Broccoli Cheddar Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, offering a rich and creamy experience with just the right amount of crunch. The dish combines tender, lightly cooked broccoli with a silky, cheesy sauce that bakes into perfection in the oven. This recipe balances the fresh, vibrant taste of broccoli with the decadent richness of a cream and cheese sauce, making it a perfect side dish or even a satisfying main course. The addition of pepper jack cheese gives it a subtle kick, while the cheddar and sour cream round out the flavors, delivering a well-rounded, comforting bite.
To prepare, fresh broccoli florets are blanched quickly in boiling water to retain their bright color and crisp texture. The creamy cheese sauce starts with a classic roux made from butter and flour, whisked together until golden and nutty. Gradually adding milk and cream creates a luscious base, and then comes the magic—melting in pepper jack cheese for a bit of heat and cheddar for that familiar, gooey goodness. The sauce is finished with sour cream for extra richness, ensuring every bite is smooth and indulgent.
Once the broccoli is nestled in a baking dish, the cheese sauce is poured generously over the top, coating each piece. A final sprinkle of cheddar cheese creates a golden, bubbling crust as the casserole bakes, ensuring that crispy, cheesy topping everyone loves. After about 40 minutes in the oven, you’ll have a dish that’s creamy in the center with a perfectly crisp top layer, making it irresistible.
Whether you’re serving it as a side for a special meal or enjoying it as a hearty vegetarian main, this Broccoli Cheddar Casserole is a crowd-pleaser. It’s simple enough to make for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to bring to a holiday gathering.
Broccoli Cheddar Casserole – A Holiday Favorite
Description
A rich and creamy combination of sharp cheddar and mild pepper jack cheese with a slight kick, balanced by the fresh, earthy taste of broccoli.
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Bring 6 quart water to boil
-
Add broccoli
-
remove after four minutes and set in a baking dish
-
Heat butter in wide skillet
-
Sprinkle flour into butter
-
Whisk together on medium heat until smooth and emits nutty aroma
-
Heat Cream and milk in a separate
-
Slowly add milk stirring constantly with whisk adding 1/4 cup at a time and stirring until glossy each time
-
Continue until all milk has been added in
-
Add Salt , Pepper, Cayenne pepper, and pepper jack cheese
-
Stir until jack cheese is melted and sauce is bubbling
-
Turn heat down and fold in sour cream
-
Pour over broccoli and sprinkle 1 cup cheddar over broccoli.
-
Bake at 350 degrees for 40 min.
Servings 16
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 257.97kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 19.67g31%
- Saturated Fat 11.76g59%
- Trans Fat 0.29g
- Cholesterol 56.66mg19%
- Sodium 239.15mg10%
- Potassium 463.94mg14%
- Total Carbohydrate 13.54g5%
- Dietary Fiber 3.09g13%
- Sugars 4.45g
- Protein 9.42g19%
- Vitamin A 249.58 IU
- Vitamin C 102.22 mg
- Calcium 263.77 mg
- Iron 1.13 mg
- Vitamin D 0.7 IU
- Vitamin E 1.34 IU
- Vitamin K 118.04 mcg
- Thiamin 0.13 mg
- Riboflavin 0.31 mg
- Niacin 1.02 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.23 mg
- Folate 79.91 mcg
- Vitamin B12 0.34 mcg
- Phosphorus 206.25 mg
- Magnesium 35.45 mg
- Zinc 1.25 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- You can substitute cauliflower for broccoli or even mix the two for a fun twist on the classic.
- For an extra crunchy topping, add a layer of toasted breadcrumbs or crushed crackers before baking. Ritz Crackers are my favorite.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted meats or as part of a holiday feast but is also hearty enough to stand on its own.