Description
This Broccoli Cheese Casserole recipe makes a rich, creamy, and comforting side dish. It features tender broccoli and a homemade cheddar cheese sauce, topped with buttery crackers. It’s a classic from-scratch recipe, perfect for holidays, family dinners, or potlucks.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 2 heads), chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1 cup crushed butter crackers (like Ritz)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Steam or blanch broccoli florets for 3-4 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in milk and cream until smooth. Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens (about 3-5 minutes).
- Stir in cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, and Dijon mustard (if using) until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.
- Add the cooked broccoli to the cheese sauce and toss to coat evenly.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- In a small bowl, combine crushed crackers with 2 tablespoons melted butter. Sprinkle over the top of the casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute frozen broccoli (thawed and drained) if fresh isn’t available.
- For extra protein, add cooked chicken or diced ham to the cheese mixture before baking.
- Assemble the casserole without the topping, refrigerate overnight, then top and bake when ready.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: N/A
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: N/A
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: N/A
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