Cheesy Broccoli Casserole

Cheesy Broccoli Casserole is a creamy, flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with any meal. Tender broccoli is coated in a rich cheese sauce and topped with a buttery, crunchy cracker topping. It’s easy to make, comforting, and always a crowd-pleaser for family dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

• 2 pounds broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces (about 10 cups)
• 3 tablespoons salted butter
• ½ medium onion, finely diced
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ cups milk
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese

For the Topping:

• 1 cup coarsely crushed buttery crackers (such as Ritz)
• ¼ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add broccoli and cook 2–3 minutes until tender-crisp. Drain and transfer to a 3-quart baking dish.
3. In a medium saucepan, cook onion in butter over medium heat until tender, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in flour, dry mustard, and salt; cook 1 minute more.
5. Gradually add milk, whisking until smooth. Continue whisking over medium heat until thick and bubbly.
6. Add cream cheese and stir until smooth. Remove from heat and mix in cheddar and Parmesan cheeses.
7. Pour sauce over broccoli and stir to coat evenly.
8. In a small bowl, combine crushed crackers, ¼ cup cheddar, and melted butter. Sprinkle over broccoli.
9. Bake 20–25 minutes until sauce is bubbly and topping is golden brown.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serve hot as a side dish with roasted meats, grilled chicken, or baked fish.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to retain the creamy texture and crisp topping.
• For potluck or buffet-style meals, transfer to a slow cooker on low to keep warm without overcooking.

Variations

• Mushroom and Onion Broccoli Casserole: Sauté 1 cup mushrooms with the onions for an earthy flavor.
• Spicy Broccoli Casserole: Add ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper or ½ teaspoon smoked paprika to the cheese sauce for a subtle heat.
• Cheese Mix Casserole: Swap half the cheddar with Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or Swiss cheese for a richer, nutty flavor.
• Gluten-Free Casserole: Use gluten-free flour in the sauce and gluten-free crackers for the topping.
• Lighter Version: Use low-fat milk and reduced-fat cheeses while keeping cream cheese for creaminess.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen broccoli?
   Yes, thaw and drain thoroughly before adding to the casserole.
2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
   Absolutely. Assemble it a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
3. Can I substitute different cheeses?
   Yes. Cheddar, Gruyère, Swiss, or Monterey Jack all work well.
4. Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
   Use gluten-free flour and gluten-free crackers for the topping.
5. How do I make it spicier?
   Add cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or smoked paprika to the cheese sauce.
6. Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
   Yes, use a larger baking dish and adjust the baking time slightly.
7. Can I freeze this casserole?
   Yes, freeze before baking. Bake from frozen, adding extra time to heat through.
8. Can I use skim milk or non-dairy milk?
   Skim milk is fine but slightly less creamy. Unsweetened non-dairy milk can work, though it may alter the taste.
9. How do I prevent the topping from burning?
   Cover loosely with foil for the first half of baking, then uncover to brown the topping.
10. How can I make it extra creamy?
    Add an extra ounce of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream to the cheese sauce.

Cheesy Broccoli Casserole is a rich and comforting side dish that complements a wide variety of meals. Its creamy cheese sauce and crunchy topping make it irresistible. This casserole is simple to prepare, can be made ahead of time, and is perfect for both everyday dinners and holiday gatherings.

Print