Creamy Broccoli Casserole is a delightful dish that combines the goodness of broccoli with a rich, cheesy sauce. It’s the perfect comfort food for families and makes a great side dish for any meal. Plus, it’s easy to make, and everyone will love it!
Why Make This Recipe
This casserole is not only delicious but also healthy. Broccoli is packed with vitamins and minerals, and when combined with creamy cheese and savory garlic, it becomes a dish that everyone will enjoy. It’s a great way to get children to eat their vegetables and to impress guests at dinner. Plus, this recipe is simple enough for anyone to try, making it a perfect choice for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs.
How to Make Creamy Broccoli Casserole
Making this creamy broccoli casserole is straightforward and requires just a few steps. Here’s how:
Ingredients:
- 600g / 1.2 lb broccoli florets (small to medium, 2 large heads, Note 1)
- 60g / 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 6 tbsp plain flour
- 2 cups milk (preferably warm, full or low fat)
- 1.5 cups chicken broth/stock (preferably warm)
- 1.5 cups cheddar cheese, freshly grated (Note 2)
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 20g / 1.5 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- In a bowl, mix the topping ingredients with a pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant.
- Stir in the flour and cook for another minute, stirring constantly.
- While whisking, slowly pour in half of the milk. Once fully incorporated, whisk in the remaining milk and chicken broth.
- Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, whisking occasionally, until the sauce thickens. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a wooden spoon.
- Turn off the heat, add the cheddar and parmesan cheeses, and stir until combined (it’s okay if the cheese doesn’t melt completely). Taste and add salt if needed.
- Add the broccoli to the sauce and stir well to coat it.
- Pour the mixture into a casserole dish, pressing down to fill it evenly. Sprinkle the topping mixture on top, cover with foil, and bake for 25 minutes.
- After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the topping turns a deep golden color and the broccoli is tender.
- Let it stand for 5 minutes before serving.
How to Serve Creamy Broccoli Casserole
This creamy broccoli casserole is best served warm. You can enjoy it as a side dish with roasted chicken or beef. It also works well as a main dish when paired with a simple salad.
How to Store Creamy Broccoli Casserole
To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven until heated through.
Tips to Make Creamy Broccoli Casserole
- For a creamier sauce, use half-and-half instead of milk.
- You can add cooked chicken or ham to the casserole for extra protein.
- Feel free to toss in other vegetables like cauliflower or carrots for added nutrition and flavor.
Variation
If you want to make this dish vegetarian, simply replace chicken broth with vegetable broth.
FAQs
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole and store it in the refrigerator before baking. Just cover it tightly and bake when you’re ready to serve.
2. Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, frozen broccoli works just fine. Just make sure to thaw and drain it before adding to the sauce.
3. How long does it take to bake?
It takes about 45 minutes to bake the casserole: 25 minutes covered and 20 minutes uncovered.
Enjoy making your creamy broccoli casserole! It’s sure to be a hit with everyone!
Creamy Broccoli Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 600 g 600g / 1.2 lb broccoli florets Small to medium, 2 large heads
- 60 g 60g / 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 6 tbsp 6 tbsp plain flour
- 2 cups 2 cups milk Preferably warm, full or low fat
- 1.5 cups 1.5 cups chicken broth/stock Preferably warm
- 1.5 cups 1.5 cups cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- 0.5 cup 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- to taste Salt and pepper
Topping Ingredients
- 0.5 cup 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 0.25 cup 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 20 g 20g / 1.5 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- In a bowl, mix the topping ingredients with a pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant.
- Stir in the flour and cook for another minute, stirring constantly.
- While whisking, slowly pour in half of the milk. Once fully incorporated, whisk in the remaining milk and chicken broth.
- Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, whisking occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
- Turn off the heat, add the cheddar and parmesan cheeses, and stir until combined.
- Add the broccoli to the sauce and stir well to coat it.
- Pour the mixture into a casserole dish, pressing down to fill it evenly.
- Sprinkle the topping mixture on top, cover with foil, and bake for 25 minutes.
- After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the topping turns a deep golden color and the broccoli is tender.
- Let it stand for 5 minutes before serving.
