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If you’ve been searching for a comforting, veggie-packed dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then this Broccoli Casserole Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to. It’s hearty, creamy, and bursting with vibrant flavors from fresh vegetables and cheeses, all topped with a buttery, crispy Ritz cracker crust. Whether for a family dinner or a potluck, this dish brings the perfect balance of freshness, indulgence, and ease – making it truly irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might look straightforward, but each one plays an essential role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this broccoli casserole so memorable. From the tender broccoli florets to the creamy cheeses and golden crust, every element contributes to a beautifully balanced dish.
- 2 Tbsp olive oil: Adds a fragrant base for sautéing the veggies and keeps everything from sticking.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Brings natural sweetness and depth as it softens and caramelizes.
- 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped: Gives a bright, fresh crunch and a pop of vibrant color.
- 8-oz sliced fresh mushrooms: Adds earthy richness and a meaty texture to the vegetable mix.
- ½ tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors naturally and balances the creaminess.
- ¼ tsp pepper: Provides just the right amount of subtle heat and seasoning.
- 6 Tbsp all-purpose flour: Essential for thickening the cheesy sauce to that perfect creamy consistency.
- 3 cups milk (can use low-fat): Creates the luscious base of the sauce, keeping it smooth and rich.
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese: Delivers sharpness and gooey, melty goodness throughout the casserole.
- ¼ cup grated parmesan: Offers a salty, nutty flavor that elevates the cheese blend beautifully.
- 2 (12.6-oz) packages frozen baby broccoli florets: The star vegetable—nutritious and tender after baking while holding a delightful bite.
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers: Creates that irresistible, buttery crunchy topping everyone loves.
- 1 Tbsp butter, cut into small pieces: Dots the crust with rich flavor and helps it brown perfectly in the oven.
How to Make Broccoli Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF and lightly spraying a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking. This ensures your casserole bakes evenly and comes out cleanly, making serving a breeze.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet, then add the chopped onion, red bell pepper, mushrooms, salt, and pepper. Cook these until they’re soft and lightly browned, which caramelizes their natural sugars and builds a flavorful foundation for the dish.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir for about a minute to cook out the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the milk while stirring constantly, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Cook for around three minutes until it thickens into a smooth, silky sauce that will hug every bite of broccoli perfectly.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Broccoli
Remove the skillet from the heat, then stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated parmesan until melted and combined. Fold in the frozen baby broccoli florets, letting their frostiness cool the sauce a bit but ensuring they get coated in that luscious cheesy goodness.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Pour the broccoli and sauce mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the top with crushed Ritz crackers and dot with small pieces of butter to encourage a golden, crunchy crust during baking.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the casserole uncovered for 40 minutes until the top is beautifully golden and bubbly around the edges. Once out of the oven, let it rest just a few minutes for easier serving and deeper melding of flavors.
How to Serve Broccoli Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To brighten up the rich casserole, consider sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or chives on top just before serving. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can also add a lovely zing that balances the creamy textures perfectly.
Side Dishes
This broccoli casserole pairs wonderfully with simple sides like garlic mashed potatoes, roasted chicken, or even a crisp green salad. Together, they create a balanced meal full of comforting flavors and satisfying textures.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the casserole in individual ramekins for a charming presentation, or use a decorative baking dish to bring extra warmth and cheer to your table. Adding a sprinkle of toasted almonds or crispy bacon bits on top can also turn it into an impressive centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your family has enjoyed this crave-worthy Broccoli Casserole Recipe, simply cover any leftovers tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making the next meal just as delicious.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole either before or after baking. To freeze uncooked, assemble the casserole and wrap it tightly, then thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. If freezing after baking, cool completely then cover well and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a 350ºF oven until warmed through to preserve that crispy topping. If microwaving, cover loosely to avoid sogginess and heat in short bursts to keep the sauce creamy and smooth.
FAQs
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen for this Broccoli Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh broccoli can be used; just blanch it briefly in boiling water before adding to the casserole to ensure it cooks through and stays tender without becoming mushy.
Is there a way to make this casserole dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the milk and cheeses with plant-based alternatives like almond milk and dairy-free shredded cheese. Just take care to choose versions that melt well for the best texture.
Can this Broccoli Casserole Recipe be made ahead of time?
Definitely! It’s perfect for make-ahead meals. Assemble everything in your baking dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking it fresh when ready to eat.
What can I use instead of Ritz crackers for the topping?
If you don’t have Ritz crackers on hand, crushed breadcrumbs or crushed buttery crackers like Saltines work great too. Toasting them slightly before topping adds extra crunch.
Is this casserole suitable for a holiday or special occasion?
Without a doubt! The creamy, cheesy richness combined with vibrant veggies makes the Broccoli Casserole Recipe a fantastic side dish for holidays, potlucks, and family celebrations.
Final Thoughts
This Broccoli Casserole Recipe truly has something special – it’s the kind of dish that brings comfort and joy to the table all year round. Once you try it, you’ll find it’s perfect for cozy dinners, busy weeknights, or impressing guests with minimal effort. So go ahead and give it a whirl; your kitchen is about to smell amazing, and your taste buds are in for a real treat!
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Broccoli Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This comforting Broccoli Casserole combines tender baby broccoli florets with sautéed vegetables in a creamy cheese sauce, topped with buttery crushed crackers for a delightful crunchy finish. Perfect for a family dinner or potluck, this easy-to-make casserole delivers rich flavor and satisfying texture in every bite.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
- 8 oz sliced fresh mushrooms
- 2 (12.6-oz) packages frozen baby broccoli florets
Dairy & Pantry
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
- 6 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk (can use low-fat)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
- 1 Tbsp butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion, red bell pepper, sliced mushrooms, salt, and pepper. Cook until the vegetables are soft and lightly browned, enhancing their flavor.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the sautéed vegetables and cook for 1 minute, stirring continuously to eliminate the raw flour taste. Gradually pour in the milk while stirring constantly. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook for about 3 minutes until it thickens and becomes smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated parmesan until melted and well incorporated. Fold in the frozen baby broccoli florets, mixing thoroughly.
- Prepare for Baking: Pour the broccoli and cheese mixture into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the crushed Ritz crackers evenly over the top of the casserole. Dot with small pieces of butter to create a golden, crispy crust as it bakes.
- Bake: Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use low-fat milk and reduced-fat cheeses.
- Fresh broccoli florets can be used instead of frozen; blanch them beforehand to maintain tenderness.
- To make it gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour and crackers with gluten-free alternatives.
- Allow casserole to rest for 5 minutes after baking for easier serving and better flavor melding.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
