Cheesy Broccoli Casserole

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 6
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This Cheesy Broccoli Casserole is your go-to comfort dish, perfect for family dinners or potlucks. With its creamy cheese sauce and crispy breadcrumb topping, it’s sure to win over even the pickiest eaters.

Ingredients for Cheesy Broccoli Casserole

Broccoli florets are the star of the dish, providing nutrients and texture. Shredded cheddar cheese adds a rich, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the broccoli. Milk helps create a creamy sauce, while butter and all-purpose flour work together to thicken it. Garlic powder, salt, and black pepper bring depth and seasoning. For the topping, breadcrumbs add a delightful crunch, enhanced by the sharp and nutty taste of Parmesan cheese. Finally, a touch of olive oil helps the topping brown nicely.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use fresh broccoli for the best texture. Frozen works in a pinch, but be sure to thaw and drain it well.
  • Grate your own cheese if possible; pre-shredded cheese can contain anti-caking agents that affect meltability.
  • For an extra creamy sauce, use half-and-half in place of regular milk.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole pairs beautifully with roasted chicken or a simple side salad for a complete meal. It’s also a delicious vegetarian main if you’re cutting back on meat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
Can I use a different cheese?
Absolutely. Try swapping in some Monterey Jack or Gruyère for a different flavor profile.

Cheesy Broccoli Casserole Recipe Walkthrough

First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). You want it hot and ready when your casserole is assembled. While the oven warms up, steam the broccoli florets until they are tender—this should take about five minutes. Once done, set them aside to cool slightly.

Next, let's make the cheese sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the flour and let it cook for about a minute. This step is crucial to avoid any raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly. Your aim is a smooth sauce that thickens up nicely.

Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and you have a luscious, smooth mixture. Combine this cheesy goodness with the steamed broccoli in a large bowl, ensuring everything is well coated.

Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish and transfer the broccoli and cheese mix into it. In a separate bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. This will be your crunchy topping. Sprinkle it evenly over the casserole, followed by the remaining cheddar cheese.

Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You're looking for a golden brown top that's bubbling around the edges. Once done, let it cool slightly before serving to allow the flavors to settle.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare with everyday ingredients.
  • A great way to incorporate more veggies into your meal.
  • Perfectly cheesy with a satisfying crunchy topping.
  • Kid-friendly and appealing to all ages.

Ingredients

4 cups broccoli florets
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup milk
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Steam the broccoli florets until tender, about 5 minutes, then set aside.
3. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
4. Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
5. Remove from heat and stir in garlic powder, salt, pepper, and 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
6. In a large bowl, combine steamed broccoli with the cheese sauce and mix well.
7. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
8. In a separate bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Sprinkle over the casserole.
9. Top with remaining cheddar cheese.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown and bubbly.
11. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

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