Classic Broccoli Casserole is a comfort food staple! A perfect holiday side dish for any occasion made with fresh or frozen broccoli and topped with cheesy breadcrumbs!
What is Broccoli Casserole?
Broccoli Gratin is a super versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, a side dish, or make it the main course by adding extra veggies or protein. The combination of steamed broccoli and an array of melty cheeses all baked and blended together is one that is too delicious not to dig in to!
Simple and flavorful, this easy broccoli casserole is the perfect combination of leafy green veggie smothered in cheese. Even picky eaters won’t turn their nose up at broccoli like this! Sharp cheddar, creamy asiago, and savory parmesan cheese combined with fresh broccoli and topped with crunchy breadcrumbs. It all gets baked to perfection and is ready in no time flat. While I typically save this one for the holiday’s, it’s easy to put together and great with almost any meal, like one of our very best Chicken Thigh Recipes!  If you’re looking for a couple more side dishes to go with your Easter dinner this year, definitely try out my Roasted Carrots, and these amazing Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes!
Ingredients:
This broccoli casserole will delight even the pickiest eaters!
- Broccoli Florets: Cut into bite sized pieces. Fresh or Frozen work fine.
- Butter: Unsalted or salted can be used in this recipe. Just adjust the salt to your own taste.
- Garlic: Finely Minced, fresh or jarred is fine!
- Flour: All-purpose
- Fresh Thyme: With the leaves removed from the stems. Dried thyme is ok too, just use 1/2 the amount.
- Seasonings: Salt, ground black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Add any other seasonings you love.
- Milk: Any will work.
- Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese, Asiago cheese, and Parmesan cheese, all freshly grated.
- Breadcrumbs: Plain breadcrumbs are called for but you could use seasoned if you prefer.
Can Broccoli Casserole Be Frozen?
Yes! I love making this ahead, especially when I have company coming! Prepare as directed in the recipe card, then if you want to just store in the refrigerator, cover tightly with foil and chill for up to 2 days. If you want to freeze, assemble the casserole, but leave off the Ritz cracker topping. Wrap the casserole tightly with a double layer of foil, freeze for up to 1 month for best results. Note that you will want to refrigerate the casserole to thaw overnight before cooking.
Classic Broccoli Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 Pound bite size broccoli florets
- 6 Tablespoons butter divided
- 3 Cloves garlic finely minced
- 3 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 Sprigs of fresh thyme with the leaves removed from the stems
- 1 teaspoon of salt divided
- 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper divided
- ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper powder
- 1 ¾ Cup milk
- 1 Cup sharp cheddar cheese freshly grated
- ½ Cup asiago cheese freshly grated
- ¼ Cup plain breadcrumbs
- ¼ Cup parmesan cheese freshly grated
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and spray a casserole dish of your choosing or an 8x8 casserole dish with non-stick spray.
- Steam the broccoli for 5 minutes in a pan with a steamer basket in 1-2 inches of water.
- Remove the broccoli from the pan and set aside.
- While the broccoli is cooking, heat 4 tablespoons of the butter in a large pan over low-high heat then add the garlic and stir while cooking for 1 minute.
- Add the flour, thyme leaves, ½ teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of pepper and cayenne powder to the pan and stir to combine.
- Let it cook as you stir for about 2 minutes, or until it starts to bubble and thicken.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and continue whisking for another 3-4 minutes or until it thickens up.
- Add in the cooked broccoli, cheddar and asiago cheese and stir to combine until completely melted.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and set aside.
- Add the breadcrumbs, parmesan, remaining ½ teaspoon of salt and pepper to a medium size bowl and stir to combine.
- Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in the microwave then pour it over the breadcrumb mix and stir again to combine.
- Sprinkle the crumbs over the broccoli mix and cover with non-stick foil.
- Bake for 15 minutes, then uncover it and bake for another 4-5 minutes, or until the top turns a light golden color.
- Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving with crackers or as a side dish.
Notes
Broccoli Casserole Recipe Notes and Tips
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Pop in the oven or microwave and heat until warmed through.Â
- Feel free to add extra seasonings or play with combinations! Add red pepper flakes for extra spice, onion powder for something more savory, or even try out different types of cheese.Â
- Add in onions, mushrooms, carrots, spinach, or bell peppers to up the veggie intake even more.Â
- To make this a full meal instead of a side dish you could add a protein like chicken or sausage into the mix.Â
Enjoy!
~Nichole
This looks absolutely delicious. It’s perfect side to a meat dinner. I love how you spiced this dish. This is definitely something I must prepare for my family. It’s light and super easy to make. I’m saving the recipe.
This dish reminds me of easter as a child, and is giving me some nostalgia ! Though I haven never made broccoli casserole , I think I may have to start 🙂