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Best Broccoli Casserole Recipe with Cheesy Goodness

broccoli casserole - featured image

This creamy, cheesy broccoli casserole is the perfect comfort food for any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a holiday gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups whole milk
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 cup plain or seasoned breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and blanch for 2-3 minutes until they’re bright green and slightly tender. Drain and set aside to cool.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
  4. Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens to a creamy consistency.
  5. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cream cheese until it’s fully melted and incorporated into the sauce.
  6. Add the shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and velvety.
  7. In a large mixing bowl, combine the blanched broccoli with the cheese sauce, ensuring every piece is evenly coated.
  8. Pour the broccoli-cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
  9. In a separate bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the olive oil until they’re evenly coated. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the top of the casserole.
  10. Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy. You should see the cheese bubbling around the edges!
  11. Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

[‘Blanch the broccoli for just a couple of minutes to keep it bright green and slightly crisp.’, ‘Whisk constantly when making the cheese sauce to avoid lumps.’, ‘Use fresh broccoli and high-quality cheese for the best flavor and texture.’, ‘Switch the oven to broil for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking if the topping isn’t browning enough.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: broccoli casserole, cheesy casserole, comfort food, holiday side dish, easy casserole recipe