Discover the ultimate broccoli and cheese casserole recipe that combines tender broccoli with creamy cheese sauce for a comforting side dish that will become a family favorite.
Explore this delicious Broccoli And Cheese Casserole that brings comfort and flavor to any meal. As someone who loves adapting traditional recipes for busy families, I’ve perfected this dish that delivers restaurant-quality results with simple ingredients and straightforward techniques.
What You’ll Find Here
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Broccoli And Cheese Casserole
Perfect Family-Friendly Side Dish
First, this Broccoli And Cheese Casserole appeals to both kids and adults alike. Moreover, it’s an excellent way to encourage vegetable consumption with its irresistible cheesy goodness.
Make-Ahead Convenience
Additionally, you can prepare this Broccoli And Cheese Casserole in advance. Therefore, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or holiday gatherings when oven space is limited.
Versatile Customization Options
Furthermore, this Broccoli And Cheese Casserole recipe adapts easily to different tastes and dietary needs. Consequently, you can personalize it with your favorite cheeses or additional ingredients.
Budget-Friendly Comfort Food
Similarly, this Broccoli And Cheese Casserole uses affordable ingredients to create an impressive dish. Thus, you’ll serve something special without straining your grocery budget.
Broccoli And Cheese Casserole Ingredients
Essential Casserole Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh broccoli | 2 large heads (about 6 cups) |
| Sharp cheddar cheese | 3 cups, shredded |
| Butter | 4 tablespoons |
| All-purpose flour | ¼ cup |
| Milk | 2 cups |
| Sour cream | ½ cup |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | ½ teaspoon |
| Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Onion powder | 1 teaspoon |
Topping Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Panko breadcrumbs | 1 cup |
| Parmesan cheese | ¼ cup, grated |
| Butter | 2 tablespoons, melted |
How to Make Broccoli And Cheese Casserole
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cut broccoli into bite-sized florets and steam until tender-crisp.
- Melt 4 tablespoons butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute until bubbly.
- Gradually add milk, whisking constantly until sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheese until melted.
- Add sour cream and seasonings, mixing until smooth.
- Combine cheese sauce with steamed broccoli in the baking dish.
- Mix topping ingredients and sprinkle over broccoli mixture.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Cooking Timeline
| Step | Action | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Preheat oven and prepare broccoli | 10 minutes |
| 2 | Make cheese sauce | 10 minutes |
| 3 | Combine ingredients | 5 minutes |
| 4 | Add topping and bake | 25-30 minutes |
Broccoli And Cheese Casserole Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 285
Broccoli And Cheese Casserole Variations
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use different cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack in this Broccoli And Cheese Casserole. Additionally, Greek yogurt can replace sour cream for a tangier flavor. Furthermore, frozen broccoli works well when fresh isn’t available.
How to Make It Healthier
Reduce cheese by half and add more vegetables to this Broccoli And Cheese Casserole. Moreover, use whole wheat breadcrumbs and low-fat dairy options. Therefore, you can enjoy a lighter version without sacrificing taste.
Serving Ideas
Pair this casserole with roasted chicken or beef for a complete meal. Additionally, it complements holiday favorites like sweet potato casserole recipes. Furthermore, it works alongside cheesy green bean casserole for a vegetable duo.
Broccoli And Cheese Casserole Storage and Reheating
Storage Instructions
Store leftover Broccoli And Cheese Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Additionally, you can freeze portions for up to 2 months. Therefore, you can enjoy this dish beyond the initial meal.
Reheating Tips
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Moreover, cover with foil to prevent the topping from burning. Consequently, your Broccoli And Cheese Casserole will taste freshly made.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t overcook the broccoli initially, as it will continue cooking in the oven. Additionally, avoid using pre-shredded cheese which contains anti-caking agents. Therefore, following these tips ensures perfect Broccoli And Cheese Casserole every time.
Broccoli And Cheese Casserole FAQs
What’s in broccoli cheese casserole?
Broccoli cheese casserole typically contains fresh broccoli florets, a creamy cheese sauce made with cheddar cheese, milk, and seasonings, plus a crunchy breadcrumb topping. Additionally, some recipes include sour cream for extra richness. Therefore, this Broccoli And Cheese Casserole delivers the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
What cheese goes best with broccoli?
Sharp cheddar cheese pairs exceptionally well with broccoli due to its robust flavor that complements the vegetable’s natural taste. Additionally, Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or Colby work beautifully in Broccoli And Cheese Casserole. Therefore, using a combination of cheeses creates a more complex flavor profile.
How to make cheesy broccoli bake?
To make cheesy broccoli bake, first steam broccoli until tender-crisp. Additionally, prepare a cheese sauce by making a roux with butter and flour, then adding milk and cheese until smooth. Therefore, combining the broccoli with cheese sauce and topping with breadcrumbs before baking creates the perfect Broccoli And Cheese Casserole.
What is the main ingredient in a casserole?
The main ingredient in a casserole is typically a starch, protein, or vegetable that forms the base of the dish. Additionally, a binding sauce and crunchy topping complete the casserole structure. Therefore, in this Broccoli And Cheese Casserole, fresh broccoli serves as the star ingredient.
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Conclusion
This Broccoli And Cheese Casserole brings comfort and satisfaction to any meal. With its creamy cheese sauce and tender broccoli, it’s sure to become a requested favorite at your family table. For more vegetable-based sides, try the green bean casserole Campbell’s version or explore the world’s best green bean casserole for variety. Enjoy creating delicious memories with this classic Broccoli And Cheese Casserole!
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Broccoli And Cheese Casserole | Easy Family Favorite Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy broccoli and cheese casserole with tender broccoli florets in a rich cheese sauce, topped with crunchy breadcrumbs. The ultimate comfort food side dish that’s perfect for family dinners and holidays.
Ingredients
2 large heads fresh broccoli (about 6 cups florets)
3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
4 tablespoons butter
¼ cup all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
½ cup sour cream
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cut broccoli into bite-sized florets and steam until tender-crisp.
3. Melt 4 tablespoons butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
4. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute until bubbly.
5. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly until sauce thickens.
6. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheese until melted.
7. Add sour cream and seasonings, mixing until smooth.
8. Combine cheese sauce with steamed broccoli in the baking dish.
9. Mix topping ingredients and sprinkle over broccoli mixture.
10. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Notes
For extra flavor, add ½ teaspoon of mustard powder to the cheese sauce.
You can use frozen broccoli if fresh isn’t available, just thaw and drain well.
To make ahead, prepare the casserole without the topping and refrigerate. Add topping just before baking.
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
