Broccoli cheese casserole has been my go-to comfort food for years, and I’m so excited to share this version with you! I remember the first time I tried making an easy broccoli cheese casserole; I was a bit nervous, but the incredible aroma filling my kitchen instantly put me at ease. The bubbling cheese, the tender-crisp broccoli – it’s a sensory dream. This simple broccoli and cheese bake is so versatile, perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday gatherings. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table with happy smiles. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Cheese Casserole
This dish is a winner for so many reasons! Get ready to add it to your regular rotation:
- Incredible Taste: It’s the ultimate cheesy, savory delight that satisfies any craving.
- Quick Prep: With just 15 minutes of prep, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
- Family Approved: Even picky eaters adore this classic comfort food.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients you likely already have.
- Versatile Side: This cheesy broccoli bake pairs perfectly with almost any main course.
- Satisfying Texture: The creamy interior and slightly crisp topping make for a delightful bite.
- Easy to Customize: Feel free to add proteins or switch up the cheese for a new experience.
- A True Crowd-Pleaser: This cheesy broccoli bake is always a hit at potlucks and family dinners.
Ingredients for Broccoli Cheese Casserole
Gathering these simple broccoli cheese casserole ingredients is the first step to pure comfort! I’ve found that using fresh broccoli makes a huge difference in texture and flavor. Don’t worry if you don’t have everything precisely measured; this dish is forgiving.
- 2 pounds fresh broccoli florets – cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons butter – unsalted is best for controlling saltiness
- 1 cup chopped onion – about 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – fresh garlic adds so much flavor
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cheddar cheese soup – this is the creamy base
- 1/2 cup milk – whole milk adds richness, but 2% works too
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – adjust to your taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – freshly ground for best flavor
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – sharp cheddar gives the best flavor
- 1 cup breadcrumbs – panko breadcrumbs give a nice crispy topping
How to Make Broccoli Cheese Casserole
Making this comforting cheesy broccoli casserole recipe is surprisingly simple and incredibly rewarding. The aroma alone will have your family gathering in the kitchen, eager for a taste! Follow these easy steps to create a dish that’s both delicious and satisfying.
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, prepare your broccoli.
- Step 2: Take your fresh broccoli florets and either steam them until they are tender-crisp or boil them until they reach that perfect stage. Make sure to drain them really well afterward to avoid a watery casserole.
- Step 3: Grab a large skillet and melt the 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Toss in your 1 cup chopped onion and let them soften and become fragrant, which usually takes about 5 minutes. Then, add the 2 cloves garlic, minced, and cook for just one more minute until you can really smell the garlic.
- Step 4: Now for the creamy magic! Stir in the 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cheddar cheese soup, 1/2 cup milk, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Keep stirring gently until everything is heated through and you have a lovely, smooth sauce. This is the heart of our cheesy broccoli casserole recipe.
- Step 5: Add your drained broccoli and 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese to the soup mixture. Stir everything together gently until the broccoli is nicely coated and the cheese is starting to melt into the sauce.
- Step 6: Pour this glorious broccoli and cheese mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
- Step 7: Sprinkle the 1 cup breadcrumbs evenly over the top. This will give you that wonderful golden-brown, slightly crunchy topping that makes this cheesy broccoli casserole recipe so irresistible.
- Step 8: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the breadcrumb topping is a beautiful golden brown. The smell filling your kitchen will tell you it’s ready!
Pro Tips for the Best Broccoli Cheese Casserole
I’ve made this dish countless times, and these little tricks really elevate it. Follow these and you’re guaranteed a winner!
- For an extra crispy topping, mix the breadcrumbs with a tablespoon of melted butter before sprinkling them over the casserole.
- Don’t overcook the broccoli before baking; you want it tender-crisp as it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Gruyere or Monterey Jack for a twist on the classic flavor.
- Using fresh garlic instead of powder makes a noticeable difference in the depth of flavor.
What’s the secret to perfect broccoli cheese casserole?
The key to a truly perfect, creamy broccoli cheese casserole is the balance of textures and the quality of your cheese. Using a good sharp cheddar and ensuring your broccoli is just tender-crisp before baking creates that ideal bite. Don’t skimp on the butter for the onion sauté!
Can I make broccoli cheese casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole, minus the breadcrumb topping, up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, add the breadcrumbs and increase the baking time by about 5-10 minutes to ensure it’s heated through.
How do I avoid common mistakes with broccoli cheese casserole?
A common pitfall is watery casserole; make sure to drain your broccoli very well after steaming or boiling. Another mistake is overmixing the ingredients, which can make the broccoli mushy. Gently combine everything to maintain the integrity of the florets.
Best Ways to Serve Broccoli Cheese Casserole
This versatile broccoli cheese casserole side dish is a fantastic complement to so many meals. I love pairing it with a hearty grilled steak or some juicy roasted chicken. It also makes a wonderful vegetarian main course when served alongside a fresh green salad and some crusty bread. For a complete comfort food experience, try it with pulled pork or baked ham. It’s just that good!
Nutrition Facts for Broccoli Cheese Casserole
When you’re enjoying a serving of this comforting broccoli cheese casserole, here’s what you can expect nutritionally:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 10g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
How to Store and Reheat Broccoli Cheese Casserole
One of the best things about this homemade broccoli cheese casserole is how well it keeps! After it’s baked and you’ve enjoyed your first helping, let it cool completely on the counter for about 30 minutes. This is important to prevent condensation, which can make leftovers soggy. Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep this cheesy goodness even longer, it freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap it well to prevent freezer burn.
When you’re ready to reheat, for fridge leftovers, you can warm it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. For a crispier topping, I highly recommend reheating it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes. If reheating from frozen, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight first, then follow the oven method.
Frequently Asked Questions About Broccoli Cheese Casserole
Is it okay to use frozen broccoli for this casserole?
Yes, frozen broccoli works too! Just thaw it completely and drain it very well to remove excess moisture before adding it to the cheese sauce. This helps prevent a watery casserole, which is key for a great broccoli cheddar casserole.
What can I use instead of condensed cheddar cheese soup?
If you prefer to skip the condensed soup, you can make a simple cheese sauce from scratch. Melt butter, whisk in flour to make a roux, then gradually add milk and cook until thickened. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted. This homemade sauce will give you a wonderfully creamy texture. For more ideas on making sauces, check out this guide to sauces.
How do I get a really golden and crispy topping?
For that perfect crunch, I love mixing the 1 cup breadcrumbs with about 1-2 tablespoons of melted butter before sprinkling them over the top. This helps them brown beautifully and adds a delicious buttery flavor to your broccoli cheese casserole.
Can I add other vegetables or meats to this casserole?
Absolutely! This recipe is very forgiving. Cooked chicken, ham, or even crumbled bacon are great additions for a heartier meal. You could also mix in some cooked pasta or rice for a complete one-dish wonder. It’s a versatile base for many delicious variations. If you’re looking for other one-dish wonders, you might enjoy this one-pot chicken alfredo.
Variations of Broccoli Cheese Casserole You Can Try
There are so many fun ways to customize this classic dish! Whether you have dietary needs or just want to switch things up, these variations are fantastic. I love playing around with different flavors and textures to keep things interesting.
- Healthier Twist: For a lighter take, use low-fat milk, reduced-fat cheddar cheese, and swap the regular breadcrumbs for whole wheat or even crushed whole-grain crackers.
- No Cream of Mushroom Needed: If you don’t have condensed soup on hand, you can easily make a from-scratch white sauce. Melt 2 tablespoons butter, whisk in 2 tablespoons flour, then slowly add 1.5 cups milk, stirring until thickened. Stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese for your sauce.
- Extra Flavor Boost: Add some cooked, crumbled bacon or diced ham to the mixture for a heartier, smoky flavor. A pinch of nutmeg in the cheese sauce also adds a lovely warmth.
- Crispier Topping: For an extra-crunchy finish, mix the 1 cup breadcrumbs with a tablespoon of melted butter before topping the casserole. This ensures a perfectly golden and delicious crust on your broccoli cheese casserole with breadcrumbs. For more crispy topping ideas, consider trying these churro saltine toffee.
Broccoli Cheese Casserole: Delicious Comfort
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic and comforting broccoli cheese casserole recipe, perfect as a side dish for any meal. This cheesy broccoli bake is easy to make and sure to be a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds fresh broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cheddar cheese soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Steam or boil the broccoli florets until tender-crisp. Drain well.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Stir in the condensed cheddar cheese soup, milk, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring, until heated through and smooth.
- Add the cooked broccoli and shredded cheddar cheese to the soup mixture. Stir to combine.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
Notes
- For a healthier version, use low-fat milk and reduced-fat cheese.
- You can add cooked chicken or ham for a more substantial meal.
- If you don’t have condensed cheddar cheese soup, you can make your own cheese sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
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