Go Back
–+ servings
Broccoli Cheese Casserole

Creamy Broccoli Cheese Casserole: A Cozy Comfort Food Delight

This Broccoli Cheese Casserole combines creamy white cheddar with broccoli for a delightful comfort food experience.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Baking
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Casserole
  • 4 cups Broccoli Florets Feel free to substitute with cauliflower for a different twist.
  • 2 tablespoons Extra-Virgin Olive Oil Butter can also be used for a lovely rich alternative.
  • 2 medium Leeks If leeks are hard to find, yellow onion is a decent substitute in a pinch.
  • 1 cup Chopped Shallots You can use extra leeks or onion if shallots are missing.
  • 2 cloves Minced Garlic In case you run out of fresh garlic, garlic powder works as a stand-in.
  • 1/2 cup Dry White Wine Mixing vegetable or chicken broth with sherry vinegar makes a good substitution (5 Tbsp broth + 1 Tbsp vinegar).
  • 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour Gluten-free flour is a wonderful option for a gluten-free dish.
  • 2 cups Whole Milk Unsweetened cashew milk is a great dairy-free alternative.
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt Feel free to adjust the amount according to your personal taste.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper Feel free to adjust the amount according to your personal taste.
  • 2 cups White Cheddar Cheese Any favorite melting cheese such as Gruyere can step in if needed.
For the Topping
  • 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs You can use regular breadcrumbs, but for ultimate crunch, panko is preferred.

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Microwave-safe bowl or stovetop steamer
  • 11x7-inch baking pan

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Broccoli Cheese Casserole
  1. Begin by steaming the broccoli florets until they are crisp-tender, which should take about 5 minutes.
  2. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and grease an 11x7-inch baking pan lightly.
  3. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped leeks and shallots, cooking for about 8 to 10 minutes until they are softened and fragrant.
  4. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, until it becomes aromatic.
  5. Pour in the dry white wine, allowing it to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, or until most of the liquid has evaporated.
  6. Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the mixture, stirring constantly for about 1 to 2 minutes until everything is well coated.
  7. Slowly whisk in the whole milk, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  8. Remove the skillet from the heat and gently mix in the steamed broccoli florets until they are evenly coated with the cheese sauce.
  9. Pour the broccoli and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
  10. In a small bowl, mix the remaining olive oil with the panko breadcrumbs until they are well coated. Sprinkle this golden topping generously over the casserole.
  11. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 20 minutes, or until the panko is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.
  12. Once baked, remove the Broccoli Cheese Casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 12gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 20IUVitamin C: 40mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 5mg

Notes

This casserole can be prepped ahead of time and simply baked when ready to serve. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!