Creamy Broccoli Casserole Recipe

If you’re anything like me, you know that broccoli casserole has this magical way of making even the pickiest eaters ask for seconds. This Creamy Broccoli Casserole Recipe is one of my all-time favorites because it blends that perfect balance of cheesy richness with tender, fresh broccoli that never disappoints. Whether you’re serving it as a comforting weeknight dinner or bringing a dish to the holiday table, it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

I love making this recipe because it feels a little fancy but comes together so smoothly – you’ll find yourself going for it again and again. The creamy cheese sauce enveloping the broccoli, topped with a crispy golden breadcrumb crust, is absolutely irresistible. Plus, knowing that it’s simple enough to whip up without complicated steps means you get to enjoy that satisfying “homemade” feeling without the fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient plays a role in creating that luscious creamy base and perfect broccoli bite. I always recommend using fresh broccoli florets for the best texture and flavor, and warm liquids to help the sauce come together smoothly.

• Broccoli florets: Small to medium florets cook evenly and stay tender without turning mushy.
• Unsalted butter: Using unsalted lets you control the saltiness of the sauce perfectly.
• Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic adds a subtle punch and savory depth.
• Plain flour: This thickens the sauce, so no worries about lumps—just whisk well!
• Milk: Warm milk helps the sauce cook up silky without clumping.
• Chicken broth/stock: Adds savory flavor and thins the sauce just enough for a creamy consistency.
• Cheddar cheese: Freshly grated gives that sharp, melty goodness that is key to this recipe.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty note that lifts the whole dish.
• Salt and pepper: Essential to bring out all the flavors—don’t skip the taste test!
• Panko breadcrumbs: These provide that golden, airy crunch on top.
• Melted butter for topping: Helps the breadcrumbs crisp up beautifully and adds more flavor.

Variations

I’ve experimented quite a bit with this creamy broccoli casserole recipe, and I love how easy it is to make it your own. Feel free to swap out cheeses or add some extra veggies—it’s very forgiving and fun to personalize.

• Vegetarian version: Skip the chicken broth and use vegetable broth instead—I do this when my vegetarian friends come over, and they never miss the meat.
• Extra protein: Stir in cooked chicken or crispy bacon bits before baking if you want a more filling meal.
• Cheese swap: Feel free to mix in mozzarella or Gruyère for a different cheesy profile; I sometimes do this for a milder, gooier casserole.
• Spice it up: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika to the sauce gives a nice little kick that my family loves.

How to Make Creamy Broccoli Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Topping and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). While that heats up, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan, melted butter, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl. This topping is what adds that irresistible golden crunch, so make sure the butter is fully melted for the best crispiness.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Roux

Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Throw in the minced garlic and cook it just until fragrant—about one minute. This little step releases an amazing aroma that will instantly have you excited for what’s coming. Add the flour and stir constantly for another minute; this cooks off the raw flour taste and starts thickening your sauce.

Step 3: Whisk in the Milk and Broth

This part is crucial for smooth sauce—slowly pour in half of the warm milk while whisking vigorously to avoid lumps. Once that’s combined, add the rest of the milk plus the chicken broth. Keep stirring every now and then, and in about 4-5 minutes, the sauce will thicken nicely. You’ll know it’s ready when it coats the back of a wooden spoon and leaves a clear line when you wipe it with your finger.

Step 4: Add Cheeses and Season

Turn off the heat and stir in the grated cheddar and parmesan cheeses. Don’t worry if the cheese doesn’t fully melt right away; it’ll blend as it bakes. Give it a little taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. This step lets you customize how salty and rich the casserole turns out.

Step 5: Combine Broccoli and Sauce

Gently fold in your broccoli florets until they’re well coated with that silky cheese sauce. I like to use fresh florets because they hold their shape nicely after baking, but if you’re using frozen, make sure they are fully thawed and drained to avoid a watery casserole.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pour everything into a casserole dish and press it down gently to fill the space evenly. Sprinkle your breadcrumb topping all over, then cover the dish with foil. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil to let the topping crisp up for another 20 minutes. Your kitchen will start smelling irresistible by now—the topping turns a beautiful deep golden and the broccoli becomes perfectly tender.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce settle so it’s easier to dish out without it running everywhere. Trust me, this step makes plating neater and eating more enjoyable.

How to Serve Creamy Broccoli Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a little extra grated parmesan or some freshly chopped parsley right before serving—it adds a lovely pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note that balances the richness perfectly. Sometimes I even toss on some toasted nuts like slivered almonds for extra crunch.

Side Dishes

This creamy broccoli casserole pairs beautifully with roasted chicken or grilled pork chops. For a lighter side, try a crisp green salad or lemony quinoa—I enjoy the contrast between freshness and creaminess on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes make this casserole in individual ramekins and top each with a little extra breadcrumb mix for personal servings. It looks adorable and makes the meal feel extra special when guests dig in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge and usually enjoy it within 2-3 days. It reheats really well, which is a lifesaver on busy afternoons or when I need a quick lunch.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this casserole successfully—just bake it almost fully, let it cool completely, then cover tightly with foil and freeze. When you’re ready, bake it straight from the freezer (add extra time) until hot and bubbly. It holds up surprisingly well this way!

Reheating

Reheat casseroles covered in the oven at 175°C (350°F) for 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. I cover it with foil to keep the topping from burning but remove foil in the last 5 minutes if you want to crisp the crust again.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Broccoli Casserole Recipe is one I always go back to when I want something comforting but a little special. It has this cozy, effortless charm that brings warmth to any table—and trust me, once you try it, it might just become your go-to side or even main dish. So grab those ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the deliciousness that’s sure to have your family and friends asking for seconds!

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