Cheesy Baked Broccoli Casserole: Creamy, Golden and So Good Even the Kids Ask for Seconds

How to Make Cheesy Broccoli Casserole

1. Heat the oven. Preheat to 375°F and lightly butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Blanch the broccoli. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the florets and cook for just 2 to 3 minutes, until bright green and slightly tender. Drain well and spread in the baking dish.
3. Start the sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
4. Cook the flour. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. This removes the raw flour taste.
5. Add the milk. Slowly pour in the warm milk while whisking. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
6. Melt in the cheese. Remove from the heat and stir in 1 ½ cups of the cheddar, the Parmesan, salt, pepper and nutmeg until smooth.
7. Pour over the broccoli. Spread the cheese sauce evenly over the broccoli, making sure every floret is covered.
8. Add the topping. Sprinkle with the mozzarella, the remaining cheddar and the breadcrumbs, if using.
9. Bake. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until bubbling at the edges and golden on top. For an extra golden crust, broil for the last 2 minutes, watching closely.
10. Rest and serve. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving, so the sauce settles.

Tips for the Creamiest Casserole

• Do not overcook the broccoli before baking. It continues to soften in the oven.
• Drain it very well. Extra water will thin your cheese sauce.
• Warm milk prevents lumps. If lumps appear anyway, a quick whisk will fix them.
• Take the sauce off the heat before adding the cheese, so it melts smoothly instead of turning oily.

Variations

For a broccoli and chicken casserole, add 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken and serve it as a complete dinner.

For a broccoli rice casserole, stir in 2 cups of cooked white rice under the broccoli.

For a little crunch and a holiday touch, top it with crispy fried onions instead of breadcrumbs.

Make Ahead and Storage

You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours ahead. Cover and refrigerate, then add 10 extra minutes to the baking time. Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F or in the microwave until hot.

Nutrition Information

One serving provides approximately 260 to 320 calories. Broccoli brings fiber, vitamin C and vitamin K, while the cheese adds protein and calcium. It is a comforting, satisfying way to get more vegetables on the table.

Final Thoughts

This cheesy broccoli casserole is the kind of recipe that earns a permanent place in your recipe box. Simple ingredients, very little effort and a result that makes everyone at the table happy.

Bring it out bubbling and golden, set it in the middle of the table and get ready to hear, "Can I have the recipe?"

With love, from Grandma's kitchen ❤️