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A pan of broccoli casserole with a serving spoon in it.
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Broccoli Casserole

This broccoli casserole is tender broccoli florets coated in a homemade cheese sauce, then finished off with a buttery cracker topping. An easy make-ahead dish that's perfect for an everyday dinner or a holiday meal.
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 325kcal
Author Sara Welch

Ingredients

  • 6 cups broccoli florets
  • 1/2 cup onion finely diced
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 2 cups milk I use whole milk
  • 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided use
  • 2 ounces cream cheese cut into small cubes
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 cup crushed crackers such as Ritz
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
  • cooking spray

Instructions

  • Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli and cook for 2-3 minutes or until bright green.
  • Transfer the broccoli to a bowl of ice water. Let cool, then drain the water and pat the broccoli dry.
  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Coat a 2 quart baking dish with cooking spray.
  • Melt the butter in a medium pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the flour to the pot and stir to coat the onions; cook for 1 minute.
  • Slowly whisk the milk into the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 4-5 minutes or until sauce has thickened (coats the back of a spoon).
  • Add the cream cheese, 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and the salt, pepper, smoked paprika and garlic powder to the sauce. Stir until smooth.
  • Place the broccoli in a large bowl.  Pour the sauce over the top and toss to coat evenly.
  • Pour the broccoli mixture into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle the remaining cup of cheese over the top, along with the crushed crackers.
  • Bake for 20-30 minutes or until casserole is bubbly and cheese is melted. Sprinkle with parsley and serve.

Notes

  1. This broccoli cheese casserole works best with fresh broccoli that's been lightly cooked.
  2. Frozen broccoli will do in a pinch, but you need to make sure it's thawed and dried before it goes into the recipe or you could end up with a watery casserole.
  3. Cut your broccoli into bite sized pieces so your casserole is easy to eat.

Nutrition

Calories: 325kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Cholesterol: 73mg | Sodium: 676mg | Potassium: 367mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1345IU | Vitamin C: 61.6mg | Calcium: 417mg | Iron: 1mg