Veggie

Broccoli Cheese Casserole

Name: Broccoli Cheese Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 3 cups broccoli florets; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 2 tbsp butter; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup chopped onion; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper

By Carol Bennett · June 18, 2026 · Veggie

Prep20 min

Cook30 min

Total50 min

Serves6

I still remember the first time I had broccoli cheese casserole - it was at a family gathering, and I was immediately hooked. The combination of tender broccoli, rich cheese, and a crispy golden crust was absolute perfection. Over the years, I've perfected my own recipe, and I'm excited to share it with you. This casserole is perfect for a cozy night in with family and friends, and it's also a great way to get your daily dose of veggies.

One of the things I love about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. You can use fresh or frozen broccoli, and you can also add in other ingredients like cooked bacon or ham to give it a bit of smokiness. The key is to find a balance of flavors and textures that you enjoy, and then to experiment with different combinations until you find your perfect casserole.

As a home cook, I know how important it is to have a few go-to recipes that you can rely on when you need to feed a crowd. This broccoli cheese casserole is one of those recipes - it's easy to make, it's delicious, and it's sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. Plus, it's a great way to use up any leftover broccoli you might have in the fridge, making it a practical and budget-friendly option.

So if you're looking for a new recipe to add to your rotation, I highly recommend giving this broccoli cheese casserole a try. It's a classic comfort food dish that's sure to become a favorite in your household, and it's perfect for any occasion - from weeknight dinners to special events and holidays.

In this recipe, we'll be using a combination of fresh broccoli, rich cheese, and a crispy golden crust to create a dish that's both comforting and delicious. We'll also be sharing some tips and tricks for customizing the recipe to your taste, as well as some advice for making it ahead of time and reheating it without losing any of the flavor or texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients
It's a great way to get your daily dose of veggies
The combination of broccoli, cheese, and crust is absolutely delicious
It's perfect for a cozy night in with family and friends
You can customize it to your taste by adding in other ingredients
It's a great way to use up any leftover broccoli you might have
It's a budget-friendly option that's perfect for weeknight dinners

Why This Recipe Works

The key to a great broccoli cheese casserole is finding the right balance of flavors and textures. You want the broccoli to be tender, but still crisp - and you want the cheese to be melted and gooey, but not too runny. To achieve this, we'll be using a combination of steaming and baking to cook the broccoli, and we'll also be adding in a crispy golden crust to give the dish a bit of crunch.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the layering of the ingredients. By layering the broccoli, cheese, and crust in a specific order, we can create a dish that's both visually appealing and delicious. The broccoli provides a nice base for the casserole, while the cheese adds creaminess and flavor. The crust, which is made from a combination of breadcrumbs and butter, adds a nice crunch and texture to the dish.

In terms of cooking technique, this recipe uses a combination of steaming and baking to cook the broccoli. Steaming helps to preserve the nutrients and flavor of the broccoli, while baking helps to melt the cheese and crisp up the crust. By using both techniques, we can create a dish that's both healthy and delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to making a great broccoli cheese casserole, the ingredients are key. You'll want to use fresh, high-quality ingredients to get the best flavor and texture. In this recipe, we'll be using a combination of broccoli, cheese, and crust to create a dish that's both delicious and satisfying.

One of the most important ingredients in this recipe is the broccoli. You can use either fresh or frozen broccoli, depending on what's available and what you prefer. If you're using frozen broccoli, be sure to thaw it first and squeeze out as much water as possible before using it in the recipe.

3 cups broccoli floretsYou can use either fresh or frozen broccoli for this recipe. If using frozen, be sure to thaw and squeeze out excess water before using.
2 cups shredded cheddar cheeseYou can also use other types of cheese, such as mozzarella or parmesan, depending on your preference.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheeseMozzarella adds a nice creaminess to the dish, but you can also use other types of cheese if you prefer.
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheeseParmesan adds a nice salty flavor to the dish, but you can also use other types of cheese if you prefer.
1/4 cup all-purpose flourFlour helps to thicken the sauce and create a crispy crust.
2 tbsp butterButter adds flavor and helps to create a crispy crust.
1/2 cup breadcrumbsBreadcrumbs add a nice crunch to the dish, but you can also use other types of toppings if you prefer.
1/2 cup chopped onionOnion adds a nice flavor to the dish, but you can also use other types of vegetables if you prefer.
2 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic adds a nice flavor to the dish, but you can also use other types of seasonings if you prefer.
1 tsp saltSalt enhances the flavor of the dish, but be sure not to overdo it.
1/2 tsp black pepperPepper adds a nice flavor to the dish, but you can also use other types of seasonings if you prefer.

Ingredients for Broccoli Cheese Casserole

Equipment You’ll Need

Large skillet or sauté panSteaming basket9x13 inch baking dishCheese graterMeasuring cups and spoonsWooden spoon or spatulaOven mitts

How to Make Broccoli Cheese Casserole

1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a large skillet or sauté pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3
Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
4
Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and cook until tender, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5
In a separate saucepan, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk to combine, cooking for 1-2 minutes.
6
Slowly add in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7
In a 9x13 inch baking dish, arrange the cooked broccoli in an even layer. Pour the cheese sauce over the top of the broccoli.
8
Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over the top of the cheese sauce.
9
In a small bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top of the parmesan cheese.
10
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve hot and enjoy!
12
To make ahead, prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, then refrigerate or freeze until ready to bake. Bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if necessary.

Expert Tips

Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor and texture.
Don't overcook the broccoli - it should be tender but still crisp.
Use a variety of cheeses for a rich and creamy sauce.
Add some spice to the dish by using red pepper flakes or diced jalapenos.
Experiment with different types of breadcrumbs or toppings for a unique texture.
Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set.
Reheat the casserole in the oven or microwave until hot and bubbly.
Use leftover broccoli to make a delicious broccoli cheese soup or salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the broccoli, which can make it mushy and unappetizing.
Not using enough cheese, which can result in a dry and flavorless casserole.
Not letting the casserole rest before serving, which can cause the cheese to be runny and messy.
Using low-quality ingredients, which can affect the flavor and texture of the dish.
Not seasoning the dish enough, which can result in a bland and unappetizing casserole.
Not using the right type of cheese, which can affect the flavor and texture of the dish.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some diced ham or bacon to the casserole for a smoky flavor.
Use different types of cheese, such as feta or goat cheese, for a unique flavor.
Add some diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the casserole for extra flavor and nutrients.
Use leftover cooked chicken or turkey to make a delicious and satisfying casserole.
Experiment with different types of breadcrumbs or toppings, such as crushed crackers or chopped nuts.
Add some spice to the dish by using red pepper flakes or diced jalapenos.
Use fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, to add a bright and fresh flavor to the dish.

What to Serve With Broccoli Cheese Casserole

This broccoli cheese casserole is perfect for serving as a main dish or side dish. You can serve it with a variety of sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a green salad.

It's also a great dish to serve at parties or gatherings, as it's easy to make in large quantities and can be served hot or cold. Consider serving it with some crusty bread or crackers for a satisfying and filling snack.

Serve with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetablesServe with a green salad or fruit saladServe with crusty bread or crackersServe as a main dish or side dishServe at parties or gatheringsServe with a variety of cheeses or meats

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This broccoli cheese casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To refrigerate, let the casserole cool completely, then cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate.

To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze. When you're ready to serve, thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator, then bake it in the oven until hot and bubbly.

To reheat the casserole, you can use the oven or microwave. To reheat in the oven, cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F (180°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. To reheat in the microwave, cover the casserole with a paper towel and microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.

It's also a good idea to label and date the casserole, so you can easily keep track of how long it's been stored. This will help you ensure that the casserole is safe to eat and that it's served at its best.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli for this recipe. Just be sure to thaw it first and squeeze out as much water as possible before using.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, then refrigerate or freeze until ready to bake.

Can I use different types of cheese for this recipe?

Yes, you can use different types of cheese for this recipe. Just be sure to choose a combination that melts well and has a good flavor.

Can I add other ingredients to this recipe?

Yes, you can add other ingredients to this recipe. Some ideas include diced ham or bacon, chopped bell peppers or mushrooms, or cooked chicken or turkey.

How do I store this casserole?

This casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To refrigerate, let the casserole cool completely, then cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate.

How do I reheat this casserole?

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this recipe in a slow cooker. Prepare the casserole as directed, then transfer it to the slow cooker and cook on low for 2-3 hours, or until hot and bubbly.

Can I make this recipe in advance and freeze it?

Yes, you can make this recipe in advance and freeze it. Prepare the casserole as directed, then let it cool completely and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months, then thaw and bake as directed.

The Full Recipe

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