There are some nights when you just need pure comfort food. You know the kind. Warm, cheesy, and something the whole family gets excited about. For me, that’s where this amazing Broccoli Cheese Casserole comes in. It’s a simple dish that feels like a warm hug.
Forget complicated recipes with a million steps. This is one of those fantastic Broccoli And Cheese Recipes that delivers big flavor with very little fuss. It’s creamy, satisfying, and a wonderful way to get some greens on the table. Honestly, it’s a staple in my kitchen.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
So what makes this particular Broccoli Cheese Casserole so special? Let me tell you. First off, it’s incredibly simple to prepare. We are talking minimal effort for a huge reward. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll turn to on a busy Tuesday night.
It’s also amazingly versatile. It works as a beautiful side dish for almost any protein. Think roasted chicken, grilled fish, or a juicy steak. The flavors are classic and comforting, so they play well with just about everything. It’s a real team player.
And here’s a big plus for many of us. This is a fantastic Keto Broccoli Casserole. It’s naturally low in carbs but packed with rich, cheesy flavor. You get all the comfort without any of the guilt. It proves that eating low carb doesn’t have to be boring at all.
The texture is just wonderful. You get tender broccoli florets swimming in a velvety, smooth cheese sauce. Then it’s all topped with more cheese that gets bubbly and golden in the oven. That browned cheesy crust is my favorite part. It’s just so good.
Ingredients
One of the best things about this Easy Broccoli Casserole is the short ingredient list. You probably have most of these items in your kitchen right now. Simple, wholesome ingredients come together for a truly delicious dish.
- 1 pound broccoli, cut into florets
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
- 4 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded
Step-By-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get cooking. I’ll walk you through each part so you can make this delicious Broccoli Bake without any trouble. It’s really as easy as it sounds.
Step 1: Prep Your Oven And Broccoli
First things first, get your oven preheating to 200C or 390F. This way, it will be nice and hot when your casserole is ready to go in. While it heats up, you can get the broccoli ready. You’ll want to steam or boil it for just a few minutes.
The key here is to cook it just until it’s tender but still has a bit of a crunch. You don’t want it to be soft or mushy. After it’s cooked, draining is super important. You want to get rid of as much water as possible. Any leftover water will make the sauce thin. Place the well drained broccoli in a large bowl.
Step 2: Make The Creamy Cheese Sauce
Now for the heart of our Broccoli Cheese Casserole, the sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the butter, crushed garlic, salt, pepper, cream cheese, and heavy cream. This combination is what creates that wonderfully rich and creamy texture.
Cook this mixture over medium heat, stirring pretty often. It will take about 7 to 10 minutes for everything to melt together and become a beautiful, smooth sauce. Your kitchen is going to start smelling amazing right about now. The garlic and cream are a heavenly pair.
Step 3: Combine Everything
Pour that luscious cheese sauce directly over the broccoli in your mixing bowl. Add in about half of your shredded cheddar cheese, so that’s 2 ounces. Now, gently mix it all together. You want to coat every single floret without breaking them apart. Be gentle.
Once everything is nicely combined, pour the mixture into a casserole dish. Spread it out evenly so it bakes uniformly. This is starting to look like a proper Broccoli Bake, isn’t it?
Step 4: Bake To Golden Perfection
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese all over the top. Don’t be shy. A generous cheesy topping is what makes a casserole great. Now, pop that dish into your preheated oven. You’ll bake it for about 20 to 30 minutes.
You are looking for the cheese on top to be completely melted, bubbly, and beautifully browned in spots. The whole house will smell wonderful. Once it’s done, take it out and serve it hot. This is comfort food at its finest.
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers of this Broccoli Cheese Casserole, storing them is a breeze. First, let the casserole cool down to room temperature. You never want to put a hot dish straight into the fridge. It can affect the temperature inside.
Once it’s cool, you can either cover the casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil, or you can transfer the leftovers to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. It’s great for lunches the next day.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you have a couple of options for reheating. A quick zap in the microwave works if you’re in a hurry. But if you have a few extra minutes, I recommend reheating it in the oven. This helps the top get a little crispy again.
Tips
Want to make your Easy Broccoli Casserole even better? I’ve got a few little tricks for you. These are simple things that can add a little something extra to the dish. They are completely optional, of course.
First, don’t be afraid to experiment with the cheese. While classic cheddar is amazing, a mix of Monterey Jack and cheddar can be delicious. A little bit of parmesan on top adds a nice salty kick too. Cheese is a big part of Broccoli And Cheese Recipes, so have fun with it.
For some extra texture, you could add some toasted breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds on top before baking. This gives you a nice crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce. It’s a simple addition that makes a big difference.
If you like a little bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes in the cheese sauce can be a wonderful touch. It doesn’t make it spicy, but it adds a lovely warmth. A dash of onion powder can also deepen the savory flavor of the sauce.
Conclusion
And there you have it. A simple, delicious, and comforting Broccoli Cheese Casserole that is sure to become a family favorite. It’s proof that you don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated techniques to make something truly special. It is a fantastic side dish for any occasion.
Whether you’re looking for a reliable weeknight side, a potluck contribution, or a tasty Keto Broccoli Casserole, this recipe checks all the boxes. I hope you enjoy making it and sharing it with the people you love. Happy cooking, everyone!
FAQ
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli?
Yes, you absolutely can. Just be sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out as much water as possible before using. Excess water can make your Broccoli Cheese Casserole a bit runny, and nobody wants that.
Is This Recipe Gluten Free?
It certainly is. This recipe uses no flour or gluten containing thickeners, making it a naturally gluten free dish. It’s a great option for anyone following a gluten free diet who still craves cheesy comfort food.
What Can I Serve With This Broccoli Bake?
This Broccoli Bake pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or baked salmon. It’s a very versatile side dish that complements almost any main course. It is also good enough to be the star of a vegetarian meal.
How Can I Make It A Full Meal?
To turn this into a main course, you could add some shredded chicken or cooked sausage to the mixture before baking. It makes for a hearty one dish dinner. That’s one of the great things about this Easy Broccoli Casserole.
Broccoli Cheese Casserole
A simple, comforting Broccoli Cheese Casserole that feels like a warm hug. This easy, cheesy dish is naturally low-carb and makes a wonderful side or main meal.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200C or 390F. Steam or boil the broccoli florets until tender-crisp. Drain very well to remove excess water, then place in a large bowl.
- In a small saucepan, combine the butter, crushed garlic, salt, pepper, cream cheese, and heavy cream. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, for 7 to 10 minutes until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the broccoli in the mixing bowl. Add 2 ounces (half) of the shredded cheddar cheese. Gently mix until the broccoli is coated.
- Transfer the mixture into a casserole dish and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top.
- Bake for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and browned. Serve hot.
Notes
Let the casserole cool to room temperature before storing. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil, or transfer to an airtight container. Keeps for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Reheat in the microwave for a quick option, or in the oven for a crispy top.
Experiment with cheeses; a mix of Monterey Jack and cheddar, or a sprinkle of parmesan, adds variety.
Add toasted breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds for extra crunch.
A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of onion powder can enhance the flavor of the sauce.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
