The Ultimate Cheesy Broccoli Casserole: A Crowd-Pleasing Recipe for Holidays and Weeknights
There are some dishes that simply define comfort, and this classic cheesy broccoli casserole is undoubtedly one of them. Imagine tender broccoli florets swimming in a rich, velvety cheddar cheese sauce, all crowned with a golden-brown, buttery cracker topping. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors that has graced countless family tables and holiday feasts for generations, and for good reason.
This recipe delivers on all fronts: it’s incredibly satisfying, remarkably versatile, and surprisingly simple to prepare. Whether you’re planning a grand holiday spread, looking for a comforting side for a weeknight dinner, or need a dish to bring to a potluck, this creamy, crunchy broccoli casserole will not disappoint. It’s the kind of timeless dish that brings a smile to everyone’s face, making ordinary meals feel special and festive occasions even more memorable.
Why This Cheesy Broccoli Casserole Recipe Works So Well
The magic of this particular broccoli casserole lies in its perfect balance of simplicity and indulgence. There is something inherently comforting about a classic casserole, and this recipe elevates humble broccoli into a truly irresistible dish. The secret weapon is undoubtedly the creamy, homemade cheddar cheese sauce. Unlike some recipes that rely on canned soups, our sauce is made from scratch with real butter, flour, whole milk, and sharp cheddar cheese, resulting in a depth of flavor and luxurious texture that simply cannot be matched.
The delightful crunch of the buttery cracker topping provides a fantastic contrast to the soft broccoli and creamy sauce. This combination creates a truly satisfying culinary experience that appeals to both adults and children, even those who might typically shy away from vegetables. It’s a guaranteed hit at the holiday table, often stealing the spotlight from more elaborate dishes. Beyond special occasions, its ease of preparation makes it a wonderful addition to any weeknight meal, offering a hearty and flavorful vegetable side that’s far from boring.
Furthermore, this recipe is incredibly adaptable. While it shines as a standalone side dish, it can easily be transformed into a more substantial meal by incorporating your favorite protein. Imagine adding crispy bacon bits, shredded cooked chicken, or even diced ham to the mix. If you’re looking to create a complete meal in one dish, you might be interested in our chicken broccoli rice casserole, which offers a similar comfort food vibe with added heartiness.
Key Ingredients for Your Homemade Broccoli Casserole
Crafting the perfect broccoli casserole starts with selecting high-quality ingredients. While the list is relatively short and straightforward, each component plays a vital role in building the rich flavors and comforting textures of this beloved dish. We’ll walk you through the essential items you’ll need, along with tips for choosing the best options to ensure your casserole is a resounding success.
You can find all precise measurements, a comprehensive list of ingredients, and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card located at the very end of this post.
Ingredient Spotlight & Smart Swaps
Understanding each ingredient’s role and knowing what substitutions are possible can elevate your cooking and ensure delicious results every time. Here’s a deeper dive into the core components of this cheesy broccoli casserole.
Broccoli
You will need approximately 2 pounds of fresh broccoli or 1 1/2 pounds of fresh broccoli florets. For optimal flavor and texture, fresh broccoli is always recommended. Look for vibrant green florets with firm stalks. If using a whole head, trim off the thickest part of the stalk and chop the florets into bite-sized pieces. If using frozen broccoli, it’s crucial to allow it to thaw completely and then pat it thoroughly dry with paper towels before incorporating it into the casserole. Excess moisture from frozen broccoli can make your casserole watery and dilute the rich cheese sauce, which we definitely want to avoid.
Milk
Whole milk provides a rich and creamy base for our cheese sauce. Its fat content contributes significantly to the sauce’s luxurious texture. For an even creamier and more indulgent consistency, you can easily substitute whole milk with half and half. If you prefer a slightly lighter option, 2% milk can be used, though it may result in a slightly less rich sauce. We don’t recommend skim milk as it won’t provide the necessary body for the sauce.
Cheese
This is where the magic happens! We highly recommend shredding a block of good quality cheddar cheese yourself, as opposed to using pre-shredded varieties. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents, such as cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly. This can lead to a grainy texture in your sauce and sometimes a less intense cheese flavor. Freshly shredded cheddar melts beautifully, creating a silky, homogenous sauce. For an extra layer of flavor, consider using a blend of sharp cheddar and a milder cheese like Monterey Jack, or even a touch of Gruyere for a sophisticated twist.
Crackers
The crunchy topping is a defining feature of this casserole. We adore using Ritz crackers for their buttery flavor and delightful crispiness when baked. They toast up beautifully, providing that essential textural contrast. However, if Ritz aren’t available or you prefer something different, you have several excellent options. Other buttery crackers, such as Club crackers, work wonderfully. For a more savory crunch, you can swap them out with plain breadcrumbs (Panko breadcrumbs offer an extra-crispy texture), or even crumbled croutons. Ensure whatever you choose is crushed to a medium crumb size for the best result.
Other Flavorful Additions
- Butter: Essential for sautéing and forming the roux for our rich sauce, and for binding the cracker topping.
- Yellow Onion: Sautéing a finely chopped yellow onion adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth to the cheese sauce.
- All-Purpose Flour: This is the thickening agent that helps create a smooth, consistent roux for the cheese sauce.
- Cream Cheese: A small amount of cream cheese enhances the creaminess and adds a delightful tang to the sauce, making it incredibly luscious.
- Dijon Mustard: Just a touch of Dijon mustard is a secret ingredient that doesn’t make the casserole taste like mustard, but rather brightens and deepens the overall cheese flavor, making it more complex and savory.
- Salt and Pepper: These fundamental seasonings are crucial for balancing and enhancing all the flavors in the casserole. Adjust to your personal taste.
How to Make the Best Cheesy Broccoli Casserole
These step-by-step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this delicious recipe. For a complete, printable version of this recipe, including all measurements and detailed instructions, simply Jump to Recipe at the bottom of the post.
- First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your oven is at the correct temperature for even baking and a perfectly golden crust.
- Next, prepare your broccoli. Blanch or steam the broccoli florets for approximately 5 minutes until they are tender-crisp. You want them cooked enough to be soft but still have a slight bite, as they will continue to cook in the oven. This also helps to retain their vibrant green color.
- In a large stovetop pan or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped yellow onions and sauté them for about 5 minutes, or until they become translucent and softened. This process brings out their natural sweetness, adding a delicious depth to your sauce. Once softened, dust in the all-purpose flour, stirring constantly to create a smooth roux. Continue to stir for about 1-2 minutes until all moisture is absorbed and the flour is lightly toasted, which helps to cook out the raw flour taste.
- Gradually pour in the whole milk, a little at a time, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Continue to whisk or stir until a thick, smooth roux has formed, and the sauce begins to bubble and thicken.
- Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the cream cheese, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Continue stirring until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated, creating a perfectly smooth and creamy base for your cheese sauce.
- Remove the pan from the heat. This is an important step to prevent the cheese from seizing or becoming stringy. Stir in the freshly shredded cheddar cheese until it is completely melted and the sauce is wonderfully smooth and uniform.
- Add the blanched broccoli florets to the cheese sauce and stir gently until all the florets are thoroughly coated in the rich, creamy sauce. Transfer this mixture evenly into a 9×13-inch casserole dish or a 3-quart casserole dish.
- For the irresistible topping, crush the Ritz crackers to a medium crumb consistency. You can do this by hand, in a food processor, or by placing them in a zip-top bag and crushing them with a rolling pin. In a small bowl, combine the crushed crackers with the melted butter, tossing to coat the crumbs as best as possible. This ensures a golden and crunchy topping.
- Evenly spread the buttery cracker crumbs over the top of the broccoli and cheese mixture in the casserole dish. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the topping is a beautiful golden brown and the cheese sauce is bubbly and hot. Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This resting period is crucial as it allows the sauce to firm up slightly, making it easier to serve and preventing it from being too runny.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Perfection
Here are some common questions and expert advice to help you master this delightful broccoli casserole.
Blanching broccoli is a simple technique that helps to tenderize the florets while preserving their vibrant color and slight crunch. To blanch, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Carefully place the broccoli florets into the boiling water and cook for approximately 2 minutes. Immediately remove the florets from the boiling water with a slotted spoon and plunge them into a bowl of ice water (an “ice bath”). Allow them to sit in the ice water for about 3 minutes to halt the cooking process. Drain the florets well and pat them thoroughly dry before proceeding with the recipe instructions. This ensures your broccoli isn’t mushy or watery in the casserole.
Absolutely! This casserole is a fantastic make-ahead dish, perfect for busy holidays or meal prepping. You can assemble the entire casserole, excluding the cracker topping, up to a day in advance. Store it tightly covered with plastic wrap or an air-tight lid in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, add the cracker topping and bake as directed, though you may need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time since the dish will be cold. You can also freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. To freeze, assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with foil and then plastic wrap. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking, or bake from frozen (this will significantly increase baking time).
Grainy cheese sauce is usually caused by using pre-shredded cheese (which contains anti-caking agents) or by overheating the cheese. Always shred your own block of cheese for the smoothest results. When adding the cheese to the roux, remove the pan from the heat first. Stir the cheese in slowly until it’s completely melted and smooth. The residual heat from the roux will be enough to melt the cheese without overcooking it.
This recipe is wonderfully customizable! Feel free to add other quick-cooking vegetables like diced carrots, corn, or mushrooms to the mix. Just make sure they are pre-cooked or sautéed before adding them to the sauce to ensure they reach the right tenderness. For added protein, cooked and crumbled bacon, shredded cooked chicken, or diced ham are excellent choices. Stir them in along with the broccoli for a more substantial main dish.
Store any leftover broccoli casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can warm individual portions in the microwave until heated through. For larger portions, cover the casserole dish loosely with foil and reheat in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until thoroughly warmed. The cracker topping might lose some of its crispiness upon reheating, but the flavor will still be delicious!
Delicious Serving Suggestions
This cheesy broccoli casserole is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a wide array of main courses. It truly shines as a centerpiece side dish, especially during the holidays when you have a crowd to feed. Imagine it nestled amongst other festive favorites!
For a traditional holiday meal, serve it alongside fluffy dinner rolls and vibrant roasted carrots. It’s an ideal companion to classic main dishes such as perfectly roasted chicken, a succulent holiday turkey, or a savory glazed ham. The richness of the casserole complements these meats wonderfully, adding a creamy, cheesy element to every bite.
Beyond the holidays, this casserole makes a fantastic addition to everyday meals. Pair it with pan-seared pork chops, grilled salmon for a lighter option, or even a classic meatloaf. It also works beautifully as a comforting side to hearty stews or simple grilled steaks. Its versatility means you can enjoy this beloved dish year-round, making any meal feel a little more special and indulgent.
More Irresistible Casserole Recipes
If you’ve fallen in love with the comforting simplicity of this broccoli casserole, you’re in for a treat! Casseroles are the ultimate comfort food, offering easy preparation and hearty, satisfying results. Explore more of our favorite casserole recipes:
- Hashbrown Casserole
- Mexican Chicken Casserole
- Baked Macaroni and Cheese
- Bacon Three Cheese Potatoes
- Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole
- Corn Casserole
- Tuna Casserole
- Chicken Noodle Casserole
- Tatertot Casserole
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Broccoli Casserole
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 2 lbs broccoli or 1 1/2 lbs broccoli florets
- 4 Tbsp butter
- ½ yellow onion chopped small, about 3/4 cup
- 4 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cup whole milk
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1 Tbsp dijon mustard
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
- 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded, 8 oz
Topping
- 64 Ritz crackers 2 sleeves, crushed
- 3 Tbsp butter melted
Things You’ll Need
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13×9 baking dish
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Large Pot
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Stovetop Pan or Dutch Oven
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Whisk
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Measuring Cups and Spoons
Before You Begin
- To blanch broccoli, bring a pot of water to a boil. Place broccoli florets into the boiling water and boil for about 2 minutes until tender-crisp. Remove the florets and immediately dunk them into a bowl of ice water for another 3 minutes to stop the cooking. Remove, pat dry thoroughly, and continue with recipe instructions. This ensures perfectly cooked, vibrant broccoli.
- For the smoothest cheese sauce, always grate your own cheddar cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can lead to a grainy texture.
- If using frozen broccoli, ensure it is completely thawed and very well-drained and patted dry to prevent a watery casserole.
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 400F (200°C).
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Blanch or steam broccoli florets for about 5 minutes until tender-crisp.
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In a stovetop pan, melt the butter and sauté the onions for about 5 minutes until translucent. Dust in the flour and stir until moisture is absorbed and a light roux forms.
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Pour in the milk gradually, whisking constantly until a thick, smooth sauce has formed.
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Remove from heat. Stir in the cream cheese, Dijon, salt, and pepper until completely smooth.
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Still off the heat, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it has melted completely and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
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Add the blanched broccoli to the cheese sauce and stir gently to coat all florets. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 casserole dish or a 3-quart casserole dish.
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Crush the crackers to a medium crumb and combine them with the melted butter. Toss to coat evenly.
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Spread the buttery cracker topping over the casserole. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. Remove from the oven and allow to rest for about 10 minutes to firm slightly before serving.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.