Broccoli-Cheese Casserole

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Broccoli-cheese casserole is the kind of comfort food that brings people together. It’s warm, rich, and creamy, with just the right balance of wholesome and indulgent. It’s one of those dishes that shows up at every holiday, potluck, or Sunday dinner—and for good reason. It’s incredibly satisfying, ridiculously easy to make, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

This dish features tender broccoli florets wrapped in a silky cheese sauce, all baked to bubbling, golden perfection. It checks all the right boxes: it’s hearty, nutritious, cheesy, and totally irresistible. Plus, it pairs well with nearly any main course, from roasted chicken to grilled beef.

The beauty of a broccoli-cheese casserole lies in its versatility. You can make it ahead, freeze it, reheat it—and it still tastes great. The base is simple: steamed or blanched broccoli, a creamy cheese mixture, and a crispy topping. But from there, you can tweak it however you like: add rice or pasta, swap cheeses, or mix in other vegetables.

While many versions rely on canned soup, this recipe uses a homemade cheese sauce for extra depth and flavor. It’s still quick and easy, but the payoff in taste is worth it. The sauce is built with real cheddar, milk, and butter, thickened just enough to coat every bite of broccoli without feeling heavy.

What makes this casserole a staple in so many homes is its reliability. It always turns out well, even if you eyeball the ingredients a bit or throw in extras. It’s also a sneaky way to get picky eaters to eat more veggies—melted cheese has that kind of power.

The flavor is mild but deeply comforting. You get that earthy note from the broccoli, the rich umami from the cheese, and a little crunch from the topping. It hits every part of your palate without overwhelming it.

This casserole is perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday tables, or when you just need something warm and hearty on a cold night. It’s the kind of dish you reach for when you want to feed a group without stress.

Even better, this version avoids the use of condensed soups or processed ingredients, making it a little lighter and fresher without sacrificing any of that comfort-food charm.

Once you’ve made this, don’t be surprised if it becomes part of your regular rotation. It’s one of those go-to recipes that everyone in the family asks for again and again.

Serve it up in a deep dish, spoon it onto plates beside your favorite protein, or eat it straight from the pan. There’s no wrong way to enjoy this.

It also works great as leftovers. In fact, it might taste even better the next day after the flavors have had more time to meld. Reheat it in the oven or microwave and it’s just as satisfying.

If you’re looking for something that hits that perfect blend of hearty and wholesome, this broccoli-cheese casserole fits the bill.

Let’s get baking.

Servings

Serves 6-8

Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

• 6 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup crushed butter crackers or breadcrumbs (for topping)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Steam or blanch broccoli for 3-4 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Drain well.
3. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
4. Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly until smooth and thickened (about 3-5 minutes).
5. Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in 1 1/2 cups of the cheddar cheese until melted.
6. Combine cheese sauce with broccoli in a large bowl. Mix well and transfer to prepared baking dish.
7. Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup cheese over the top, then add cracker or breadcrumb topping.
8. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
9. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips

• Use sharp cheddar for a deeper flavor, or mix in some mozzarella or Monterey Jack for variety.
• For extra crunch, mix a little melted butter with the topping before baking.
• This dish can be assembled ahead of time and baked just before serving.
• Leftovers reheat well in the oven or microwave.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

It’s rich, comforting, and cheesy without being too heavy. The homemade sauce beats any canned version, and the combination of creamy and crunchy textures is pure comfort food gold. Whether you’re feeding a family or bringing a dish to share, this casserole is always a hit.

This broccoli-cheese casserole is the ultimate comfort food side dish: cheesy, creamy, and topped with a crisp finish. With fresh ingredients and a homemade cheese sauce, it’s a healthier, more flavorful take on a classic favorite that’s easy enough for any night of the week.