• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Butter & Baggage logo
  • Home
  • Recipe Search
    • Recipe Index
    • Appetizers
    • Breads & Biscuits
    • Breakfast
      • Muffins
    • Casseroles
    • Desserts
      • Bars
      • Brownies
      • Cakes & Cupcakes
      • Cookies
      • Fruit Desserts
      • Pies, Cobblers & Crisps
    • Main Dishes
      • Beef
      • Chicken
      • Pork
      • Seafood
    • Pasta
    • Salads
    • Sauces & Dips
    • Side Dishes
    • Snacks
    • Soups & Chilis
  • Portfolio
  • About
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Recipe Search
  • Recipe Index
  • Portfolio
  • About
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Casseroles » Vegetable Casseroles » Creamy Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe

    Creamy Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe

    Published: Oct 25, 2019 · Modified: Sep 12, 2021 by Barbara Curry · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe
    5 from 3 votes

    Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links.

    Cheese sauce being poured over broccoli for a broccoli cheese casserole.

    For the best Broccoli Cheese Casserole, start with fresh broccoli and add a creamy cheese sauce that’s made from scratch. Top it off with buttery panko and it will become a holiday tradition that you’ll want to make all year long.

    You can make this ahead and then just bake for 15 minutes.

    A baking dish of cheesy broccoli casserole

    I’m sure you’re wondering why this is the BEST broccoli cheese casserole, but I promise you that this vegetable casserole is different from the others. Here’s what it doesn’t have: rice, canned soup, gloppy cheese, mayonnaise, or Ritz crackers. 

    Instead it has the creamiest cheese sauce flavored with just a little shallot and garlic. Then it’s topped with crunchy buttery panko.  You might think it would be a time consuming recipe, but it’s easy and only takes about 20 minutes to assemble and 15 minutes to bake.

    So what’s so great about this particular broccoli casserole, it’s the cheese sauce. It’s not overpowering but has a subtle flavor from the shallots and garlic. The American cheese adds a creamier texture that you won’t see in other broccoli and cheese casserole recipes. 

    Making your own sauce is one hundred times better than broccoli casseroles that use mushroom soup. While adding soup might be a little quicker, you can make this casserole in twenty minutes, the extra few minutes is so worth it. 

    This broccoli casserole recipe does not contain rice.  I love broccoli rice casserole, but it makes for a heartier casserole which might not be what you need with a large meal, try it when you don’t have as many other side dishes.

    Have I convinced you to add it to your Thanksgiving meal yet!  Test it out with a simple rotisserie chicken dinner and you’ll transform a boring weeknight dinner.

    Show Stopper Sides

    5 Tips to make your next meal Spectacular!

      We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.

      Why you’ll love this Recipe For Broccoli Casserole

      • A cheese sauce so good that you can get the kiddos to eat broccoli
      • Quick and easy to prepare
      • Nothing artificial in this casserole
      • You can make it ahead
      • It just takes 15 minutes to bake
      • It’s a perfect compliment to almost any meal
      • Great to take for a potluck

      What you’ll need for Cheesy Broccoli Casserole

      Ingredients for broccoli casserole.
      Gather the ingredients.
      • You’ll need panko bread crumbs for the topping. What are panko bread crumbs, they are a Japanese-style bread crumb made from white bread without crust. The result is a crispy coating when used for fried food as it doesn’t absorb as much oil. When combined with a little melted butter and parmesan, it creates a crispy topping for this awesome broccoli cheese casserole.  You can find it on the bread aisle or order them on Amazon.
      • Next for a creamy cheese sauce, you want to use a sharp cheddar cheese but what keeps the sauce creamy and not gloppy is the addition of a cup of American cheese. Why American cheese, because it contains emulsifiers which help hold the sauce together. It has a pretty mild flavor so by using just a cup and then 2 cups of sharp cheddar, you get a creamy but flavorful rich sauce. Get the American cheese from the deli it’s generally a better quality.
      • For the broccoli, use fresh broccoli, not frozen which will end up being watery in this recipe.  Just cut it into 1-2 inch bite size pieces and cover and microwave for about eight minutes. By steaming the broccoli first, it keeps it’s texture and flavor and reduces the cooking time in the oven.
      • The cheese sauce requires liquid and I’ve found that half-and-half works the best.  Cream is too rich and milk not creamy enough. The recipe will still be delicious if you want to cut back and use whole milk but fat free milk will not give you a creamy sauce.
      • To season the amazing cheese sauce, you’ll need a little flour,  a shallot, some garlic, hot sauce  (I use Texas Pete) and dry mustard.

      I used to make broccoli casserole with a standard bechamel cheese sauce using just cheddar cheese, but then I started adding a little American cheese and now this has become my go-to cheese sauce. It’s great over Kentucky Hot Browns.

      What type of cheese should you use for broccoli casserole?

      To keep the sauce creamy, add a cup of American cheese and for flavor add two cups of sharp cheddar. A little parmesan is added to the topping.

      Topping for Broccoli Casserole

      You need a nice crispy topping to cover this creamy casserole. Panko bread crumbs combined with parmesan cheese will bake up super crunchy.

      Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe substitutions

      You can change up the cheese, but at least part of the cheese needs to be American, it can be yellow or white. Without a little American cheese, you won’t get that creamy texture. However, you can use gruyere or colby jack instead of cheddar.

      Can I substitute frozen broccoli for fresh in a casserole?

      For this broccoli casserole, you can not substitute frozen broccoli, it will be too soft and will make the casserole mushy.

      How to make Broccoli Casserole

      Step 1:

      Cover a bowl of broccoli with plastic wrap and Microwave.

      A colander of broccoli.
      Briefly steam the broccoli in the microwave.

      Step 2:

      Sauté a shallot and garlic until soft and add flour. Slowly add the half-and-half and bring it to a boil. It will thicken slightly but will not be as thick as a bechamel sauce.  Remove from the heat and add cheese whisking until it has melted and then season.

      Step 3:

      Combine panko, parmesan and melted butter.

      Panko butter mixture for topping on casserrole.
      Combine the ingredients for the topping.

      Step 4:

      Place broccoli in your baking dish

      Fresh broccoli in a casserole dish with a saucepan of cheese sauce beside it.
      Place the broccoli in a casserole dish.

      and pour the cheesy sauce over the top, stirring to combine.

      Cheese sauce being poured over broccoli.
      Pour the cheese sauce over the broccoli.

      Step 5:

      Top with the panko mixture. If making this ahead, wait to add the panko topping until right before baking.

      A baking dish of broccoli casserole with panko on top.
      Top with panko mixture.

      Step 6:

      Bake for 15 minutes and let cool for about 10 minutes before eating.

      A serving spoon in a dish of baked broccoli casserole

      How to serve this Awesome Broccoli Casserole

      Let this casserole rest for about 10 minutes before serving. That will allow it to set while you bake the dinner rolls. As the cheese sauce cools a little, it will become less soupy and will not run all over the plate.

      What to eat with broccoli casserole?

      Turkey
      Ham
      Pork Tenderloin with apples
      Steak Marsala
      Chicken with wine
      Sweet potato casserole
      Roasted carrots
      Homemade yeast rolls

      Storing Cheesy Broccoli Casserole

      To store broccoli casserole, let it come to room temperature and then store in an airtight container or cover with plastic wrap.

      How long is broccoli casserole good for in the fridge?

      You can store a broccoli casserole for 3-5 days in the fridge or freeze it for 2-3 months. Let it come to room temperature before reheating in the oven or microwave.

      Can you freeze broccoli casserole?

      The left-overs freeze great, just reheat in the oven or even in the microwave.

      A spoon full of cheesy broccoli casserole in a baking dish.

      Homemade Broccoli Casserole FAQs

      Can you make Broccoli Casserole ahead of time?

      This casserole is great for potlucks or Holiday dinners because you can make it ahead and bake it right before needed. Since it only takes 15 minutes to bake, you won’t tie up the oven which might be needed for other side dishes. If making this ahead, let it come to room temperature and wait to add the panko topping until right before you put it in the oven.

      Can you add more broccoli to this recipe?

      If you want more broccoli than cheese, you can easily increase the amount of broccoli. This recipe uses 8 cups of broccoli.

      What else can you do with Panko breadcrumbs

      You can add it to the coating for French toast for super crispy French Toast Sticks. It gives a crunchy coating to Parmesan Chicken Fingers, and will help hold Chicken Marsala Meatballs together. I always keep a box in the pantry.

      Why is my broccoli cheese casserole watery?

      A broccoli cheese casserole could get watery if you don’t drain the broccoli completely before adding to the casserole dish.

      What is the key to making a good casserole?

      The keys to making a good broccoli casserole is to not overcook the broccoli, add a little American cheese to keep it creamy and then use panko bread crumbs to make a crispy topping. You’ll get lots of flavor and without it being mushy.

      Do you bake casseroles covered or uncovered?

      A broccoli casserole does not need to be covered while baking since everything is already cooked. A casserole with meat that needs to cook is generally covered to keep it from drying out while it cooks.

      If you’re a broccoli fan but don’t want to make a casserole, then try a Broccoli Salad, it’s always a crowd pleaser.

      A bowl of bacon broccoli salad

      More Thanksgiving Sides Ideas

      • A bowl of creamy mashed potatoes.
        How to Make Mashed Potatoes Ahead of Time
      • Sweet potato casserole with spicy pecans.
        Easy Sweet Potato Casserole with Bacon
      • A glass serving bowl with homemade cranberry sauce.
        Homemade Cranberry Sauce
      • A batch of the best yeast rolls
        Yeast Roll Recipe with Dill

      If you loved this recipe, give it a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating! Also, snap a picture of your finished dish and share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #butterandbaggage and tagging me @butterandbaggage.

      A baking dish of cheesy broccoli casserole.

      Homemade Broccoli Casserole with Cheese

      Author: Barbara Curry
      For the best Broccoli Cheese Casserole, start with fresh broccoli and add a creamy cheese sauce that's made from scratch. Top it off with buttery panko and It will be come a holiday tradition that you'll want to make all year long.
      5 from 3 votes
      Print Pin
      PREP: 20 minutes
      COOK: 15 minutes
      Servings: 12

      Ingredients
       

      • ¾ cups panko breadcrumbs
      • ½ cup parmesan cheese
      • 6 tablespoons butter melted (divided)
      • 2 heads broccoli florets (about 8 cups) cut into bite size florets
      • 1 shallot (about ¼ cup) chopped fine
      • 2 garlic minced
      • 3 tablespoons flour
      • 3 cups half-and-half
      • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese 8 ounces
      • 1 cup American Cheese 4 ounces
      • 2 teaspoons hot sauce
      • 1 teaspoon dry mustard
      Prevent your screen from going dark

      Instructions
       

      • Preheat oven to 400º.
      • Place cut broccoli in a microwave safe bowl with ¼ teaspoon of salt. Cover with plastic wrap and microwave for 8 minutes, until it is tender but not mushy. Drain and pour into a 9 x 13 baking dish.
      • Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan and add shallots and garlic cooking over medium heat until softened about 2 minutes. Add flour and whisk cooking for a minute. Slowly whisk in half-and-half and then turn to high and bring to a boil. Remove from heat, it will be only slightly thickened. Add cheddar and Amerrican cheese, hot sauce mustard, 11/2 teaspoons salt and ½ teaspoon pepper and whisk until the cheese has melted and it is smooth.
      • In a small bowl combine panko, 3 tablespoons melted butter and parmesan.
      • Pour cheese sauce over broccoli and stir to combine. Cover with panko mixture.
      • Bake uncovered for 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly around the edges and the top is golden brown. Let cool for about 10 minutes before serving.

      Video

      Barbara’s Tips + Notes
      • You can increase the amount of broccoli
      • If making ahead, wait to add panko topping and refrigerate. Let it warm to room temperature, add panko right before placing it in the oven. 
      • Don’t substitute the American cheese, you need this for the creamy texture.
      • You can freeze and reheat in the oven.

      Nutrition

      Calories: 324kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Cholesterol: 72mg | Sodium: 532mg | Potassium: 451mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1352IU | Vitamin C: 92mg | Calcium: 428mg | Iron: 1mg
      Follow Me On SocialDid you make this recipe? Mention @ButterandBaggage or tag #ButterandBaggage on Instagram!

      Explore Recipes

      Side DishesVegetable CasserolesVegetarianBakedChristmasThanksgiving
      « Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins
      How to Make Mashed Potatoes Ahead of Time »

      Reader Interactions

      Comments

      1. Nancy Turner says

        November 08, 2019 at 11:08 am

        Excellent…enough sauce to support a lot of broccoli. Definitely on our Thanksgiving menu this year! Thanks, Barbara!

        Reply
        • Barbara Curry says

          November 08, 2019 at 3:27 pm

          You can add more broccoli if you want to serve a bigger crowd, there is a generous amount of cheese sauce.

          Reply
      2. Bailey says

        November 20, 2020 at 2:28 pm

        I had to double the broccoli to get enough for a 9×13 pan. I ended up using 4 heads of broccoli. It was quite annoying to have to go back and make more broccoli after realizing it wasn’t enough.

        Reply
        • Barbara Curry says

          November 20, 2020 at 2:40 pm

          Bailey,
          I’m sorry if the recipe wasn’t clear and that that you had to cook more broccoli, how frustrating. I find the broccoli heads can vary so much in size. The recipe card has 8 cups of broccoli. I’ll go back to the post and add let others know that it might take more broccoli. Thanks for letting me know.

          Reply

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




      Primary Sidebar

      Barbara Curry is the culinary adventurer of Butter & Baggage. With a dedicated enthusiasm for real butter made from happy cows she is in constant pursuit of delicious recipes and tasty dishes. She shares her experiences, ventures, and occasional misadventures because let’s face it things can get messy in any kitchen.

      More about me →

      Subscribe

      Game Day Favorites

      • Baked Buffalo chicken wings with a blue cheese dipping sauce.
        Baked Buffalo Wings
      • Baked Chex mix in a bowl.
        Homemade Chex Mix
      • A bowl full of spicy roasted nuts.
        Spicy Roasted Nuts
      • A serving platter with mushroom crescent rolls
        Cream Cheese Crescent Roll Appetizer with Mushrooms

      Popular

      • Two breakfast puff pastry pockets on a linen napkin.
        Puff Pastry Pockets for Breakfast
      • A fork full of Steak Marsala
        Steak Marsala
      • A baking dish of Queso Chicken
        Queso Chicken
      • Mini appetizers on a platter
        Mini Croque Monsieur

      Footer

      Footer

      ↑ back to top

      COPYRIGHT © 2023 BUTTER & BAGGAGE | PRIVACY POLICY | WEB STORIES
      BRANDING & CUSTOMIZATION BY GRACE + VINE STUDIOS

      348 shares