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Creamy Broccoli Casserole Recipe – Easy Cheesy Dinner with Crunchy Topping

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This creamy broccoli casserole features tender broccoli in a rich, cheesy sauce, topped with a golden, crispy breadcrumb and cheddar topping. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs fresh broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup whole milk (or 2% or dairy-free milk)
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper, freshly cracked
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder (optional)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (regular or gluten-free)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 cup extra cheddar cheese
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add broccoli florets and blanch for 2-3 minutes until bright green and just tender. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Slowly pour in milk, whisking until smooth. Add cream cheese and stir until melted and creamy.
  3. Sprinkle in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until smooth and thick. If too thick, add a splash more milk.
  4. Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread blanched broccoli evenly in the dish. Pour creamy sauce over broccoli and gently mix. Sprinkle 1 cup cheddar cheese on top.
  5. In a mixing bowl, toss panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, olive oil, extra cheddar cheese, and parsley (if using) until evenly coated.
  6. Sprinkle breadcrumb mixture evenly over casserole. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until topping is golden brown and edges are bubbling. If top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil halfway through.
  7. Let casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving to help sauce set and make slicing easier.

Notes

For gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs. You can substitute Greek yogurt for cream cheese to lighten the dish. Add diced chicken, turkey, or ham for extra protein, or swap cheeses for flavor variation. Let casserole rest before serving for best texture. Store leftovers in the fridge up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: broccoli casserole, creamy casserole, cheesy casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, vegetarian, potluck, holiday side, crunchy topping, family recipe

Find it online: https://jodierecipes.com/creamy-broccoli-casserole-recipe-easy-cheesy-dinner-with-crunchy-topping/