Do Share Recipe

Cheesy Broccoli Casserole Recipe | Creamy, Easy & Delicious

I have to admit, I wasn’t always a fan of broccoli. Growing up, I mostly tolerated it—until my mom smothered it in cheese. That changed everything! Recently, I tried making a cheesy broccoli casserole recipe from scratch, and wow—it instantly became a family favorite.

The creamy cheese sauce combined with a crunchy topping is pure comfort food heaven. I love how this dish is easy to make yet feels special for holiday dinners or weeknight meals. If you enjoy creamy weeknight dinners, you might also like the One Pan Chipotle Honey Chicken and Rice Recipe for another simple, flavorful option.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this rich, cheesy, and delicious casserole:

4 cups fresh broccoli florets, blanched for 2-3 minutes
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk (or half & half for extra creaminess)
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 cup crushed butter crackers (like Ritz)
2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping)
¼ cup extra shredded cheddar (for topping)

Note: Serves 6-8

Variations

Want to mix it up? Here are some tasty alternatives:

Use gluten-free flour and crackers for a GF version.
Swap cheddar for dairy-free cheese for a vegan option.
Add cooked chicken or ham for a protein boost.
Toss in some paprika, nutmeg, or dry mustard to enhance the flavor.
Use frozen broccoli if fresh isn’t available—just thaw and drain well. You can also try a hearty soup alongside this casserole, like the Creamy Beef Taco Soup Recipe for a comforting meal pairing.

Cooking Time

Here’s how long everything takes:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Equipment You Need

Large pot for blanching broccoli
Medium saucepan for cheese sauce
Whisk for smooth sauce preparation
9×13-inch baking dish to assemble and bake casserole
Oven mitts for safe handling of the hot dish

How to Make Cheesy Broccoli Casserole

Blanch the Broccoli

Start by boiling fresh broccoli for 2-3 minutes, then drain. This ensures the broccoli stays tender but still slightly crisp after baking. Blanching also helps preserve the bright green color.

Prepare the Cheese Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a roux, then slowly add milk. Stir until smooth and creamy, then fold in shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Season lightly with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Assemble the Casserole

Place the blanched broccoli in your baking dish and pour the cheese sauce evenly over the top. Toss gently to coat all pieces in the creamy sauce for even flavor.

Add the Topping

Combine crushed crackers with melted butter and extra shredded cheddar. Sprinkle evenly over the broccoli and cheese. This topping will bake into a golden, crunchy finish that’s irresistible.

Bake and Serve

Bake the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes until bubbling and golden on top. If you like it extra crispy, broil for 1-2 minutes. Let it cool slightly before serving.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

From my experience, these little tweaks take the casserole to the next level:

I always shred my own cheddar—it melts so much smoother than pre-shredded cheese.
Don’t skip blanching the broccoli; it makes a huge difference in texture.
I like to lightly toast the cracker topping in butter before sprinkling—it gives extra crunch.
Stir in a pinch of paprika for a warm, subtle flavor.
Let the casserole rest 5 minutes after baking; it helps set the sauce.

How to Serve Cheesy Broccoli Casserole

This casserole is versatile and easy to serve:

Place in a colorful serving dish to make it visually appealing.
Garnish with extra shredded cheese or chopped fresh parsley.
Serve alongside roasted meats, baked chicken, or holiday turkey.
Pair with mashed potatoes or a simple rice dish for a complete meal.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick nutritional overview per serving:

Calories: 320 kcal – a hearty and filling side dish
Protein: 12g – thanks to the cheese and broccoli
Carbohydrates: 18g – mostly from broccoli and crackers
Fat: 22g – rich and creamy from butter and cheese

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing

You can assemble the casserole ahead of time. Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Freezing

Fully baked casseroles can be frozen. Let it cool completely, cover with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes or until hot in the center. Cover with foil if the top starts browning too fast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why this cheesy broccoli casserole is a keeper:

It’s incredibly cheesy – the sauce is rich, creamy, and satisfying.
Family-friendly – even picky eaters will love it.
Quick and easy – perfect for weeknights or holiday dinners.
Customizable – add protein, spice, or dietary swaps effortlessly.
Crowd-pleasing – the crunchy topping always disappears first!

This recipe is pure comfort food with minimal effort. I love that I can make it for a quick weeknight dinner or dress it up for holiday gatherings. Each bite is creamy, cheesy, and topped with golden, buttery crunch—broccoli never tasted this good!

Ben Carraoli