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Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe

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4.3 from 55 reviews

  • Author: Ezabella
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Broccoli Cheese Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting side dish perfect for any meal. It features tender broccoli florets enveloped in a rich cheese sauce, topped with crispy panko breadcrumbs for a delightful contrast in textures. Baked until golden and bubbly, this casserole is sure to be a family favorite.

Ingredients

Sauce and Broccoli

  • ¼ cup butter
  • 2 tablespoons garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups half and half (or whole milk)
  • 1 cup vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
  • 2-3 cups cheddar cheese, shredded and divided
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 lb. broccoli florets (about 6 cups)

Topping

  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
  2. Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, melt ¼ cup butter over medium-high heat until bubbling, about 1 minute. Add 2 tablespoons minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, approximately 1 minute, to infuse the butter with garlic flavor.
  3. Make Roux: Stir in 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour until evenly combined and cook for 1 minute to eliminate raw flour taste and create a base for the sauce.
  4. Add Liquids: Gradually whisk in 2 cups half and half and 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring continuously, and cook until thickened to a creamy sauce consistency, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Add Cheese and Season: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in half (1 to 1.5 cups) of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper to taste.
  6. Combine Broccoli: Stir in 1 pound fresh broccoli florets, tossing well to coat them evenly in the creamy cheese sauce.
  7. Assemble Casserole: Transfer the broccoli-cheese mixture to a 2.4-quart casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
  8. Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, combine ½ cup panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons melted butter. Stir until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.
  9. Add Breadcrumb Topping: Sprinkle the buttered breadcrumb mixture evenly over the cheese layer on the casserole.
  10. Bake Covered: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. This step helps the casserole heat through without drying out the top.
  11. Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy.
  12. Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving warm, letting it set for easier portioning and enhanced flavor.

Notes

  • Use fresh broccoli for best texture; frozen broccoli can be substituted but should be thawed and drained well.
  • For a richer dish, use half and half instead of milk; for a lighter version, whole milk works fine.
  • You can substitute panko breadcrumbs with crushed crackers or regular breadcrumbs for the topping.
  • To make this casserole gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure breadcrumbs are gluten-free.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://kitchenloving.com/broccoli-cheese-casserole-recipe/