Ultimate Broccoli Cheese Casserole

Ultimate Broccoli Cheese Casserole – The Best Cheesy, Comforting Side Dish

If you’re looking for a creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly delicious dish, this Ultimate Broccoli Cheese Casserole is exactly what you need! Whether you’re preparing a cozy weeknight meal or planning a holiday feast, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. It’s packed with tender broccoli, rich cheddar cheese, and a crispy, buttery topping—the perfect combination of comfort and flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

First, this dish is incredibly easy to make with simple, everyday ingredients. Not only does it bring a deliciously creamy texture, but it also adds a pop of vibrant green to your table, making it a great way to sneak in some extra veggies. Even picky eaters will love this cheesy goodness!

In addition, this broccoli casserole is versatile—you can serve it as a side dish for roasted meats, baked chicken, or even as a vegetarian main course. Plus, it’s easy to prep ahead, which makes it ideal for busy weeknights, family gatherings, and holiday meals.

The Secret to the Best Broccoli Cheese Casserole

What sets this recipe apart? Fresh ingredients and the perfect cheese-to-broccoli ratio. Instead of using canned soup, we make a homemade creamy cheese sauce that’s packed with rich, bold flavors. Plus, the crispy panko topping adds just the right amount of crunch, balancing out the creamy base.

So, whether you’re making this for Thanksgiving, a Sunday dinner, or just because, this Ultimate Broccoli Cheese Casserole is guaranteed to impress. Let’s get started and make this comfort food classic in just a few simple steps!

Ready to dig in? Keep reading for the full step-by-step recipe! 😊

Recipe Yield: 8 servings

INGREDIENTS

3 broccoli heads (about 2 lb total, cut into bite-sized florets)
3 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded, divided)
4 tbsp butter (divided)
1 medium onion (finely chopped)
3 garlic cloves (minced)
¼ cup all-purpose flour
2 ¼ cup whole milk
¾ cup heavy cream
2 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp paprika
¾ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
1 ¼ cup sour cream
¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
3 tbsp butter (melted)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat the oven: First, set your oven to 375°F. Then, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside for later use.

2. Blanch the broccoli: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, carefully add the broccoli florets and cook for 2 minutes until they turn vibrant green. Next, drain the broccoli immediately and transfer it to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. After a minute, drain well and pat dry to remove excess moisture.

3. Sauté the aromatics: While the broccoli cools, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Melt 2 tbsp butter, and once it’s sizzling, add the chopped onion. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens. Then, stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

4. Make the cheese sauce: Now, sprinkle the flour evenly over the onions while stirring constantly. Let it cook for 1 minute to remove any raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, making sure to eliminate any lumps. Once everything is combined, add Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Continue stirring and cook for 3–4 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.

5. Melt the cheese: Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in 2 ½ cups cheddar cheese along with the Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and velvety. After that, remove the pan from heat and gently fold in the sour cream until well incorporated.

6. Combine and assemble: At this point, place the blanched broccoli in a large bowl. Then, pour the warm cheese sauce over it and toss everything together, making sure the broccoli is fully coated. After that, transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer. Finally, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese over the top.

7. Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs with the melted 3 tbsp butter. Stir well so the breadcrumbs absorb the butter evenly. Then, sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole to create a crispy, golden topping.

8. Bake to perfection: Now, place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling at the edges. If you prefer an extra-crispy top, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end, but watch closely to prevent burning.

9. Serve and enjoy: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Then, scoop and enjoy it warm with its rich, creamy, and cheesy flavor.

Helpful Tips to Perfect This Recipe

• Blanch the Broccoli for the Best Texture – To keep the broccoli vibrant green and tender-crisp, blanch it for only 2 minutes and immediately transfer it to an ice bath. This stops the cooking process, preventing mushy broccoli while ensuring it bakes perfectly in the casserole.
• Use High-Quality Cheese for Maximum Flavor – For a rich, creamy, and melty texture, choose freshly shredded sharp cheddar and Parmesan instead of pre-shredded cheese, which contains anti-caking agents that can affect the sauce’s smoothness. Aged sharp cheddar enhances the deep, cheesy flavor, making this dish extra indulgent.
• Bake Until Golden and Bubbly – For a crispy, buttery topping with a perfectly baked interior, bake the casserole uncovered at 375°F for 25–30 minutes. If you want extra crunch, broil it for 1–2 minutes at the end, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.