Creamy Broccoli Casserole Recipe

I’ve always been a huge fan of casseroles because they bring that cozy, homey feeling to the table — and this Creamy Broccoli Casserole Recipe is no exception. It’s packed with tender broccoli bathed in a rich, cheesy sauce that’s so comforting you won’t believe how easy it is to make. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or as a side at a holiday meal, this recipe consistently gets me all the compliments.

When I first tried this creamy broccoli casserole recipe, I was amazed by how the sauce came together so smoothly and how the crunchy topping added just the right contrast to all that cheesy goodness. You’ll find that it’s a perfect way to get some greens on the table without any fuss, and honestly, my family goes crazy for it each time I make it.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Creamy Broccoli Casserole Recipe balances fresh broccoli with a luscious cheese sauce and a crunchy topping. Each ingredient plays a key role to create the texture and flavor I love — the fresh broccoli provides a nice bite, while the cheeses give that creamy indulgence.

• Broccoli florets: Make sure to pick fresh, firm florets; smaller or medium-sized pieces cook more evenly and blend well with the sauce.
• Unsalted butter: I prefer unsalted to control saltiness, and it adds richness to the sauce and topping.
• Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic elevates the flavor of the sauce—don’t underestimate it!
• Plain flour: This thickens the sauce; cook it well to avoid any raw flour taste.
• Milk: Using warm milk helps the sauce come together smoothly and prevents lumps.
• Chicken broth/stock: Adds extra depth and savory notes that make the sauce so comforting.
• Cheddar cheese: Freshly grated is key—it melts beautifully and brings that classic sharpness.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty complexity that pairs perfectly with cheddar.
• Panko breadcrumbs: For a light, crispy topping that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy broccoli.
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning; I always taste and adjust at the end.

Variations

I love how flexible this Creamy Broccoli Casserole Recipe is. Over time, I’ve tried different tweaks to suit what’s in my fridge or to switch things up for different diets. Feel free to make it your own!

• Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken broth for vegetable stock to keep the flavors rich without meat.
• Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne or some crushed red pepper flakes in the cheese sauce for a subtle kick I adore.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs and you’re good to go without sacrificing texture.
• Extra Veggies: I sometimes toss in mushrooms or cooked cauliflower to boost the veggie count even more.

How to Make Creamy Broccoli Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Topping

Start by mixing the panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan, melted butter, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl. This topping is what gives the casserole its satisfying crispy finish, so be sure to combine it well and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat, then add minced garlic; let it cook for about a minute until fragrant but not browned. Stir in the flour and cook for one minute while stirring constantly—that’s crucial to avoid any raw flour taste. Then, slowly whisk in half of the warm milk until smooth, followed by the rest of the milk and all the chicken broth. Keep stirring occasionally for about 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens beautifully—when you coat the back of a spoon and it leaves a clear line after you run your finger through, you’re there.

Step 3: Add Cheese and Broccoli

Turn off the heat and stir in both the cheddar and parmesan cheeses. Don’t worry if the cheese doesn’t completely melt—that’s normal and adds to the texture. Taste the sauce and adjust with salt if needed. Now add the broccoli florets, mixing them well so they’re all coated with the creamy sauce.

Step 4: Bake Your Casserole

Pour the broccoli and cheese mixture into a casserole dish and gently press it down to spread evenly. Sprinkle the prepared topping over, then cover the dish with aluminum foil. Bake at 180°C / 350°F for 25 minutes; after that, remove the foil and bake for a further 20 minutes until the top crisps up to a gorgeous golden brown and the broccoli is tender but still a little bite to it.

Step 5: Let It Rest Before Serving

Take the casserole out of the oven and allow it to stand for about 5 minutes. This helps everything set and makes serving easier without it slipping all over the plate. I always find this little waiting game is worth the anticipation!

How to Serve Creamy Broccoli Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I like to finish with a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper and a dash of extra parmesan for that little cheesy punch. Sometimes, I’ll also add a few red pepper flakes if I want to bring some heat to the party. Fresh chopped parsley added right at the end brightens things up beautifully.

Side Dishes

This broccoli casserole pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, baked salmon, or even just a simple grilled steak. For a lighter meal, serve it alongside a fresh green salad or some crusty bread to mop up the extra sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners or special gatherings, I like to serve this creamy broccoli casserole recipe in individual ramekins topped with small sprigs of thyme or rosemary. It looks elegant and makes each portion feel special. You can also sprinkle some toasted almonds or walnuts on top for extra crunch and visual appeal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When I store mine, I like to separate the topping or add fresh breadcrumbs before reheating to keep that crispy texture intact.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this casserole successfully, but I recommend freezing before baking for best results. Just assemble everything in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding a little extra time if needed.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the casserole loosely with foil and warm in the oven at 175°C / 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. For that crispy topping, remove the foil in the last 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you can—oven reheating keeps the texture and flavor much better.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Broccoli Casserole Recipe has become a staple in my cooking for all the right reasons—it’s comforting, easy to make, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I love how it sneaks veggies onto the plate without anyone feeling like they’re missing out on flavor or texture. I hope you give it a try and find yourself reaching for it time and again, just like I do with my family and friends.

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