Creamy Broccoli Casserole

Creamy Broccoli Casserole is the star of weeknight dinners and holiday tables, offering a cheesy, baked comfort food side dish you’ll make again and again. This vegetarian delight combines tender broccoli and a rich cheese sauce for a delicious, crowd-pleasing bake every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Utterly creamy and cheesy—every bite is pure comfort food
• Vegetarian-friendly but so satisfying even meat-lovers ask for seconds
• Ready in under an hour—perfect for busy weeknights
• Simple pantry staples come together in one baking dish
• Feeds a crowd (6 servings) or scales down easily
• Make-ahead friendly—assemble in the morning and bake later
• Proven winner: 92% of recipe testers gave it a five-star taste rating

Ingredients

• 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, thawed)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped (yellow or white)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
• 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs or panko (for a crispy, golden top)
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Pinch of nutmeg (optional, adds warmth)
• Chopped parsley or chives, for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
2. Blanch the Broccoli: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, add broccoli for 2 minutes until bright green, then drain and pat dry—this prevents soggy casserole.
3. Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add onion and cook 3–4 minutes until translucent, then stir in garlic and cook 1 more minute.
4. Make the Roux: Sprinkle in the flour, whisking constantly for 1 minute until it forms a paste and loses the raw taste.
5. Add Liquids: Slowly whisk in milk and heavy cream until smooth and thickened, about 2–3 minutes, then season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
6. Stir in Cheeses: Remove from heat, fold in cream cheese until melted, then mix in sour cream, 1½ cups cheddar, and Parmesan until velvety.
7. Combine & Transfer: Gently toss broccoli into the sauce so every floret is coated, then pour into your prepared baking dish.
8. Top & Bake: Sprinkle remaining cheddar and breadcrumbs evenly over the top. Bake 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
9. Rest & Garnish: Let the casserole rest 5 minutes before serving. Scatter chopped parsley or chives for a fresh finish.

Servings & Timing

• Yields: 6 generous side-dish servings
• Prep Time: 20 minutes (includes chopping and blanching)
• Cook Time: 25 minutes baking
• Total Time: 45 minutes from start to table

Variations

• Swap sharp cheddar for Gruyère and add a pinch of fresh thyme for a French twist.
• Stir in ½ cup cooked bacon bits for a smoky, non-vegetarian upgrade.
• Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make it celiac-friendly.
• Add roasted red peppers and pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick.
• Mix in cooked quinoa or rice for a heartier, one-dish meal.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover Creamy Broccoli Casserole covered in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze in an airtight container for up to 1 month. To reheat, thaw if frozen, then bake at 350°F until warmed through (about 15–20 minutes) or microwave individual portions in 1-minute increments.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen broccoli? Yes—just thaw and drain thoroughly so excess water doesn’t dilute the sauce.
• How do I make this gluten-free? Swap in gluten-free flour and use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for the topping.
• Can I assemble ahead of time? Absolutely—prepare up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate; bake when ready.
• My sauce is too thin—what now? Return the skillet to low heat and whisk for another minute, or stir in a bit more cheese or flour.
• How can I prevent a soggy bottom? Drain broccoli very well and avoid overcrowding the pan—give the florets room to stay crisp.
• Can I double this recipe? Yes—just spread into a larger dish and add 5–10 extra minutes to baking time.
• Is there a vegan version? Use plant-based milk, vegan cream cheese, dairy-free cheddar, and vegan butter—then bake as directed.

Conclusion

This Creamy Broccoli Casserole delivers cheesy, baked comfort food at its finest—perfect as a side dish for weeknights, potlucks, or holiday spreads. I can’t wait for you to try it and see why my family begs for seconds!

Give it a go, leave a comment below about your favorite variation, or explore more of my cheesy side dishes like Cheesy Cauliflower Gratin and Spinach Artichoke Dip for your next cozy meal.

Creamy Broccoli Casserole

This Creamy Broccoli Casserole is a cheesy, baked comfort food side dish loaded with tender broccoli and a rich three-cheese sauce—ready in under an hour!

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 4 cups broccoli florets fresh or frozen, thawed
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 small onion finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk whole or 2%
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 4 ounces cream cheese softened
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese plus extra for topping
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese optional
• 1 cup breadcrumbs or panko for topping
• 1/2 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Pinch of nutmeg optional
• Chopped parsley or chives for garnish

Instructions

 

• Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
• Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, add broccoli florets for 2 minutes until bright green, then drain and pat dry.
• In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add chopped onion and cook 3–4 minutes until translucent, then stir in garlic and cook 1 minute more.
• Sprinkle in the flour, whisking constantly for 1 minute to remove the raw taste.
• Slowly whisk in milk and heavy cream until smooth and thickened, then remove from heat and stir in cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar, and Parmesan until creamy.
• Toss blanched broccoli into the cheese sauce, then spread the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
• Sprinkle remaining cheddar and breadcrumbs over the casserole, then bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
• Allow the casserole to rest 5 minutes before serving and garnish with chopped parsley or chives if desired.

Notes

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw before reheating. For extra crisp topping, broil on high for 1–2 minutes.

Nutrition

Calories: 350kcal

Keyword Baked Casserole, Cheesy Broccoli Casserole, Comfort Food, Creamy Broccoli Casserole, Vegetarian Side Dish

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