There are some dishes that just feel like a warm hug on a plate. For me, that dish has always been a bubbly, cheesy casserole. It brings back memories of family dinners and holiday gatherings. And at the top of that list is this incredible Broccoli And Cheese Casserole. It’s simple, it’s comforting, and honestly, it’s just plain delicious.
This isn’t just any broccoli cheese casserole. We are talking about an ultra creamy cheese sauce made with Velveeta that coats every single piece of tender broccoli. Then it’s all topped with a buttery, crunchy cracker crust that provides the most satisfying texture. It’s a side dish that might just steal the show. Ready to make some magic?
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
So, what makes this specific Broccoli And Cheese Casserole recipe so special? Well, for starters, it is incredibly easy to make. You don’t need any fancy kitchen gadgets or complicated techniques. It’s a straightforward recipe that delivers amazing results every time.
It is the definition of a crowd pleaser. I have yet to meet someone who doesn’t enjoy this dish, from picky kids to discerning adults. It’s a go to for potlucks and family get togethers because I know it will be gone by the end of the night. It is one of those reliable Broccoli And Cheese Recipes.
The texture is just wonderful. You get the soft, tender broccoli florets swimming in a velvety smooth cheese sauce. Then, that golden brown cracker topping adds a savory crunch that perfectly complements the creaminess. Every bite is a fantastic mix of textures.
We are using Velveeta here, and for good reason. It melts into the creamiest, dreamiest sauce imaginable without any fuss. You get a consistently smooth sauce with zero graininess. This is the key to a truly luxurious Velveeta Broccoli Casserole.
This recipe is also wonderfully versatile. You can serve it as a holiday side dish for Thanksgiving or Christmas, or just make it for a cozy weeknight dinner. It pairs beautifully with chicken, beef, or pork. It truly is an all around winner.
And let’s talk about comfort. This is the kind of food that warms you from the inside out. A spoonful of this cheesy Broccoli Bake feels like coming home. It’s rich, satisfying, and everything you want in comfort food.
Ingredients
The ingredient list for this Broccoli And Cheese Casserole is short and sweet. We’re using simple, accessible items to create something truly special. Here’s what you’ll need to grab.
- 24 ounces frozen broccoli florets
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ small onion, minced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 16 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed
- ¾ cup heavy cream
For The Topping
- 1 sleeve (about 31) Ritz crackers, crushed
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Let’s chat a bit about these ingredients. For the broccoli, frozen florets are a huge time saver. They are already cut and partially cooked, which makes prep a breeze. Just be sure to get the florets, not the chopped broccoli, for the best texture in your broccoli cheese casserole.
The onion and garlic are our flavor builders. They create a savory base for our amazing cheese sauce. Don’t skip them! They add a depth of flavor that really makes a difference.
Ah, Velveeta. It’s the star of our sauce. Cubing it helps it melt faster and more evenly into the heavy cream. This combination is what gives our Velveeta Broccoli Casserole its signature creamy texture.
For the topping, buttery crackers like Ritz are fantastic. They provide a rich, savory crunch. Crushing them up and mixing them with melted butter creates that irresistible golden crust on our Broccoli Bake.
Step By Step Instructions
Making this Broccoli And Cheese Casserole is so simple. I’ll walk you through each part of the process. Just follow along, and you’ll have a beautiful casserole ready in no time.
Step 1: Prep The Oven And Broccoli
First things first, let’s get the oven ready. Preheat it to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While it’s heating up, go ahead and grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish. A little bit of butter or nonstick spray works great.
Next, bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. We are going to quickly cook the broccoli. Add the frozen florets to the boiling water and cook for just 2 minutes. This is called blanching. It helps give the broccoli a vibrant green color and tender texture.
After two minutes, immediately drain the broccoli in a colander. You want to stop the cooking process so it doesn’t get mushy. Set the drained broccoli aside for later.
Step 2: Sauté The Aromatics
Now for the flavor base. In the same large pot, or a new one, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and bubbly, add your minced onion and garlic.
Sauté them for about 3 to 5 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the onions become soft and translucent. Your kitchen will start to smell absolutely amazing at this point! This is a key step for many great Broccoli And Cheese Recipes.
Step 3: Create The Creamy Cheese Sauce
Time for the best part, the cheese sauce! Turn the heat down to low. This is very important to prevent the cheese from scorching. Add the cubed Velveeta and the heavy cream to the pot with the onions and garlic.
Stir everything frequently as the cheese melts. It will take about 5 minutes for the Velveeta to melt completely into a smooth, luscious sauce. Be patient here and keep that heat low for a perfect outcome.
Step 4: Combine Broccoli And Sauce
Once your cheese sauce is perfectly smooth and creamy, it’s time to reintroduce the broccoli. Gently fold the blanched broccoli florets into the cheese sauce. Use a spatula to make sure every single piece of broccoli gets coated in that wonderful sauce.
Step 5: Assemble The Casserole
Carefully transfer the broccoli and cheese mixture into your prepared 9×13 inch casserole dish. Spread it out evenly with your spatula. Look at that! It already looks so good, and it’s not even baked yet. This is the heart of our Broccoli And Cheese Casserole.
Step 6: Prepare And Add The Topping
In a small bowl, mix together the crushed crackers and the 4 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter. Stir them until all the cracker crumbs are moistened by the butter. This buttery mixture is going to create the most delicious crust.
Sprinkle the buttered cracker crumbs evenly over the top of the broccoli and cheese mixture in the casserole dish. Try to cover the entire surface for maximum crunch in every bite.
Step 7: Bake To Golden Perfection
Place the casserole dish into your preheated 350 degree oven. Bake for about 25 minutes. You’re looking for two key signs that it’s done. First, the cheesy filling should be hot and bubbling around the edges. Second, the cracker topping should be a beautiful golden brown color.
Once it’s done, carefully remove the Broccoli Bake from the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set up just a little bit. Then, dig in and enjoy!
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers of this amazing Broccoli And Cheese Casserole, storing them is easy. First, make sure the casserole has cooled down completely to room temperature. This is important for food safety.
Cover the casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also transfer the leftovers to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors can actually meld together and taste even better the next day.
When you are ready to reheat it, the oven is your best friend for maintaining that crunchy topping. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Place the leftover casserole in an oven safe dish and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until it’s heated through.
You can also use the microwave if you’re in a hurry. Just know that the cracker topping might lose some of its crispiness. Microwave individual portions for a minute or two until hot.
For longer storage, you can freeze this broccoli cheese casserole. It is best to freeze it before baking for the best texture. Assemble the casserole but do not add the cracker topping. Cover it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, add the topping and bake from frozen, adding about 20 to 30 extra minutes to the baking time.
Tips
Want to make your Broccoli And Cheese Casserole even better? I have a few little tips and tricks up my sleeve that can help. These are simple suggestions that can make a big difference in the final dish.
My biggest tip is to not overcook the broccoli in the first step. Blanching it for only 2 minutes is key. Remember, it will continue to cook in the oven. This ensures your broccoli is tender but not mushy. No one likes mushy broccoli!
Feel free to customize the topping. While buttery crackers are classic, you could also use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy texture. Crushed potato chips or crispy fried onions would also be a fun and flavorful twist.
Want to add some protein? This Broccoli Bake is a great base for additions. Stir in some cooked, shredded chicken or crumbled bacon to make it a more substantial main course. It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover meat.
If you like a little kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the cheese sauce. It won’t make it overly spicy but will add a nice warmth and depth of flavor that complements the richness of the cheese.
You can also experiment with different cheeses, but know it will change the texture. For a similar melt, you could try a processed cheese loaf. If you use something like cheddar, adding a little sodium citrate can help it stay smooth. But for this specific Velveeta Broccoli Casserole, Velveeta really is the best choice for creaminess.
When crushing the crackers, don’t turn them into fine dust. You want some small, varied pieces to give the topping a nice texture. Placing them in a zip top bag and gently rolling over them with a rolling pin works great.
Conclusion
And there you have it! A simple, delicious, and incredibly satisfying Broccoli And Cheese Casserole that is sure to become a family favorite. From its creamy, cheesy sauce to its crunchy, buttery topping, every element works together to create a truly comforting dish.
This recipe proves that you don’t need a long list of complicated ingredients to make something wonderful. It’s a testament to the power of simple, classic flavors. I hope you love this broccoli cheese casserole as much as my family and I do. Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out!
FAQ
Can I Use Fresh Broccoli Instead Of Frozen?
Absolutely! If you prefer to use fresh broccoli, you certainly can. You’ll need about 2 large heads of broccoli. Cut them into bite sized florets. You will need to boil them for about 3 to 4 minutes instead of 2, until they are crisp tender before adding them to the sauce.
What Can I Use Instead Of Velveeta?
Velveeta is used here for its unique melting quality that creates an ultra smooth sauce. If you want to substitute it, a combination of cream cheese and sharp cheddar can work, but the texture will be different. You could also try another processed cheese product for a similar result in your Velveeta Broccoli Casserole.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead Of Time?
Yes, this is a great recipe to make ahead. You can assemble the entire casserole, except for the cracker topping, up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, prepare the cracker topping, sprinkle it on top, and add about 10 minutes to the baking time since it will be cold.
Is This Recipe Gluten Free?
As written, this recipe is not gluten free because of the cracker topping. However, you can easily adapt it! The cheese and broccoli base is naturally gluten free. Simply substitute the crackers with a gluten free alternative, like gluten free crackers or even crushed pork rinds for a savory, crunchy topping.
What Should I Serve With This Broccoli Bake?
This Broccoli Bake is a very versatile side dish. It pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, baked ham, or a nice steak. It’s also a staple on many holiday tables alongside turkey and all the fixings. For a simple weeknight meal, it’s great with grilled pork chops.
Broccoli And Cheese Casserole
An ultra-creamy cheese sauce coats every piece of tender broccoli, topped with a buttery, crunchy cracker crust. This comforting side dish is easy to make and a guaranteed family favorite.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- Blanch the frozen broccoli in boiling water for 2 minutes. Drain immediately in a colander and set aside.
- In a large pot, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Sauté the minced onion and garlic for 3-5 minutes until soft.
- Reduce heat to low. Add the cubed Velveeta and heavy cream, stirring frequently until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth (about 5 minutes).
- Gently fold the blanched broccoli into the cheese sauce until evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish and spread evenly.
- In a small bowl, combine the crushed crackers and 4 tablespoons of melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Bake for 25 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly and the topping is golden brown. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Do not overcook the broccoli when blanching; it will continue to cook in the oven. The goal is tender, not mushy.
For an extra crispy topping, try using panko breadcrumbs instead of crackers.
Add some protein by stirring in cooked, shredded chicken or crumbled bacon with the broccoli.
For a little warmth, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce.
Nutrition
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