A cozy, comforting dish made entirely from scratch—this creamy broccoli casserole skips the processed soup and delivers rich, homemade flavor. Perfect as a side dish or a meatless main, it features tender broccoli, a creamy cheese sauce, and a crispy topping baked to golden perfection.
FULL RECIPE
Ingredients
- 6 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter (for topping)
- Cooking spray (for greasing dish)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Steam or blanch broccoli florets until just tender, about 3–4 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in milk and cream, stirring until smooth and thickened, about 3–5 minutes.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Stir in 1 cup of cheddar cheese and Parmesan until melted and creamy.
- Fold in the broccoli, then pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
- In a small bowl, toss breadcrumbs with olive oil or melted butter, then sprinkle over the cheese layer.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden and bubbly. Let cool slightly before serving.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 11g
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 400mg
Why This Recipe Stands Out
Creamy Broccoli Casserole from Scratch stands out because it ditches the canned soup base in favor of a homemade, rich cheese sauce. This gives the dish a fresher taste and better texture while also allowing for full control over the ingredients and seasoning. It’s a wholesome take on a traditional comfort food that feels indulgent but is filled with vegetables.
The Appeal of Homemade Casseroles
Homemade casseroles are beloved for their simplicity, versatility, and heartiness. This broccoli casserole hits all those marks while staying away from processed shortcuts. Using scratch-made sauces means less sodium, fewer preservatives, and a more authentic flavor.
Perfect for Meal Prep
This casserole is an excellent option for meal prep. It reheats beautifully, making it ideal for planning weekday lunches or quick dinners. You can prepare it in advance, refrigerate it, and simply bake it when you’re ready to eat.
Great for Holidays and Gatherings
Creamy Broccoli Casserole is a perfect side dish for holiday dinners, potlucks, or family gatherings. It complements roasted meats, turkey, or ham and adds a creamy, green element to otherwise starch-heavy meals.
Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing
Even picky eaters tend to enjoy this casserole because of the creamy cheese sauce that coats the broccoli. The richness of the sauce and the crunchy topping make it more approachable for kids who might otherwise shy away from green vegetables.
Customizable Toppings
One of the great things about this recipe is how easily it can be customized. Instead of breadcrumbs, you can use crushed crackers, crispy onions, or even a layer of puff pastry. Each option provides a different flavor and texture profile.
Gluten-Free Options
For those with dietary restrictions, this dish can be adapted to be gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour for the roux and gluten-free breadcrumbs or topping alternatives. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, which makes substitutions simple.
Vegan or Dairy-Free Modifications
It’s also possible to make this recipe dairy-free or vegan by using plant-based milk, dairy-free cheese, and vegan butter. Nutritional yeast can be added to provide a cheesy flavor without actual cheese.
Nutritional Benefits of Broccoli
Broccoli is high in vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants. Incorporating it into a creamy casserole balances the richness of the dish with the nutritional powerhouse that broccoli brings to the table.
Balance of Texture and Flavor
This casserole offers a pleasing contrast in both texture and flavor. The tender broccoli pairs well with the velvety cheese sauce, while the crispy topping provides the perfect finish. The richness is balanced with the mild bitterness of the vegetable, creating a harmonious bite.
Cheese Pairings That Work Best
Sharp cheddar is the go-to cheese for its bold flavor and melting quality. However, you can mix in other cheeses like mozzarella for stretchiness, Gruyère for nuttiness, or Monterey Jack for creaminess. This recipe offers flexibility without compromising structure.
Best Practices for Cooking the Broccoli
To avoid mushy vegetables, it’s best to steam or blanch the broccoli until just tender before incorporating it into the sauce. This method preserves the color, flavor, and nutritional content while ensuring it doesn’t overcook in the oven.
Using Fresh vs. Frozen Broccoli
While fresh broccoli is preferred for optimal texture and flavor, frozen broccoli can be used in a pinch. If using frozen, it should be thawed and drained well to avoid excess moisture that could make the casserole soggy.
Importance of a Good Roux
The foundation of the cheese sauce starts with a roux, which is a mixture of butter and flour. Cooking the flour briefly removes its raw taste and allows the sauce to thicken properly. A good roux ensures a smooth, lump-free sauce.
Layering for Maximum Flavor
Layering the broccoli and cheese sauce before topping with shredded cheese and breadcrumbs helps ensure every bite has a bit of everything. This technique also allows the topping to remain crispy while the interior stays creamy.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, which helps maintain the crispy topping better than microwaving. You can also freeze it, though the texture may change slightly upon thawing.
Pairing Suggestions
This casserole goes well with roasted chicken, baked salmon, or grilled pork chops. For vegetarian meals, pair it with quinoa or lentils to add protein. It also works well alongside a fresh green salad or crusty bread.
Making It a Main Dish
Add-ins like cooked rice, quinoa, or even shredded rotisserie chicken can transform this side dish into a hearty main. Mixing in protein and grains creates a well-rounded one-pan meal that’s still comforting and flavorful.
Reducing Calories Without Sacrificing Flavor
To lighten up the dish, you can use low-fat milk, reduced-fat cheese, and less butter. Swapping out heavy cream with Greek yogurt or evaporated milk is another option to cut calories while keeping the sauce creamy.
Why It’s a Comfort Food Classic
Comfort food is all about warmth, richness, and satisfaction, and this casserole delivers on all fronts. The creamy texture, cheesy taste, and familiar flavor combination make it a staple that people return to time and again. It brings a sense of nostalgia and is always welcome at the table.
Conclusion
Creamy Broccoli Casserole from Scratch is more than just a recipe—it’s a testament to how comfort food can be both wholesome and deeply satisfying. By skipping processed ingredients and embracing real, fresh components, this dish delivers in flavor, nutrition, and versatility. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, it’s a reliable, crowd-pleasing favorite that never goes out of style.