If you’re searching for a comforting dish that combines vibrant veggies with creamy, cheesy goodness, look no further than this Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe. It’s a delicious celebration of tender broccoli florets enveloped in a rich, velvety sauce loaded with sharp cheddar, Parmesan, and cream cheese, all topped with a satisfyingly crisp buttery cracker crust. Whether you’re serving it as a hearty side or a main event, this casserole is guaranteed to become a warm favorite at any family table, delivering both nutrition and indulgence in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe calls for simple, everyday ingredients that come together effortlessly to create layers of vibrant flavor and luscious texture. Each ingredient plays an essential role—from the crisp broccoli to the blend of cheeses that melt into creamy perfection and the buttery cracker topping that adds a delightful crunch.
- 2 pounds broccoli florets: Fresh is best here to keep that perfect slightly crisp bite and bright green color.
- 4 tablespoons butter: For sautéing the onion and enriching the sauce with silky richness.
- ½ medium onion: Finely diced to bring subtle sweetness and depth without overpowering.
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour: The magic thickener that turns your sauce silky and smooth.
- 2 cups whole milk: Provides creamy body and mild sweetness for the sauce base.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a gentle kick of savory warmth without sharp garlic bits.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors; adjust based on your taste.
- Ground black pepper: Freshly ground is best to bring just the right amount of spicy accent.
- ½ (8-oz) block cream cheese: Softened and diced for that ultra-creamy, dreamy texture.
- 1 cup shredded cheese: A sharp cheddar and Parmesan combo creates a wonderful tangy, nutty flavor blend.
- ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese: For sprinkling on top, guaranteeing a golden, cheesy crust.
- 20 buttery round crackers: Crushed, these form the irresistible crunchy topping that completes this casserole.
- 2 tbsp butter: Melted and drizzled over the cracker topping for extra crispness and flavor.
How to Make Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Workspace
Start by preheating your oven to 360°F and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This simple step ensures your casserole doesn’t stick and will bake evenly, setting the stage for a perfect finish.
Step 2: Cook the Broccoli
Bring a pot of salted water to boil and cook your broccoli florets for 3 to 5 minutes until they’re just firm-tender. Don’t overdo it — you want them with a slight bite and vibrant green color. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking immediately and maintain that perfect texture.
Step 3: Sauté the Onion
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and cook for about 7 to 8 minutes, stirring often, until the onion softens beautifully but stays clear of browning. This slow-sweetened onion layer adds a lovely base flavor for the sauce.
Step 4: Create a Luxurious Sauce
Lower the heat to medium-low and sprinkle in the flour, stirring constantly for 2 minutes to cook out the raw taste. Slowly whisk in the whole milk, ensuring the mixture stays lump-free and smooth. Stir in salt, garlic powder, and black pepper, then bring the sauce to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Keep whisking until it thickens into a creamy consistency in about 1 to 2 minutes.
Step 5: Add the Cheeses
Take your saucepan off the heat and fold in the cream cheese and shredded cheese mixture until melted and silky. This cheesy sauce is the heart of your casserole, bringing that irresistible richness and tang.
Step 6: Assemble Layers
Spread a quarter of your cheesy sauce evenly on the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Layer half of your broccoli over the sauce, then spoon half of the remaining sauce on top. Repeat this layering with the rest of the broccoli and sauce, making sure to finish off with a layer of the creamy sauce on top for maximum moisture and flavor.
Step 7: Add the Topping
Sprinkle the casserole with the reserved ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese to guarantee a bubbly, golden finish. Combine your crushed buttery crackers with the melted butter, then scatter this crumbly topping evenly across the dish. This crunchy layer will provide a beautiful contrast to the creamy casserole beneath.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake your casserole for 18 to 25 minutes until it’s bubbling hot and the topping is gorgeously golden. Keep an eye on it to prevent over-browning; if needed, loosely cover the top with foil. Once baked, let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes – this helps the casserole set nicely for clean serving and more concentrated flavors.
How to Serve Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
For an added layer of flavor and a splash of color, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives just before serving. A few crisp bacon bits or a drizzle of hot sauce can also elevate this casserole into something special and personal.
Side Dishes
This Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe pairs beautifully with roasted meats such as chicken or pork, or alongside simple grilled fish. It can also be served with a fresh, crisp salad or warm crusty bread to round out the meal and balance the creamy richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to shake things up? Try layering this casserole in individual ramekins for adorable personal servings. You can also mix in toasted nuts or swap in a different cheese blend for unique twists. Adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika or crispy fried onions on top brings extra flair and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your casserole, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it perfect for next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
This Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe freezes quite well. Prepare and bake it as directed, then cool completely before wrapping tightly in foil or transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing its creamy texture and cheesy flavor.
Reheating
For best results, thaw frozen portions overnight in the fridge, then reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through and bubbly. Cover loosely with foil to prevent the topping from burning while ensuring it gets hot and delicious again.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works well, just make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly to prevent excess water from making the casserole soggy. Adjust cooking times slightly if needed.
What cheeses are best for this casserole?
A mix of sharp cheddar and Parmesan creates a perfect balance of tangy and savory in this recipe. Feel free to experiment with mozzarella, Gruyere, or Monterey Jack for different flavor profiles.
Is it possible to make this casserole dairy-free?
With some substitutions, yes. Use dairy-free butter, plant-based milk, and dairy-free cream cheese and shredded cheeses, but note that flavor and texture will be slightly different from the original.
Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
You can assemble the casserole a day ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Just add the cracker topping right before baking to keep it crunchy and fresh.
What should I serve with Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe?
It’s fantastic alongside roasted chicken, grilled steak, or even a simple soup and salad combo. The creamy, cheesy casserole complements a variety of mains and adds vibrant green veggies to your plate.
Final Thoughts
This Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly comforting and satisfying. Perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday gatherings, it brings a wonderful balance of creamy, cheesy, and crunchy textures that everyone will love. Give it a try soon — you might just find you’ve stumbled upon your new favorite casserole!
Print
Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy and comforting Broccoli Cheese Casserole made with tender broccoli florets, a rich homemade cheese sauce, and a buttery cracker topping. This baked dish serves as a perfect side for holiday dinners or a cozy family meal.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 pounds broccoli florets (cut into bite-sized pieces, about 10 cups)
- ½ medium onion (finely diced, about ½ cup)
Dairy & Cheese
- 4 tablespoons butter (divided)
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ (8-oz) block cream cheese (diced and softened)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (¾ cup sharp cheddar and ¼ cup grated Parmesan)
- ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Pantry
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt (or more to taste)
- Ground black pepper (to taste)
- 20 buttery round crackers (about 2 ½ cups, crushed)
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat your oven to 360°F (182°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Cook broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the broccoli florets. Boil for 3-5 minutes until they are firm-tender, then drain and immediately rinse under cold water to stop cooking and preserve color.
- Cook onion: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Add the finely diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for 7-8 minutes until softened but not browned to bring out sweetness.
- Make sauce: Lower the heat to medium-low. Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir constantly for 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the whole milk until the mixture is smooth. Season with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Increase heat to medium-high and whisk constantly until the sauce thickens and comes to a boil—about 1-2 minutes.
- Add cheese: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the diced cream cheese and the shredded sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheese until all melts into a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Assemble: Spread one-quarter of the cheese sauce evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer half the broccoli florets over the sauce, then pour half of the remaining sauce over the broccoli. Repeat the layering with the rest of the broccoli and sauce, ending with a layer of sauce on top.
- Add topping: Sprinkle the top with ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese. Combine the crushed buttery round crackers with 2 tablespoons melted butter and evenly scatter this crumb topping over the casserole.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 18-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the casserole is bubbly. Monitor the topping and loosely cover with foil if it begins to brown too much. After baking, let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to set.
Notes
- For a crunchier topping, you can substitute buttery crackers with panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter.
- Feel free to swap half-and-half for milk for an even richer sauce.
- To make this dish vegetarian-friendly, ensure the cheese used does not contain animal-derived rennet.
- This casserole can be prepared a day ahead; assemble it and refrigerate, then bake just before serving.
- Use fresh broccoli rather than frozen for the best texture and flavor.
