Cheesy Garlic Broccoli Casserole

🕒 Prep: 20 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 8
★★★★★
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Meet your new favorite side dish: Cheesy Garlic Broccoli Casserole. It's the perfect blend of cheesy goodness and tender broccoli with a crispy, buttery topping. Whether you're hosting a holiday dinner or just looking for a cozy dish to make any meal special, this casserole has you covered.

Ingredients for Cheesy Garlic Broccoli Casserole

Broccoli florets are the heart of this dish, providing a healthy base and a satisfying texture. Cheddar cheese adds a sharp, tangy flavor, while mozzarella cheese offers creamy meltiness. Parmesan cheese brings a nutty, salty depth to the mix. The garlic enhances the overall flavor with its aromatic kick. To bind everything together, sour cream and mayonnaise create a rich, creamy sauce. A splash of whole milk keeps it all smooth. The crushed buttery crackers and a bit of melted butter form a crunchy, golden topping. Finally, a sprinkle of salt and black pepper balances the flavors.

Tips & Tricks

  • For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
  • If you prefer a gluten-free option, substitute the crackers with gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole pairs beautifully with roasted chicken or a simple grilled steak. For a vegetarian meal, serve it alongside a hearty grain salad or a bowl of soup. It's also a fantastic addition to a holiday spread, complementing dishes like roasted turkey or ham.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess water before using.
How can I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole and store it in the fridge, unbaked, for up to 24 hours. Add the cracker topping just before baking.

Cheesy Garlic Broccoli Casserole Recipe Walkthrough

First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, it's hot and ready when your casserole is assembled. Now, let's get the broccoli ready. Steam the broccoli florets for about 5 minutes until they're just tender. You want them bright green and still a bit firm since they'll cook more in the oven.

In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Toss in the minced garlic, sour cream, mayonnaise, milk, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good stir until everything is well combined. Now, gently fold in the steamed broccoli until it's nicely coated with the cheesy mixture.

Transfer this mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly. In a separate bowl, combine the crushed crackers with the melted butter. Sprinkle this buttery, crunchy topping over the broccoli and cheese mixture, covering it evenly.

Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You'll know it's ready when the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling around the edges. Let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This step helps the casserole set a bit, making it easier to serve.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Combines three types of cheese for maximum flavor.
  • Quick to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights.
  • The cracker topping adds a delightful crunch.
  • Great way to get even picky eaters to enjoy broccoli.

Ingredients

4 cups broccoli florets
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup whole milk
1 cup crushed buttery crackers
1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Steam the broccoli florets for 5 minutes until just tender.
3. In a large bowl, mix the cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, sour cream, mayonnaise, milk, salt, and black pepper.
4. Add the steamed broccoli to the cheese mixture and combine thoroughly.
5. Transfer the broccoli mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
6. In a separate bowl, mix the crushed crackers with melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole evenly.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
8. Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving.

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