand?

A: No problem! You can use frozen broccoli instead – just thaw it first before adding it to the casserole.

Similar Posts