Seriously Cheesy Broccoli Casserole Like Mum Used to Make Only Better

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a bit of comfort food ? Ever wondered how to make Cheesy Broccoli Casserole that's both easy and delicious? This recipe nails it.

It's cheesy, it's comforting and, dare I say, even the kids will eat their greens!

Brief Overview

This classic broccoli casserole is a real American staple. It's easy peasy to make, needs about 50 minutes total, and feeds a solid 6-8 people .

Perfect for a Sunday roast or a midweek treat.

Main Benefits

Broccoli is packed with vitamins, you know? This recipe sneaks it in with a cheesy hug. It's perfect for a family gathering or any potluck.

What makes this Cheesy Broccoli Casserole special? Honestly, it's the perfect balance of comfort food and sneaky health points.

Seriously Cheesy? You Bet!

So, you're probably wondering, how cheesy are we talking? Well, think proper Broccoli with Cream Cheese levels. This isn't your nan's bland broccoli bake. We're packing it with flavour.

It´s true that a Broccoli Cheese Bake with Breadcrumbs elevates this dish from a simple side to a main attraction.

From Simple to Spectacular

This Easy Broccoli Casserole Recipe started as a way to get my little terror, Alfie, to eat his veggies. Honestly, he'd turn his nose up at anything green! Turns out, drowning it in cheese works a treat.

Who knew ? This recipe is all about making Keto Veggie Side Dishes super appealing, even if you are not strictly on keto .

More Than Just Keto Meals With Broccoli

Ok, so it can be part of your Keto Meals With Broccoli . It is also brilliant as a Keto Meal Sides .

But let's be real, this is about maximum flavour with minimal effort. And hey, a bit of broccoli never hurt anyone.

There are a number of Broccoli Dishes Healthy, but none are as delicious as this Cheesy Broccoli Casserole recipe.

make-ahead Magic

Want to be super organized? You can make-ahead Broccoli Casserole . Just assemble it, whack it in the fridge, and bake it when you're ready.

Boom! Dinner sorted. Honestly, this is a lifesaver during the week. The perfect Comfort Food Broccoli Cheese dish.

Ingredients & Equipment: Cheesy Broccoli Casserole, Sorted!

Alright, let's talk about what you need to make this ridiculously tasty Cheesy Broccoli Casserole . Honestly, it's all pretty standard stuff.

Nothing too fancy. We are trying to make some Keto Meal Sides here

Main Ingredients Breakdown

Here's the shopping list. Let's break it down. It's all about that fresh broccoli, you know?

• Broccoli florets: 1.5 lbs (680g) . Fresh is best, innit? Look for firm, bright green heads. Avoid any yellowing. This also works really well if you're looking for Keto Meals With Broccoli .

• Olive oil: 1 tbsp (15ml) . Any good olive oil will do.

• Salt: 1/4 tsp (1.5g) . Sea salt's my preference, but whatever you've got.

• Black pepper: 1/4 tsp (1.5g) . Freshly ground, obvs.

• Unsalted butter: 4 tbsp (56g) for the sauce. And another 2 tbsp (28g) for the topping.

• All-purpose flour: 1/4 cup (30g) . Plain flour, nothing fancy. This helps to make the Broccoli With Cream Cheese .

• Whole milk: 2 cups (475ml) . Full fat gives the richest sauce.

• Salt: 1/2 tsp (3g) . Seasoning is KEY.

• Ground nutmeg: 1/4 tsp (1.5g) . Adds a warm, subtle flavour.

• Garlic powder: 1/4 tsp (1.5g) . Because garlic makes everything better.

• Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: 2 cups (225g) . Good quality cheddar is a MUST.

• Shredded Monterey Jack cheese: 1/2 cup (50g) . For that extra gooeyness.

• Panko breadcrumbs: 1 cup (60g) . Panko gives the best crunch. This can also be a Broccoli Cheese Bake with Breadcrumbs.

Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up!

Don't be shy with the seasoning. Salt, pepper, and garlic powder are your friends. Nutmeg adds a nice warmth. For extra flavour, a pinch of cayenne pepper kicks things up a notch.

Oh my gosh!

Essential Equipment

You don't need a load of fancy kit. Just the basics:

• Large pot. For boiling or steaming the broccoli.
• 9x13 inch (23x33cm) baking dish.
• Whisk. For the cheese sauce, darling.
• Large skillet. Also for the sauce.
• Measuring cups and spoons. Easy Broccoli Casserole Recipe requires precise measures.

If you haven't got a proper baking dish, a decent oven safe casserole dish will do the trick. A wooden spoon can stand in for a whisk in a pinch, too.

Comfort Food Broccoli Cheese does not require you to use a fancy kitchen gadget.

Cooking Method: Mastering the Cheesy Broccoli Casserole

Right, let's dive into how we actually make this Cheesy Broccoli Casserole , shall we? It’s easier than you think, promise.

Honestly, I used to be terrified of making casseroles, but this one is foolproof. Think of it as a Broccoli Cheese Bake with Breadcrumbs and a secret weapon against picky eaters! It's the ultimate in comfort food broccoli cheese .

Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row

First things first: mise en place. Sounds fancy, doesn’t it? All it means is get everything ready before you start.

Chop your 1.5 lbs broccoli , grate your cheese ( 2 cups sharp cheddar and 1/2 cup Monterey Jack ), and measure out your ingredients.

Time saving tip: Pre-shredded cheese is your friend. Don't be a hero. Safety reminder: Watch those fingers when you're chopping! We don't want any casualties before we even start cooking.

step-by-step Process: Casserole Magic

1. Preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C) . Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Trust me, you don't want it sticking.
2. Cook the broccoli. Lightly steam or boil the broccoli until tender crisp, for about 5- 7 minutes . No one likes soggy broccoli.
3. Make the cheese sauce. Melt 4 tbsp butter in a skillet. Whisk in 1/4 cup flour and cook for 1 minute to make a roux.
4. Gradually whisk in 2 cups milk until smooth. Simmer until it thickens, about 3- 5 minutes . Keep stirring so it doesn't burn.
5. Remove from heat. Stir in 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp nutmeg, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, cheddar, and Monterey Jack until melted.
6. Pour the cheese sauce over the broccoli in your dish. Like magic, that cheese transforms the broccoli.
7. For the topping, combine 1 cup panko breadcrumbs and 2 tbsp melted butter. Sprinkle it over the casserole.
8. Bake for 20- 25 minutes , until golden brown and bubbly. Let it cool slightly before serving. Ta-da!

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Casserole Game

Want to take your Easy Broccoli Casserole Recipe to the next level? I got you. Don’t overcook the broccoli it should still have a bit of bite.

Common mistake to avoid: Using cheap cheese. Splurge a little; it makes a difference.

make-ahead option: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours.

Just add a few minutes to the baking time. And don't forget that a tasty addition to this dish can be considered as one of your Keto Meal Sides .

And speaking of Keto Veggie Side Dishes , this classic broccoli casserole has earned itself a spot as one of the Broccoli Dishes Healthy .

It is a great way to enjoy some Broccoli With Cream Cheese .

Recipe Notes for the Best Cheesy Broccoli Casserole

Right, let's dive into the nitty gritty bits of this Cheesy Broccoli Casserole . It's more than just a recipe; it's a blueprint for cheesy, comforting goodness.

I learned this from my own kitchen escapades, so listen up!

Serving Suggestions: Making it a Meal

• Plating and presentation ideas : Think rustic chic. Serve it straight from the baking dish. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. A dollop of sour cream? Go on, treat yourself!
• Complementary sides or beverages : This is classsic Comfort Food Broccoli Cheese. A simple roast chicken is great. So is a lovely pork tenderloin. A crisp green salad cuts through the richness. A light, dry white wine also works wonders.

Storing Your Cheesy Broccoli Casserole : Keepin' it Fresh

• Refrigeration guidelines : Got leftovers? Lucky you! Pop it in an airtight container. It'll keep in the fridge for 3-4 days .
• Freezing options (if applicable) : Absolutely! Let it cool completely. Wrap it tightly in cling film, then foil. Freeze for up to 2 months .
• Reheating instructions : Thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until bubbly. Microwave works too, but the topping might get a bit soggy.

Variations on a Theme: Tweaking the Classic

• Dietary adaptations : For Keto Meals With Broccoli , swap the flour for almond flour in the cheese sauce. Also, use Keto Veggie Side Dishes like cauliflower rice. I also replace Breadcrumbs and with almond flour and melted butter and cheese.
• Seasonal ingredient swaps : In autumn, try adding roasted butternut squash cubes. In spring, some asparagus spears work a treat. A great way to enjoy Broccoli Dishes Healthy with seasonal produce.

Nutrition Nuggets: What You're Actually Eating

• Simplified nutrition information : Roughly, one serving clocks in around 350-400 calories. Plenty of vitamin C from the broccoli!
• Key health benefits : Broccoli is a nutritional powerhouse. It's packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. This isn't just a tasty treat; it's doing you some good.

Honestly, this Easy Broccoli Casserole Recipe is pretty foolproof. Don't be afraid to experiment and add your own twist. You could even add some ham for a make-ahead Broccoli Casserole .

Now, go forth and create some cheesy magic!