Broccoli Cheddar Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Broccoli Cheddar Casserole is a creamy, cheesy side dish that’s perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings. It combines tender broccoli with a rich cheddar sauce, topped with a buttery cracker crust for a satisfying crunch.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup salted butter (divided)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 12 ounces evaporated milk or half and half
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 ounces American or Velveeta cheese
• 22 ounces frozen broccoli florets
• 6 ounces medium cheddar cheese (divided)
• 30 buttery round crackers (1 sleeve)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 13×9-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, melt 1/4 cup of the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, until bubbly but not browned.
3. Step 3: Gradually whisk in the evaporated milk or half and half, milk, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir constantly until the mixture thickens and is smooth, about 3-5 minutes.
4. Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in the American or Velveeta cheese along with 4 ounces of the cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth.
5. Step 5: Add the frozen broccoli florets to the skillet and stir until the broccoli is evenly coated with the cheese sauce.
6. Step 6: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out in a single layer.
7. Step 7: Melt the remaining butter in a medium bowl in the microwave. Combine the melted butter with the remaining cheddar cheese and crushed crackers. Sprinkle this cracker mixture evenly over the casserole.
8. Step 8: Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.

Tips & Variations

• Try adding cooked bacon or diced onions for extra flavor.
• Swap the broccoli for cauliflower or a mix of vegetables to vary the dish.
• Use sharp cheddar for a more intense cheese flavor.
• To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and crackers.

Storage

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to preserve the crunchy topping, or microwave for a quicker option but the topping may soften.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh broccoli works well. Steam or blanch it until just tender before mixing it with the sauce to ensure it cooks evenly in the casserole.

Can I prepare this casserole in advance?

Absolutely. Assemble the casserole and keep it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

Broccoli Cheddar Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 53 reviews

• Author: Hugo
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

A creamy and comforting Broccoli Cheddar Casserole featuring tender broccoli florets smothered in a rich cheese sauce made with American, Velveeta, and cheddar cheeses, topped with a buttery crunchy cracker crust baked to golden perfection.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Casserole Base

• 1/2 cup salted butter (divided)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 12 ounces evaporated milk or half and half
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 ounces American or Velveeta cheese
• 22 ounces frozen broccoli florets
• 6 ounces medium cheddar cheese (divided)

Topping

• 30 buttery round crackers (1 sleeve)

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 13×9-inch baking dish with salted butter or non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
2. Make Roux: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1/4 cup of the salted butter. Once melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture becomes bubbly but doesn’t brown. This step cooks out the raw flour taste.
3. Add Dairy and Seasoning: Gradually whisk in the evaporated milk (or half and half) and the regular milk, ensuring a smooth blend without lumps. Stir in garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, and cook while stirring constantly for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.
4. Melt Cheeses: Remove the skillet from heat and add the American or Velveeta cheese along with 4 ounces of the medium cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheeses are completely melted into the sauce, creating a creamy cheesy base.
5. Incorporate Broccoli: Pour frozen broccoli florets directly into the skillet and stir until the broccoli is evenly coated with the cheese sauce.
6. Transfer to Baking Dish: Spread the broccoli and cheese mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish to create a uniform layer for baking.
7. Prepare Topping: Melt the remaining 1/4 cup of butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Combine the melted butter with the remaining 2 ounces of cheddar cheese (shredded) and crushed buttery round crackers. Sprinkle this cracker mixture evenly over the top of the casserole to add a crunchy, flavorful crust.
8. Bake: Place the casserole uncovered into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping has turned a golden brown. Let it cool slightly before serving.

Notes

• Use frozen broccoli directly from the freezer with no need to thaw.
• American or Velveeta cheese gives the sauce a smooth texture and mild flavor, but you can substitute with processed cheese of choice.
• Crackers can be crushed more finely for a crispier topping.
• For a lighter version, substitute half and half with low-fat milk.
• Leftovers store well covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: broccoli casserole, cheddar cheese casserole, cheesy broccoli bake, comfort food, baked broccoli, cheesy casserole, family dinner recipe