Tender broccoli smothered in homemade cheese sauce
Broccoli Cheddar Cheese Casserole
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
30 min
Total Time
45 min
Servings
8
1 casserole dish
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Broccoli Cheddar Cheese Casserole
Tender broccoli smothered in homemade cheese sauce
★4.8(22)
Fresh broccoli baked in a rich, homemade cheddar cheese sauce with a crispy breadcrumb topping. The side dish that converts broccoli haters.
15m
Prep Time
30m
Cook Time
45m
Total Time
8
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
This broccoli cheese casserole features a from-scratch cheddar sauce that's miles better than the canned soup version. Crispy buttered breadcrumbs on top add the perfect crunch.
This is the kind of recipe that defines American home cooking at its best — straightforward, satisfying, and built on flavors that everyone loves.
Ingredients
- 6 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups whole milk
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- 1
Blanch broccoli in boiling water 2 minutes, drain, and plunge into ice water. Drain well.
- 2
Melt butter, whisk in flour, cook 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk and cook until thick, about 4 minutes.
- 3
Remove from heat, stir in 1.5 cups cheese, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg until melted.
- 4
Spread broccoli in a greased baking dish, pour cheese sauce over. Top with panko tossed with 2 tbsp melted butter and remaining cheese.
- 5
Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve with classic coleslaw and cornbread on the side
Pair with fresh-cut fries or roasted potato wedges
Substitutions
Sharp cheddarGruyere or pepper jack
Gruyere adds nuttiness; pepper jack adds heat
PankoCrushed Ritz crackers
Adds a more buttery, rich crunchy topping
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Blanch broccoli briefly to keep it vibrant green—it finishes cooking in the oven.
Add a pinch of dry mustard to the cheese sauce for an extra flavor boost.
Let the protein rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.
Season each component individually rather than seasoning at the end — this builds deeper, more complex flavor throughout.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Label with the date and recipe name.
Reheating
Reheat at 350°F for 15 minutes. Add fresh breadcrumbs if the topping has softened.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (40mg) · 8 servings
Calories240
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein12g
Carbohydrates14g
Fat18g
Fiber420mg
Sugar3g
Sodium4g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen broccoli?
- Yes—thaw and squeeze dry first to prevent a watery casserole.
- Can I add other vegetables?
- Cauliflower, green beans, or peas are all great additions.
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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