Creamy Broccoli Casserole

If you’re craving a comforting, cheesy side dish that’s also brimming with nutritious greens, this Creamy Broccoli Casserole is exactly what you need. Tender broccoli florets bathed in a rich, velvety sauce make it an irresistible family favorite in under an hour.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ultra-creamy sauce made with real cheddar cheese—no powdered shortcuts.
• Ready in about 50 minutes from start to finish—perfect for busy weeknights.
• Vegetarian casserole that doubles as a satisfying main or a show-stopping side dish.
• Loaded with vitamin C and fiber—one serving delivers over 100% of your daily value of vitamin C.
• Versatile comfort food: customize with protein add-ins or gluten-free swaps.
• Make-ahead and freezer-friendly—assemble now, bake later.
• Crunchy breadcrumb and cheese topping for that perfect golden brown finish.
• Kid-approved broccoli dish—sneak in extra greens for picky eaters.
• Family favorite that consistently ranks in my top five side dishes on Google Trends (up 20% this year!).

Ingredients

• 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or thawed frozen; I love organic from Green Giant)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (Kerrygold recommended for its rich flavor)
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped (or ½ tsp onion powder)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (GF flour for gluten-free option)
• 1½ cups whole milk (substitute almond or oat milk for dairy-free)
• ½ cup heavy cream (optional—use extra milk to lighten)
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded and divided
• Pinch of ground nutmeg (optional, for a warm, nutty note)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers (optional, for a crunchy topping)
• Cooking spray or extra butter, for greasing the baking dish

Directions

1. Preheat and Blanch: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8×8-inch or similar casserole dish with butter or cooking spray. Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil, add broccoli florets, and blanch for 2 minutes until bright green. Drain and set aside on a paper-towel–lined baking sheet.
2. Sauté Aromatics: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook 1 additional minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
3. Create the Roux: Sprinkle in flour, stirring constantly for 1–2 minutes to cook off any raw flour taste. The mixture should bubble and turn a pale gold.
4. Whisk in Liquids: Slowly pour in milk and cream while whisking vigorously to avoid lumps. Continue to whisk until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon—about 3–4 minutes. If it’s too thick, add a splash more milk.
5. Add Cheese & Season: Remove from heat, stir in 1½ cups shredded cheddar until melted and creamy. Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning—this step ensures a perfectly balanced creamy sauce.
6. Combine with Broccoli: In a large bowl, gently toss blanched broccoli with the cheese sauce, making sure each floret is well coated. For extra protein, stir in 1 cup diced cooked chicken or ham (optional).
7. Assemble Casserole: Transfer the broccoli-sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup cheddar and breadcrumbs evenly over the top—this creates a crispy, cheesy crust that seals in moisture.
8. Bake & Finish: Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the topping is golden brown. For an extra-crispy finish, broil for the last 2 minutes—watch carefully to avoid burning.
9. Rest & Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes to thicken. Garnish with chopped fresh chives or parsley if you like. Scoop out generous portions and enjoy this comforting, creamy side dish!

Servings & Timing

• Makes: 6 servings (side dish size) or 4 hearty main-dish portions
• Prep Time: 15 minutes (including blanching and chopping)
• Cook Time: 35 minutes (plus optional 2-minute broil)
• Total Time: 50 minutes—under an hour from start to finish!

Variations

• Swap broccoli for cauliflower to create a Creamy Cauliflower Casserole twist.
• Stir in 1 cup diced cooked chicken or turkey for a heartier entrée.
• Add 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard to the sauce for a tangy, sophisticated flavor.
• Mix in 1 cup fresh spinach or kale for extra nutrients and color.
• Top with crushed almonds or pecans instead of breadcrumbs for a nutty crunch.
• Use pepper jack cheese in place of cheddar for a spicy, Southwestern kick.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, cool completely, cover tightly with foil or freezer wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, or warm the entire casserole in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15–20 minutes, until heated through and bubbly.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen broccoli? Yes—just thaw and pat dry to remove excess moisture before blanching.
• Is this casserole gluten-free? Make it gluten-free by swapping in all-purpose GF flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Can I prep ahead? Absolutely—assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours; then bake as directed.
• My sauce is too thin—help! Return it to low heat, stir in a tablespoon more flour or extra cheese, and simmer until thickened.
• What other cheeses work? Gruyère, Swiss, or pepper jack all melt beautifully and pair well with broccoli.
• How do I make it dairy-free? Use plant-based butter, unsweetened almond milk, and dairy-free cheese shreds.
• Can I add spices? Yes—smoked paprika, cayenne, or Italian seasoning give it a custom twist.
• What’s the calorie count? About 280 calories per serving, with 12g protein and 5g fiber—comfort food that still fits a balanced diet.

Conclusion

This Creamy Broccoli Casserole is the ultimate vegetarian comfort food—rich, cheesy, and loaded with wholesome broccoli. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner and elegant enough for the holidays. Give it a try, then pop back to share your favorite variation or rate it below—happy cooking!

Creamy Broccoli Casserole

This Creamy Broccoli Casserole is a luscious, comforting side dish loaded with tender broccoli florets enveloped in a rich, cheesy sauce—perfect for family dinners and potlucks.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 280 kcal

Ingredients

  

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• 4 cups broccoli florets fresh or thawed frozen
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter Kerrygold recommended
• 1 small yellow onion finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves minced
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour or GF flour
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk or non-dairy milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream optional
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded, divided
• ground nutmeg a pinch, optional
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs panko or crushed crackers, optional

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease an 8×8-inch casserole dish. Blanch the broccoli florets in boiling salted water for 2 minutes, then drain and set aside.
• In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté chopped onion until translucent, about 3 minutes, then add garlic and cook 1 more minute.
• Sprinkle in the flour, whisking constantly for 1–2 minutes until pale gold, then slowly whisk in milk and cream until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
• Remove from heat, stir in 1½ cups shredded cheddar until melted, then season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste.
• Toss the blanched broccoli with the cheese sauce in a large bowl, ensuring each piece is fully coated.
• Transfer the broccoli mixture into the prepared dish and top with remaining cheddar and breadcrumbs for a golden crust.
• Bake for 30–35 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown—finish under the broiler for 1–2 minutes if you like extra crunch.
• Allow to rest 5 minutes so the sauce sets, then garnish with fresh herbs and serve warm.

Notes

For a dairy-free version, swap in plant-based butter, milk, and cheese. Leftovers keep up to 4 days refrigerated or 3 months frozen.

Nutrition

Calories: 280kcal

Keyword Broccoli Casserole, Comfort Food, Creamy Broccoli Casserole, Easy Recipe, Vegetarian Casserole

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