There is something magical about the smell of melted cheese on a crisp autumn evening.
You want a side dish that makes everyone smile.
This cheesy broccoli casserole is the ultimate comfort food for your family.
It is creamy, crunchy, and so easy to make.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Broccoli Casserole
This recipe is a winner because it turns simple veggies into a treat.
Even picky eaters will love the rich, homemade cheddar sauce.
It is ready in 45 minutes for a stress-free meal.
You can serve this at a holiday feast or a simple Tuesday dinner.
It uses simple pantry staples you likely already have.
Your kitchen will smell like a cozy home in no time.
Simple Cooking Steps
Making this dish is very simple and rewarding for any cook.
You will steam the broccoli until it is just tender and bright.
Then, you whisk together a quick, silky cheese sauce on the stove.
Pour it over the greens and add the buttery cracker topping.
Beginners can master this with no trouble at all.
What You Need
This recipe relies on mostly pantry staples and fresh produce.
- 1 lb fresh broccoli florets
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup crushed buttery round crackers
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Step-by-Step
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish.
- Steam the broccoli florets for 3-5 minutes until tender-crisp; drain thoroughly to prevent a watery casserole.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/4 cup butter.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux, ensuring it does not brown.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and simmer until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Remove the sauce from heat and stir in 1.5 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until smooth; season with salt and pepper.
- Arrange the steamed broccoli in the prepared baking dish and pour the cheese sauce evenly over the florets.
- In a small bowl, combine the crushed crackers, melted butter, and the remaining 0.5 cup of cheddar cheese.
- Sprinkle the cracker mixture over the casserole.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the sauce is bubbling and the topping is golden brown.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve this warm while the cheese is still bubbly and gooey.
It pairs perfectly with a roasted chicken or holiday turkey.
You can also enjoy it as a hearty vegetarian main dish.
The golden cracker topping adds a wonderful crunch to every bite.
Set it in the middle of the table and watch it disappear.
Keep It Fresh
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
It will stay fresh for up to three days for easy meals.
To reheat, use the oven at 350°F for ten minutes.
This helps keep the topping nice and crispy for you.
Meal prep is easy with this tasty, comforting side dish.
Recipe Tips
- Drain the broccoli well to avoid a watery sauce in the dish.
- Use sharp cheddar for the best, boldest cheese flavor.
- Don’t over-steam the broccoli before you bake it in the oven.
- Crush the crackers finely for an even, golden crust.
- Make it ahead by prepping the sauce the day before.
- For Thanksgiving, double the batch to feed a big crowd.
- Add a pinch of paprika to the topping for extra color.
Make It Your Own
- Swap broccoli for cauliflower for a different, delicious twist.
- Add cooked bacon bits for a smoky, salty flavor profile.
- Use gluten-free crackers to make it allergy-friendly for everyone.
- In summer, swap broccoli for fresh zucchini slices to stay seasonal.
Common Questions
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, you can use frozen florets for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain it very well first.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can assemble the casserole a few hours early. Keep it in the fridge and bake it right before dinner.
How do I know when it is done?
The sauce should bubble around the edges of the dish. The cracker topping will be a beautiful, deep golden brown.
I hope this cozy recipe brings warmth to your family table. Give it a try and enjoy every creamy, crunchy bite. Happy cooking!
— Lidia
Cheesy Broccoli Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh broccoli florets
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all -purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup crushed buttery round crackers
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish.
- Steam the broccoli florets for 3-5 minutes until tender-crisp; drain thoroughly to prevent a watery casserole.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/4 cup butter.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux, ensuring it does not brown.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and simmer until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Remove the sauce from heat and stir in 1.5 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until smooth; season with salt and pepper.
- Arrange the steamed broccoli in the prepared baking dish and pour the cheese sauce evenly over the florets.
- In a small bowl, combine the crushed crackers, melted butter, and the remaining 0.5 cup of cheddar cheese.
- Sprinkle the cracker mixture over the casserole.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the sauce is bubbling and the topping is golden brown.
