Creamy Broccoli Casserole Recipe

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If you’re craving a comforting, rich dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Creamy Broccoli Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender, vibrant broccoli florets blanketed in a velvety cheese sauce, topped with a perfectly golden, crunchy breadcrumb crust that makes every bite utterly crave-worthy. It’s a recipe that brings simple ingredients together in an extraordinary way, making it an ideal main or side that pleases the whole family effortlessly.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Creamy Broccoli Casserole Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. From fresh broccoli to sharp cheddar, every component helps create that perfect balance between creamy, cheesy, and crispy.

• Broccoli florets (600g / 1.2 lb): The star vegetable, providing vibrant green color and satisfying bite.
• Unsalted butter (60g + 20g): Adds rich, silky smoothness to the sauce and the crunchy topping.
• Garlic cloves (4, minced): Infuses a subtle aroma and depth, transforming the sauce into something spectacular.
• Plain flour (6 tbsp): The thickening agent that creates the luscious creamy base without lumps.
• Milk (2 cups, preferably warm): Delivers creamy texture and balances the sauce with mild dairy sweetness.
• Chicken broth/stock (1 1/2 cups, preferably warm): Enhances flavor complexity with savory undertones.
• Cheddar cheese (1.5 cups, freshly grated): Offers sharp, melty goodness — it’s the heart of the casserole’s creamy richness.
• Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup + 1/4 cup): Provides a nutty, salty lift both in the sauce and crunchy topping.
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to elevate every bite.
• Panko breadcrumbs (1/2 cup): For that irresistible golden, crispy crust that completes the dish beautifully.

How to Make Creamy Broccoli Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Topping

Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). Mix the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter, grated parmesan, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a bowl. This simple topping will give your casserole that crave-worthy crunch and golden color that tempts your senses even before the first bite.

Step 2: Create Your Flavorful Sauce Base

Melt 60 grams of butter over medium heat in a large pot and add minced garlic. Let the aroma build for about a minute — this little step releases subtle garlicky goodness that’s pure magic in the finished dish. Then sprinkle in the flour and cook while stirring constantly for another minute; this creates a roux, the essential thickener for your creamy sauce.

Step 3: Whisk in the Liquids

Slowly pour in half the warm milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Once that’s smoothly integrated, whisk in the rest of the milk and the warm chicken broth. This gradual addition makes the sauce silky and ensures a smooth texture without any clumps.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce to Perfection

Keep cooking and whisking the mixture for 4 to 5 minutes. You’ll notice the sauce thickening and coating the back of a wooden spoon; when you swipe your finger through it, the line stays clear — this is your perfect consistency. The sauce is now ready to embrace the broccoli with creamy delight.

Step 5: Add the Cheeses and Season

Turn off the heat and stir in the freshly grated cheddar and parmesan cheeses. Don’t worry if the cheeses don’t fully melt right away — the residual heat will finish the job once baked. Give it a taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed for that perfectly balanced flavor.

Step 6: Combine Broccoli and Sauce

Add the broccoli florets to the cheese sauce and stir gently but thoroughly to coat every piece with creamy, cheesy goodness. This step ensures that each bite bursts with flavor and luscious texture.

Step 7: Assemble and Bake

Transfer the broccoli and sauce mixture into a casserole dish, pressing down lightly to fill the dish evenly. Sprinkle the prepared breadcrumb topping over everything, then cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. The foil keeps things moist so your broccoli stays tender.

Step 8: Finish Baking for a Golden Crust

Remove the foil and bake for another 20 minutes until the topping turns a rich golden brown and crunchy, while the broccoli inside remains perfectly tender, creating texture contrast that makes this dish so satisfying.

Step 9: Rest Before Serving

Allow the casserole to stand for 5 minutes after baking. This little pause lets it settle, making it easier to serve and intensifying the flavors that you’ve lovingly combined.

How to Serve Creamy Broccoli Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives on top adds a bright, fresh note and pops of color that make your Creamy Broccoli Casserole Recipe look as stunning as it tastes. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can elevate the dish with a delicate fruity flavor if you’re feeling fancy.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness or alongside roasted chicken for a hearty family dinner. Garlic bread or crusty French baguette also make fantastic companions to soak up any extra sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your creamy broccoli casserole in individual ramekins for a charming, personal touch — perfect for entertaining friends. Alternatively, spoon it over baked potatoes or mix into cooked pasta for a playful twist. No matter how you present it, this recipe shines every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Broccoli Casserole Recipe keeps really well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just reheat gently to keep the sauce smooth and the topping crispy as possible.

Freezing

You can freeze this casserole either before baking or after cooling fully post-bake. Wrap tightly in foil and place in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a moderate oven at 175°C (350°F) for about 15-20 minutes, uncovered, to revive the creamy sauce and crisp up the breadcrumb topping again. If you’re in a rush, a microwave works too, but you might miss out on that golden crunch.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works well and makes this Creamy Broccoli Casserole Recipe even more convenient. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture to avoid a soggy dish.

Can I substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth?

Yes. Vegetable broth is a great option to keep this casserole vegetarian-friendly while maintaining flavor depth.

What if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?

You can use regular breadcrumbs or crush some crackers for the topping. Panko gives extra crunch, but the casserole still tastes delicious with alternatives.

Is this casserole suitable for meal prepping?

Definitely! The Creamy Broccoli Casserole Recipe is perfect for making ahead. Bake when ready or freeze portions for busy weeknights.

Can I make this dish without cheese?

While cheese is a big player in this recipe’s magic, you could try a dairy-free cheese alternative or a creamy béchamel sauce seasoned well. The texture might differ slightly, but it can still satisfy your craving.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the Creamy Broccoli Casserole Recipe that makes it a go-to comfort dish in my kitchen. The way the broccoli gets enveloped in that luscious, cheesy sauce with a crisp, golden topping is pure joy on a plate. I can’t recommend enough that you try it for your next meal — it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a family favorite, just like it is in mine.

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