Oh my goodness, you guys, let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight lifesaver: **Broccoli Cheese Casserole!** Seriously, it’s the ultimate comfort food, and the best part? It’s ridiculously easy to whip up. I’m talking “throw it together after a crazy day” kind of easy. This recipe has been a staple in my kitchen for years, and it’s always a hit, whether I’m making a quick dinner for my family or bringing something to a potluck.
I learned it from my Aunt Carol, who always said, “Anything with cheese is a win!” And she was SO right! This **Broccoli Cheese Casserole** isn’t just tasty; it’s also a sneaky way to get your kids (and yourself!) to eat their veggies. So, if you’re looking for a simple, satisfying, and utterly delicious dish that everyone will love, you’ve GOT to try this one. Trust me, you won’t regret it!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Broccoli Cheese Casserole
Okay, so let me tell you why I’m obsessed with this **Broccoli Cheese Casserole**: it’s seriously the best! Here’s the lowdown:
- It’s ready in under an hour, perfect for those crazy weeknights.
- The cheesy, creamy sauce is pure comfort food heaven.
- You can sneak in extra veggies if you want (I won’t tell!).
- It’s super versatile – add ham, chicken, whatever you’re craving!
- Even the pickiest eaters in your house will gobble it up.
- It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser for potlucks or game-day snacks.
Honestly, what’s not to love?
Ingredients You’ll Need for the Best Broccoli Cheese Casserole
Alright, friends, let’s talk about what treasure we’ll need to make this amazing casserole. Don’t worry, it’s all pretty simple stuff. First up: a good-sized head of fresh broccoli. I like to chop it into florets – makes it cook up nice and pretty! You’ll also need about 1/2 cup of whole milk. The full-fat stuff gives you the best creamy sauce, trust me!
Then comes the cheese! I always go for a good, sharp cheddar – a cup of shredded goodness is perfect. You can totally use mild cheddar if you prefer a milder taste, though. Don’t forget a 1/4 cup of butter (melted, of course!), a 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour, and some salt and pepper to season things just right…because, you know, flavor!
How to Make Broccoli Cheese Casserole Step-by-Step
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because making this **Broccoli Cheese Casserole** is a breeze! I’m going to walk you through it, step-by-step. Don’t worry, it’s virtually impossible to mess up! Just follow along, and you’ll have a warm, cheesy, broccoli-filled masterpiece in no time. I promise!
Preparing the Broccoli
First things first, let’s get that broccoli ready. You’ll want to chop your broccoli into bite-sized florets. I always trim off the tough stems and give them the boot. Now, the fun part: cooking it! You can steam it (about 5-7 minutes), boil it (about 3-5 minutes, just until it’s tender), or even microwave it (for a couple of minutes, depending on your microwave). You want it to be tender-crisp so it doesn’t get all mushy in the casserole. I usually go for steaming – it’s quick and easy, and it really locks in the flavor! Then, set it aside.
Making the Cheese Sauce
Alright, time for the CHEESE! This is where the magic happens. Grab a saucepan and melt that butter over medium heat. Now, sprinkle in the flour and whisk it like your life depends on it! You want to get rid of any lumps, alright? Keep whisking for a minute or two until it gets bubbly. Then, SLOWLY pour in the milk, whisking constantly. You want a smooth, luscious sauce. Once it starts to thicken, take it off the heat and stir in the cheese, salt, and pepper. Keep stirring until the cheese is melted and it’s all smooth and glorious. Careful, it can splatter!
Assembling and Baking the Broccoli Cheese Casserole
Almost there, friends! Now, take that beautiful broccoli and gently fold it into your cheesy sauce. Make sure every single little floret is coated in that cheesy goodness. Mmm, just thinking about it… Next, pour everything into a greased baking dish (I usually use an 8×8 inch pan, but anything will work!). At this stage, you can add a little sprinkle of extra cheese on top, if you’re feeling extra cheesy like me. Pop it in the oven (which you’ve already preheated to 375°F or 190°C, right?). Bake it for about 20 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown. And that’s it! Dinner is served!
Tips for Perfecting Your Broccoli Cheese Casserole
Okay, so you want to take your Broccoli Cheese Casserole from good to *GREAT*? I got you! Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that make all the difference. First thing, to avoid a watery mess, make sure you drain your broccoli really well after cooking! Nobody wants a soggy casserole. Also, and trust me on this, don’t rush that cheese sauce. Keep whisking, and you’ll get the perfect, creamy consistency. Seriously, patience pays off here! Finally, for perfectly cooked broccoli, don’t overcook it! Tender-crisp is the goal, my friends.
Ingredient Notes and Possible Substitutions
Okay, let’s talk about the stars of the show – the ingredients! You know, the stuff that makes the magic happen. So, first up: the cheese. I’m all about a good sharp cheddar. It gives the best flavor and that perfect, cheesy pull. But, listen, if you’re not a cheddar fan, feel free to get creative! Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a mix of cheeses would work just as well. Wanna get fancy? Try Gruyère – it’s delish!
And for the broccoli, fresh is definitely best! But, if you’re in a pinch, frozen broccoli florets will do the trick – just make sure they’re thawed and drained really well before adding them to the sauce. You want to avoid that soggy casserole thing. Lastly, don’t be afraid to season your broccoli with a bit of salt and pepper before adding it to the sauce. It’ll really make the flavors pop!
Serving Suggestions to Complement Your Broccoli Cheese Casserole
Okay, so your casserole is ready to go? Yay! Now, what to serve it *with*? Since this **Broccoli Cheese Casserole** is already a complete meal in a dish, you don’t need much. But trust me, a few sides can make it even better. I’m thinking a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette – gotta have your greens! Maybe some crusty bread for sopping up that creamy sauce? Or, since I’m a big fan of easy, a side of garlic bread always works!
Storage and Reheating Instructions for Broccoli Cheese Casserole
So you made a whole bunch of this yummy **Broccoli Cheese Casserole**? Awesome! Leftovers are the best part, right? Here’s the deal with storing it. In the fridge, it’ll last about 3-4 days in an airtight container. Easy peasy! If you want to freeze it, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It’ll keep for about 2-3 months in the freezer.
As for reheating, you can totally use the microwave for a quick zap, but the oven is my go-to. Just pop it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until it’s heated through. Trust me, it’ll be just as good as the first time!
Frequently Asked Questions About Broccoli Cheese Casserole
Got questions about this amazing **Broccoli Cheese Casserole**? I get it! Here are a few things I get asked all the time.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! This is one of the best things about it – great for busy schedules. You can totally make the whole casserole and bake it off later. Just assemble it, cover it with foil, and pop it in the fridge. That way, you’ll be able to bake it just before dinner. If you want, you can make it, bake it, and then reheat it later, too!
What kind of cheese is best? What if I don’t have cheddar?
Sharp cheddar is my go-to because it gives a great flavor with this recipe! But, honestly, you can use whatever you like and what you have on hand. Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a blend of cheeses would be delicious. Experiment! Just be sure it’s a cheese that melts well.
Can I freeze **Broccoli Cheese Casserole**?
Yep! To freeze, let your casserole cool completely. Wrap it tightly (double-wrap is best) with plastic wrap and then foil. It’ll stay good in the freezer for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, and then bake. Or, you can bake from frozen – it’ll just take a little longer. Perfect for meal prep!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Okay, real talk time! The nutritional info I’ve listed here is just an estimate. It’s based on the ingredients I used, but things can change depending on the brands you choose and how much of *this* or *that* you add. Cooking is like art, so have fun with that! This is just a general guide.
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Broccoli Cheese Casserole
- Total Time: 35 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple casserole with broccoli and cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 head broccoli
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook broccoli until tender.
- Melt butter in a pan. Whisk in flour.
- Gradually add milk, stirring until smooth.
- Add cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir until melted.
- Mix broccoli with cheese sauce.
- Pour into a baking dish.
- Bake for 20 minutes.
Notes
- You can add cooked chicken or ham.
- Use different types of cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 20 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: broccoli casserole, cheese casserole, broccoli cheese, easy casserole