Broccoli Cheddar Biscuit Casserole: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Broccoli Cheddar Biscuit Casserole: just the name conjures up images of warm, cheesy comfort, doesn’t it? Imagine sinking your fork into a bubbly, golden-brown masterpiece, where tender broccoli florets mingle with sharp cheddar, all nestled beneath a blanket of fluffy, buttery biscuits. This isn’t just dinner; it’s a hug on a plate!

While the exact origins of this delightful casserole are a bit hazy, its roots are firmly planted in the American tradition of resourceful home cooking. Casseroles, born out of necessity and a desire to minimize waste, have long been a staple in households across the country. They represent a practical and delicious way to combine leftovers and create a satisfying meal for the whole family. The addition of cheddar cheese, a beloved ingredient in American cuisine, elevates the humble broccoli and transforms it into something truly special.

People adore Broccoli Cheddar Biscuit Casserole for its incredible ease and satisfying flavor profile. The combination of the slightly bitter broccoli, the sharp cheddar, and the soft, buttery biscuits creates a symphony of textures and tastes that is simply irresistible. It’s a quick and easy weeknight meal that requires minimal effort, making it a favorite among busy families. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable! Feel free to add cooked chicken, ham, or even a dash of hot sauce to personalize it to your liking. Get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food with this classic dish!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound broccoli florets, fresh or frozen
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided (about 16 ounces)
• 1 (16 ounce) can refrigerated biscuit dough, cut into quarters
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Preparing the Broccoli and Cheese Sauce

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is crucial to ensure the casserole bakes evenly.
2. If using frozen broccoli, thaw it slightly and drain any excess water. If using fresh broccoli, wash and chop it into bite-sized florets. I prefer to steam my broccoli for about 5 minutes until it’s slightly tender-crisp. This prevents it from being too crunchy in the final casserole. You can steam it in a steamer basket over boiling water, or microwave it with a little water in a microwave-safe bowl.
3. While the broccoli is steaming (or after you’ve prepped your fresh broccoli), heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
4. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
5. Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. This will help thicken the cheese sauce. Make sure to cook out the raw flour taste.
6. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth.
7. Add the Dijon mustard and nutmeg to the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, you can always add more seasoning later, but it’s harder to take it away.
8. Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring occasionally, and cook until it thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes. The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
9. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in 3 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Reserve the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese for topping.
10. Gently fold in the steamed (or blanched) broccoli florets into the cheese sauce. Make sure the broccoli is evenly distributed throughout the sauce.

Assembling the Casserole

1. Pour the broccoli and cheese sauce mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. I like to use a glass baking dish, but any oven-safe dish will work.
2. Cut each biscuit into quarters. This makes them easier to distribute and ensures they cook through evenly.
3. Arrange the biscuit pieces evenly over the broccoli and cheese sauce. You can overlap them slightly if needed.
4. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter and grated Parmesan cheese.
5. Brush the butter and Parmesan mixture over the biscuit pieces. This will give them a golden brown color and a delicious cheesy flavor.
6. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the biscuits.

Baking the Casserole

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on it, as baking times may vary depending on your oven.
2. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the cheese to set slightly and prevent it from being too runny.

Tips and Variations:

• Add protein: You can add cooked chicken, ham, or bacon to the casserole for extra protein. Simply dice the cooked meat and add it to the broccoli and cheese sauce.
• Use different vegetables: Feel free to substitute other vegetables for the broccoli, such as cauliflower, carrots, or peas.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes 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 until you’re ready to bake it. Just add a few minutes to the baking time.
• Use different cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack.
• Homemade biscuits: For an extra special touch, use homemade biscuits instead of canned biscuits.
• Breadcrumbs: For a crispy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the biscuits before baking.
• Cream of mushroom soup: For a richer sauce, substitute 1 cup of the milk with 1 can (10.75 ounces) of condensed cream of mushroom soup.

Serving Suggestions:

This Broccoli Cheddar Biscuit Casserole is a delicious and comforting meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a potluck. Serve it with a side salad or some steamed vegetables for a complete meal. It’s also great for brunch!

Conclusion:

This Broccoli Cheddar Biscuit Casserole isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s a warm, comforting hug on a plate, and trust me, you absolutely need this in your life. The combination of tender broccoli, sharp cheddar, and those fluffy, golden-brown biscuits creates a symphony of flavors and textures that’s simply irresistible. It’s quick to assemble, uses readily available ingredients, and is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, even for the pickiest eaters. I’ve made this casserole countless times, and it’s always a hit!

But what truly makes this recipe a must-try is its versatility. It’s a blank canvas for your culinary creativity! Feeling adventurous? Try adding cooked chicken or ham for a heartier meal. A sprinkle of crispy bacon bits before baking elevates the savory factor to a whole new level. For a vegetarian twist, consider incorporating other vegetables like cauliflower, carrots, or bell peppers alongside the broccoli. A dash of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a delightful kick for those who enjoy a bit of spice.

Serving suggestions are endless! This casserole is fantastic on its own as a complete meal, but it also pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or a bowl of creamy tomato soup. It’s perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or even a cozy night in. Leftovers (if there are any!) are just as delicious the next day, making it a great option for meal prepping. You can even cut the cooled casserole into squares and freeze them for a quick and easy lunch or dinner option later on.

I’ve personally found that using a high-quality cheddar cheese makes a significant difference in the overall flavor of the casserole. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of cheddar, such as sharp, extra sharp, or even a smoked cheddar for a unique twist. And if you’re feeling ambitious, you can even make your own biscuits from scratch! While store-bought biscuits are perfectly fine for convenience, homemade biscuits will undoubtedly take this casserole to the next level.

The beauty of this Broccoli Cheddar Biscuit Casserole lies in its simplicity and adaptability. It’s a recipe that you can easily customize to suit your own tastes and preferences. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, I’m confident that you’ll find this recipe to be both easy and rewarding.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the deliciousness of this incredible casserole. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

Once you’ve tried it, I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience! Did you make any variations? What did your family think? Share your photos and comments below – I’m always eager to see how you’ve made this recipe your own. Happy cooking! I am sure this will become a family favorite.