Cheesy Broccoli Casserole - BeCentsational

Cheesy Broccoli Casserole

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Cheesy Broccoli Casserole recipe, perfect for your Thanksgiving spread.

Easy to prepare and kid-friendly, this dish is a delicious side dish you must try!

This delectable dish, packed with the goodness of broccoli and the irresistible allure of melting cheese, is sure to be a hit at your family dinners.

We’re going to create a luscious and cheesy broccoli casserole that will win the hearts of your family and guests.

Not only is it a tasty vegetarian dish, but this casserole is also gluten-free for those with dietary needs.

What’s more, it’s low carb, making it a guilt-free indulgence.

Whether you’re aiming to sneak some more veggies into your kids’ meals or just looking for a comforting side dish that won’t mess up your diet plans, this recipe is your perfect go-to.

Let’s get started and create this scrumptious, broccoli gratin!

An overhead shot of a rectangular Broccoli Casserole dish, beautifully garnished with a sprinkling of fresh parsley.

The Best Broccoli Casserole

Why you’ll Love this healthy broccoli casserole recipe:

So, whether it’s for its delectable taste, ease of preparation, or ability to please a diverse audience, this Cheesy Broccoli Casserole is sure to win over the hearts and taste buds of your family.

  1. Delicious Comfort Food: The combination of creamy cheese sauce, tender broccoli, and aromatic seasonings creates a comforting and indulgent dish that’s perfect for satisfying cravings and providing a sense of warmth.
  2. Cheese Lovers’ Paradise: With three types of cheese – cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese – this casserole is a dream come true for cheese enthusiasts. The melted cheese creates a rich and gooey texture that makes every bite absolutely irresistible.
  3. Easy to Make: The recipe’s straightforward instructions and simple ingredients make it accessible to cooks of all skill levels. In just a few easy steps, the Cheesy Broccoli Casserole can be assembled and ready to bake. This is especially appealing for busy people or families seeking a satisfying homemade meal without spending too much time in the kitchen
  4. Kid-Friendly: Children often have a love-hate relationship with vegetables, but with this Cheesy Broccoli Casserole, they’ll happily devour their greens without hesitation, thanks to the irresistible cheese coating.

Ingredients Needed

(See the recipe card below for full ingredient list with quantities & instructions)

  • Broccoli florets
  • Butter
  • Cream cheese
  • Heavy whipping cream
  • Cheddar cheese
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Garlic
  • Yellow mustard
  • Basil
  • Salt and black pepper
An overhead shot of a rectangular Broccoli Casserole dish, beautifully garnished with a sprinkling of fresh parsley.

How to Make Broccoli Casserole

Step 1: Preparing the Broccoli

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Wash the broccoli thoroughly and cut it into bite-sized florets.
  • In a large pot of boiling water, blanch the broccoli florets for 1 minute. This will soften them slightly and make them more vibrant in color. Drain the broccoli and set aside.

Step 2: Creating the Creamy Cheese Sauce

  • In a large saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
  • Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant.
  • Reduce the heat to low and add the cream cheese, stirring continuously until it’s completely melted and smooth.
  • Pour in the heavy whipping cream and continue stirring until the mixture is well combined.
  • Add the grated cheddar and mozzarella cheese into the sauce, allowing it to melt and create a rich, creamy texture.
  • Stir in the yellow mustard, dried basil, sea salt, and black pepper. The mustard will add a delightful tang to the sauce, while the basil and seasoning will enhance the overall flavor.

Step 3: Assembling the Casserole

  • Take a baking dish and lightly grease it with butter or cooking spray.
  • Arrange the blanched broccoli florets evenly in the baking dish.
  • Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the broccoli, ensuring it’s distributed evenly and coats the florets thoroughly.

Step 4: Baking the Casserole

  • Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the casserole is bubbling and the top is golden brown.
  • Once the casserole is cooked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

Step 5: Serving and Enjoying

  • Serve the Cheesy Broccoli Casserole hot and garnish it with some additional grated cheddar and a sprinkle of dried basil for an extra touch of elegance.

This dish can be a delightful side to your main course or even a comforting standalone meal.

Share this delicious recipe with your loved ones and savor the joy of enjoying a home-cooked delight together.

A close-up top view of a freshly baked Broccoli Casserole, topped with a layer of golden, melted cheese

Casserole Variations

While the Cheesy Broccoli Casserole is already a scrumptious delight, there’s a world of possibilities when it comes to variations on this classic dish.

Some of the most popular and versatile options are:

Broccoli Chicken Casserole. By adding tender chicken into the classic broccoli casserole, we create a hearty and complete meal that’s sure to please both kids and adults alike.

Mushroom Broccoli Casserole: Add sautéed creamy mushrooms to the casserole to bring a rich and earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy cheese sauce.

Overhead shot of a broccoli casserole garnished with extra cheese, featuring vibrant green broccoli florets peeking through the creamy, cheesy topping.

Other Casserole Recipes

A close-up view of a freshly baked Broccoli Casserole, topped with a layer of golden, melted cheese.
Yield: 6 servings

The Best Broccoli Casserole

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Indulge in the hearty warmth of a classic Broccoli Casserole. Perfect for family dinners or potluck gatherings, this broccoli casserole is a comforting, nutritious meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/4 lbs. broccoli (cut into florets)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 8 oz cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese (grated)
  • 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese (grated)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Wash and cut 1 1/4 lbs. of broccoli into florets. Blanch the broccoli in boiling water for 2 minutes and drain.
  2. Creamy Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute. Reduce heat and stir in 8 oz cream cheese until smooth. Pour in 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream, then add 1 cup grated cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup grated mozzarella, 1 tablespoon yellow mustard, 1 teaspoon dried basil, 1 teaspoon sea salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Mix until well combined.
  3. Assembling: Grease a baking dish and place the blanched broccoli florets evenly in it. Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the broccoli.
  4. Baking: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the casserole is bubbling and golden brown on top.
  5. Serving: Garnish with additional grated cheddar and a sprinkle of dried basil if desired. Serve hot and enjoy as a side dish or a comforting main course.

Nutrition Information

Yield

6

Serving Size

1

Amount Per Serving Calories 367Total Fat 32gSaturated Fat 19gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 10gCholesterol 95mgSodium 707mgCarbohydrates 11gFiber 3gSugar 3gProtein 11g

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