Broccoli Cheese Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Broccoli Cheese Casserole: just the name conjures up images of cozy family dinners and potluck gatherings, doesn’t it? But forget those bland, watery versions you might remember from childhood! We’re about to elevate this classic comfort food to a whole new level of deliciousness. Imagine a creamy, cheesy sauce blanketing tender broccoli florets, topped with a golden, crispy crust that adds the perfect textural contrast. Are you drooling yet?

While the exact origins of Broccoli Cheese Casserole are a bit murky, its popularity surged in the mid-20th century, coinciding with the rise of convenience cooking and the increasing availability of processed cheese products. It quickly became a staple at holiday meals and church suppers across America. But don’t let its humble beginnings fool you; this dish has staying power for a reason!

People adore this casserole for its simplicity and satisfying flavors. The combination of earthy broccoli and rich, melted cheese is simply irresistible. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! You can easily customize it with different cheeses, add-ins like ham or bacon, or even swap out the broccoli for other vegetables. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing dish to bring to your next potluck, this Broccoli Cheese Casserole recipe is guaranteed to be a hit. Get ready to experience a cheesy, broccoli-filled delight that will have everyone asking for seconds!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• Broccoli: 2 pounds fresh broccoli florets, or two 10-ounce packages of frozen broccoli florets, thawed
• Butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick), unsalted
• Onion: 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• All-Purpose Flour: 1/4 cup
• Milk: 2 cups whole milk
• Chicken Broth: 1 cup
• Cheddar Cheese: 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided (about 1 pound)
• Cream Cheese: 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• Salt: 1 teaspoon, or to taste
• Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste
• Garlic Powder: 1/4 teaspoon
• Bread Crumbs: 1 cup panko bread crumbs
• Melted Butter (for topping): 2 tablespoons

Preparing the Broccoli:

Okay, let’s start by getting our broccoli ready. This is a crucial step because nobody wants mushy broccoli in their casserole! I prefer using fresh broccoli because I think it has a better texture and flavor, but frozen works just fine in a pinch. If you’re using frozen, make sure it’s completely thawed and squeeze out any excess water. This will prevent your casserole from becoming watery.

1. If using fresh broccoli: Wash the broccoli florets thoroughly. Cut them into bite-sized pieces, ensuring they are all roughly the same size so they cook evenly.
2. Blanch the broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 3-4 minutes, until they are bright green and slightly tender-crisp. Don’t overcook them! We want them to retain some bite.
3. Shock the broccoli: Immediately drain the broccoli and plunge it into a bowl of ice water. This stops the cooking process and helps preserve the vibrant green color. Let it sit in the ice water for a few minutes.
4. Drain well: Drain the broccoli thoroughly and pat it dry with paper towels. This is important to remove excess moisture.

Making the Cheese Sauce:

Now for the star of the show – the creamy, cheesy sauce! This is where the magic happens, and it’s surprisingly easy to make. The key is to whisk constantly to prevent lumps from forming.

1. Sauté the onion: In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt the 1/2 cup of butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. This step adds a lovely depth of flavor to the sauce.
2. Make a roux: Sprinkle the 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour over the softened onions. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes. This creates a roux, which will thicken the sauce. Be careful not to burn the flour.
3. Whisk in the liquids: Gradually whisk in the 2 cups of milk and 1 cup of chicken broth. Continue whisking constantly until the sauce is smooth and starts to thicken. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add the cheese: Reduce the heat to low. Add 3 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese and the softened cream cheese. Stir until the cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
5. Season the sauce: Season the cheese sauce with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. I sometimes add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little kick!

Assembling the Casserole:

We’re almost there! Now it’s time to combine everything and get this casserole ready for the oven. This is the easiest part, I promise!

1. Combine broccoli and sauce: In a large bowl, gently fold the blanched broccoli florets into the cheese sauce, making sure the broccoli is evenly coated.
2. Pour into baking dish: Pour the broccoli and cheese mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. I like to use cooking spray to grease the dish, but you can also use butter.
3. Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, combine the 1 cup of panko bread crumbs and 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Toss to coat the bread crumbs evenly.
4. Sprinkle with cheese and bread crumbs: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the broccoli mixture in the baking dish. Then, sprinkle the buttered bread crumbs over the cheese.

Baking the Casserole:

Finally, it’s time to bake our masterpiece! The baking time is crucial to ensure the casserole is heated through and the topping is golden brown and crispy.

1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake: Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and bubbly and the cheese is melted and gooey.
3. Let it rest: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly and prevents it from being too runny.

Tips and Variations:

Here are a few extra tips and variations to make this broccoli cheese casserole even more amazing:

• Add protein: For a heartier casserole, add cooked and crumbled bacon, diced ham, or shredded chicken.
• Use different cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack.
• Add vegetables: Mix in other vegetables, such as chopped mushrooms, bell peppers, or carrots.
• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for a little heat.
• Make it ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add the bread crumb topping just before baking.
• Freezing instructions: Assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish. Do not add the breadcrumb topping. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and then with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. Add the breadcrumb topping before baking as directed. You may need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

Serving Suggestions:

This broccoli cheese casserole is a perfect side dish for any meal. It pairs well with roasted chicken, pork chops, steak, or even as a vegetarian main course. Serve it alongside a fresh salad or some crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Conclusion:

This Broccoli Cheese Casserole isn’t just another side dish; it’s a comforting, flavorful experience that deserves a permanent spot in your recipe rotation. I truly believe that once you try this, you’ll understand why I’m so enthusiastic about it. The creamy, cheesy sauce perfectly complements the tender broccoli, creating a symphony of textures and tastes that will have everyone reaching for seconds (and maybe even thirds!). It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, sparking conversation and creating warm memories around the table.

But what makes this casserole a must-try? It’s the simplicity, the sheer deliciousness, and the versatility. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, even on busy weeknights, and the ingredients are readily available. Plus, the flavor profile is universally appealing – even picky eaters tend to enjoy the cheesy goodness and the subtle sweetness of the broccoli.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

Think of this recipe as a starting point, a canvas for your culinary creativity! While it’s fantastic as is, there are countless ways to customize it to your liking.

* Protein Power: Add cooked chicken, ham, or even crumbled bacon for a heartier, more substantial meal. This transforms it from a side dish into a complete one-dish wonder.
* Veggie Boost: Feel free to incorporate other vegetables like cauliflower, carrots, or mushrooms. Just be sure to pre-cook them slightly to ensure they’re tender in the final casserole.
* Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce can add a delightful kick to the creamy sauce.
* Crusty Topping: For an extra layer of texture, top the casserole with crushed Ritz crackers, panko breadcrumbs, or even fried onions before baking.
* Serving Ideas: This Broccoli Cheese Casserole is a perfect accompaniment to roasted chicken, grilled steak, or baked ham. It’s also a fantastic addition to holiday gatherings and potlucks. Consider serving it alongside a fresh salad for a balanced and satisfying meal.

I’ve made this casserole countless times, and each time I tweak it slightly based on what I have on hand or what I’m craving. That’s the beauty of a good recipe – it’s adaptable and forgiving.

Now, it’s your turn!

I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this Broccoli Cheese Casserole recipe a try. I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and make it your own.

And most importantly, I’d love to hear about your experience! Did you add any special ingredients? Did you serve it with something unique? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. Let’s create a community of casserole lovers and inspire each other with our culinary creations. I can’t wait to see what you come up with! Happy cooking! I am sure you will find this Broccoli Cheese Casserole to be a family favorite.