Serve this classic broccoli-cheese casserole over rice or pasta if you want to make this a comforting dinner.
Learn how to make broccoli-cheese casserole, and find your new family-friendly favorite vegetable side dish.
How To Make Broccoli-Cheese Casserole
Our recipe for broccoli cheese casserole is in its most traditional form.
Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Find the full recipe further below.
Our recipe calls for shredded sharp Cheddar cheese.
If you prefer a milder casserole, use regular Cheddar.
Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
If you love the sharper flavor, opt for extra-sharp Cheddar.
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli?
This recipe calls for fresh broccoli, which will stand up to the longer cooking time of a casserole.
Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
But you’re free to substitute the same amount of frozen broccoli.
Simply steam the broccoli according to the package directions, and follow the rest of the recipe.
Any butter cracker can be used.
Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
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.
Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Ingredients
2(32-oz.)
Add onion, and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add garlic, and cook, stirring occasionally and reducing heat if needed to prevent burning, 1 minute.
Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Sprinkle flour evenly over onion mixture, and cook, stirring constantly, 1 minute.
Gradually whisk in milk, and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat.
Cook, stirring constantly with a whisk, until thickened, about 2 minutes.
Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Reduce heat to medium, and whisk in mayonnaise, mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Add broccoli and cheese to sauce:
Add cheese, and stir until melted and smooth.
Add broccoli, and stir to coat.
Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
If you’re baking now, go to the next step.
If you’re making this dish ahead, see the tip below.
Cover with aluminum foil, and chill until ready to bake, up to 1 day ahead.
Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
When you’re ready to bake, remove the covered casserole from the refrigerator while the oven preheats.
Bake casserole:
Preheat oven to 350F.
Cover with aluminum foil.
Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Bake, covered, until hot and bubbly, about 45 minutes.
Add crackers and parsley, and stir to combine.
Remove the aluminum foil from the casserole and sprinkle evenly over casserole.
Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Let stand 10 minutes before serving.
