Cheesy Broccoli Casserole - The Recipe Rebel (2024)

This Broccoli Casserole is the perfect comforting side dish. Tender broccoli is tossed in a creamy cheese sauce, topped with crushed cheese crackers, and baked until melty and crispy.

Can we all just agree that broccoli and cheese are the perfect combination? I mean, Broccoli is delicious in Mac and Cheese, in Chicken Broccoli Alfredo, or just drenched in Homemade Cheese Sauce.

Well, this Broccoli Casserole is one of my favorite ways to enjoy broccoli and cheese. This side dish is the ultimate comfort food. It’s rich, creamy, loaded with flavor, and so versatile.

Bonus: you can make it with fresh or frozen broccoli and it takes just 10 minutes to prep!

Got extra broccoli? Try this Broccoli Cheddar Soup next!

Ingredients Needed:

• Broccoli: I prefer to use just florets because I prefer the texture. If you want to use the stems as well, feel free.
• Butter: I use salted butter. If you use unsalted, you may want to add more salt yourself.
• Aromatics: we’re creating a flavor base with diced onion and minced garlic.
• Seasonings: a simple blend of Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper is all the Broccoli Casserole needs for delicious flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: helps thicken the cheese sauce.
• Milk: use any kind of milk you have on hand. The higher the fat content, the richer the flavor.
• Cheese: I love the flavor that shredded cheddar adds, but feel free to use other types of cheese.
• Crackers: we’re topping our casserole off with crushed cheese crackers.

How to Make Broccoli Cheese Casserole

This simple side dish takes a quick 10 minutes to prep!

1. Cook the broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add in the broccoli. Cook until tender and drain well. Add the broccoli to a lightly greased baking dish.
2. Sauté the aromatics and seasonings: In a skillet, melt butter. Add onion and cook until translucent, then stir in garlic and seasonings. Cook for another minute.
3. Make the cheese sauce: Add the flour into the onion and garlic mixture and stir until no white remains. Pour in the milk, cook until thickened, then add in 2 cups of cheese.
4. Assemble the casserole: Pour the cheese sauce over the broccoli in the baking dish, then top it off with ½ cup of cheese and crushed crackers. Bake the casserole at 400ºF until hot and bubbly, then serve and enjoy.

Broccoli Casserole FAQs

Variations

• Swap the topping. Feel free to swap the crushed cheese crackers out for Ritz crackers, club crackers, breadcrumbs, or even potato chips.
• Add other veggies. Add frozen mixed veggies or any pre-cooked veggie you like to bulk your casserole up a bit.
• Make it a meal. This Broccoli Casserole makes an excellent side dish, but you can totally make it into more a meal by adding cooked shredded chicken or turkey, cooked rice or quinoa,

Serving Suggestions

Broccoli Casserole is a super versatile side dish, so pair it with any of your favorite entrees!

I love it next to Grilled Chicken Thighs, Sheet Pan Mini Meatloaf and Roasted Potatoes, Baked Pork Chops, Buttered Noodles, you name it.

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