Broccoli-Cheese Casserole

Broccoli-cheese casserole is a traditional vegetable side dish that's equally at home on the church potluck table as on the Thanksgiving dinner spread. While some versions use condensed soup as a base, our recipe features a sauce made with whole milk and Cheddar cheese, thickened with a traditional flour-and-butter roux. You can make this recipe ahead of time by preparing it up until the point it goes into the oven, and then refrigerating it until needed.

Learn how to make broccoli-cheese casserole, and find your new family-friendly favorite vegetable side dish.

Ingredients in Broccoli-Cheese Casserole

We keep things fairly simple in this casserole, with classic ingredients like milk, cheese, and butter crackers for the topping. Here's what you need from the pantry and fridge:

• Fresh broccoli florets: Found in any produce department—you can even steam the broccoli right in the bag!
• Whole milk: The base of the creamy sauce instead of cream of mushroom soup.
• Cheddar cheese: For the cheesy partner to the broccoli.
• Onion and garlic: Provides the savory base of the casserole.
• Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess without flour or cream.
• Dijon mustard: A hint of tang helps to brighten up the casserole filling.
• Buttery crackers: They make a crunchy and flavorful topping, flecked with fresh parsley for color and flavor.

Other variations of broccoli cheddar casserole include Cheesy Broccoli-Rice Casserole, Lightened-Up Chicken Broccoli Casserole, and Pimento Cheese Chicken-Broccoli Casserole.

How To Make Broccoli-Cheese Casserole

Our recipe for broccoli cheese casserole is in its most traditional form. Find the full recipe further below. This is a brief overview before you get started:

• Step 1. Steam the broccoli: Place broccoli in a large microwave-safe bowl with water. Steam on high until tender.
• Step 2. Make the casserole sauce: Cook onions and garlic until tender. Add flour to pan, and cook. Then, add the milk and mayonnaise and seasonings. Then add in the cheese and broccoli.
• Step 3. Bake the casserole: Add the casserole filling to a baking dish covered with cooking spray. If you're ready to bake the casserole, put in a 350°F oven, cover with aluminum foil, and bake 45 minutes until golden and bubbly.
• Or prep for a future meal: If you're making this casserole ahead of time, let the it cool for about 30 minutes. Then, cover with aluminum foil, and chill in the fridge until ready to bake.
• Step 4. Make topping: While the casserole bakes, combine remaining butter (that you melt in the microwave) with butter crackers and parsley. Remove the aluminum foil, add the cracker topping, and broil until the topping is golden brown.

What Kind of Cheese Should You Use in Broccoli-Cheese Casserole?

Our recipe calls for shredded sharp Cheddar cheese. This cheese, which can be purchased in block or pre-shredded form, strikes just the right balance of cheesy tanginess.

If you prefer a milder casserole, use regular Cheddar. If you love the sharper flavor, opt for extra-sharp Cheddar. We used traditional orange Cheddar cheese, but white Cheddar works perfectly well, too, though your sauce will turn out paler.

Can I Use Frozen Broccoli?

This recipe calls for fresh broccoli, which will stand up to the longer cooking time of a casserole. But you can substitute the same amount of frozen broccoli. Simply steam the broccoli according to the package directions, and follow the rest of the recipe.

What Crackers To Put on Broccoli-Cheese Casserole

The topping of buttery, crunchy crackers is one of the best parts of this casserole. Any butter cracker can be used.

We used Club Crackers, and about a sleeve of them (38-40 crackers) was needed. Ritz Crackers or Trader Joe's Social Snackers would also work well. If you want even more cheese flavor, reach for cheese crackers like Cheez-It.

What To Serve With Broccoli-Cheese Casserole

This cheesy, comforting dish is a great side dish with a meaty main course. Try it with roast chicken or chicken breast, pork chops, or, for a meatless meal, grilled portobello mushrooms.