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Get The Product!There’s something utterly delightful about the creamy, cheesy, and slightly crunchy nature of broccoli cheese casserole. Imagine a warm dish that fills your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of melting cheddar and roasted broccoli, making everyone in the house suddenly appear like moths to a flame. It’s comfort food at its finest, perfect for those cozy nights when you just want to forget about the world and dive into a cheesy heaven.
This dish brings back fond memories of family gatherings and potlucks, where I would sneak spoonfuls before it even made it to the table. It’s a crowd-pleaser that transforms ordinary vegetables into an extraordinary feast. Whether it’s a rainy day or a festive occasion, broccoli cheese casserole always promises to deliver that satisfying flavor experience we all crave.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This broccoli cheese casserole is easy to whip up, making weeknight dinners a breeze
- The rich combination of flavors creates an unforgettable experience with every bite
- Its vibrant green hue and golden crust make it visually appealing on any dinner table
- Versatile enough to be served as a main or side dish for any occasion
I remember making this cheesy delight for my family last Thanksgiving. Their delighted faces were priceless as they dug in, asking for seconds—and thirds!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Broccoli Florets: Fresh or frozen works fine; just make sure they are cut into uniform pieces for even cooking.
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Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Grate your own for better meltability; nothing beats the sharpness of freshly grated cheese.
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Cream of Mushroom Soup: This adds creaminess and depth; if you prefer homemade, go right ahead!
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Milk: Whole milk gives a richer flavor, but feel free to use your favorite alternative.
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Breadcrumbs: Use panko for extra crunch; they create a lovely golden topping that contrasts the creamy filling.
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Garlic Powder: A little garlic powder packs a punch of flavor without overwhelming the dish.
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Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; don’t skip these basic yet vital ingredients!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make broccoli cheese casserole
Preheat oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish with nonstick spray so your casserole slides out like a dream.
Prepare broccoli: If using fresh broccoli, steam it until vibrant green and slightly tender—about 5 minutes will do! Drain well to avoid excess moisture.
Mix soup and milk: In a large bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup with milk until smooth. This forms the base that will bind everything together beautifully.
Add cheese: Stir in most of the grated cheddar cheese into the soup mixture—save some for topping! This step is crucial as it ensures every bite is packed with cheesy goodness.
Combine ingredients: Fold in steamed broccoli gently so that each piece gets coated in that luxurious sauce. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
Top with breadcrumbs: Pour the mixture into your greased baking dish and sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the top along with the reserved cheddar cheese. This creates an irresistible crunchy layer!
Bake: Pop it in your preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until bubbling and golden brown on top. The aroma will have you checking every five minutes—trust me!
Let cool slightly: Once out of the oven, let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows everything to set beautifully—you don’t want hot lava broccoli on your plate!
And there you have it! A deliciously comforting broccoli cheese casserole that’s sure to win hearts (and stomachs) at any gathering.
You Must Know
- Broccoli cheese casserole is a comforting dish that brings together creamy cheese and crunchy broccoli
- It’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks, and you can easily customize it with your favorite ingredients
- The aroma of melting cheese fills the kitchen, making everyone eager to dig in
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To create the perfect broccoli cheese casserole, start by steaming the broccoli while you prepare the creamy sauce. Combine the ingredients efficiently to ensure even cooking and a smooth texture.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the cheddar for your favorite cheese like pepper jack or gouda. Adding cooked chicken or bacon can also elevate the dish to new heights of deliciousness.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop it in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, around 20 minutes.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When preparing this casserole, remember to chop your broccoli into uniform sizes for even cooking
- Using freshly grated cheese will enhance flavor compared to pre-shredded versions
- Lastly, let it rest before serving; this helps the flavors meld beautifully
I once made this broccoli cheese casserole for a family gathering, and my cousin couldn’t stop raving about it! He declared it “the best thing since sliced bread.” I still chuckle at that compliment!
FAQ
What can I substitute for broccoli in this casserole?
You can use cauliflower or mixed vegetables for a different twist on this recipe.
Can I make broccoli cheese casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare it a day ahead, refrigerate, and bake before serving.
How do I make this dish gluten-free?
Simply replace regular flour with gluten-free flour for the sauce without sacrificing taste.
Broccoli Cheese Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Broccoli cheese casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining creamy cheddar and tender broccoli into a delightful dish that warms the heart and satisfies the palate. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for family dinners or potlucks, creating a golden crust that contrasts beautifully with its cheesy filling. Bring this nostalgic favorite to your table, and watch as it disappears in no time!
Ingredients
- 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (grated)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish.
- Steam broccoli for about 5 minutes until vibrant green; drain well.
- In a bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup with milk until smooth.
- Stir in most of the grated cheddar cheese, saving some for topping.
- Fold in steamed broccoli and season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour mixture into the baking dish and top with breadcrumbs and reserved cheese.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
