This Baked Broccoli and Cheese Casserole combines the hearty, earthy flavor of broccoli with the rich, creamy taste of cheese, topped with a crunchy buttery layer. It’s a comforting side dish that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to add a warm, cheesy touch to your meal.
The Story
Broccoli and cheese casserole has its roots in traditional American cuisine, often seen on dinner tables across the country, especially during holidays. This recipe gives a nod to this classic dish with a focus on easy preparation and delicious flavors.
Why You Should Make
This casserole is not only delicious but also a great way to incorporate vegetables into your meal in a way that’s appealing to all, including those who are usually reluctant to eat their greens. It’s a crowd-pleaser and a wonderful addition to any meal.
How to Serve
Serve this casserole hot as a side dish alongside your main course. It pairs wonderfully with meats like chicken, beef, or pork, and is also a great accompaniment to vegetarian meals.
How to Store
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Tips
- If using frozen broccoli, thaw it completely and drain any excess water before using.
- Cut the broccoli into uniform pieces for even cooking.
- You can adjust the amount of cheese to suit your taste preferences.
Prepare Time
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
- 6-8 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- ¾ pound processed cheese loaf (such as Velveeta)
- Topping:
- ½ cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
- ½ cup buttery crackers (crushed)
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Steam the broccoli florets until just tender, about 3-4 minutes for fresh broccoli or 2 minutes for frozen. Drain well.
- In a large saucepan, melt the processed cheese loaf over low heat, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- Add the steamed broccoli to the melted cheese, and stir to coat the broccoli evenly.
- Transfer the broccoli and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix the crushed crackers with melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture over the broccoli.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
- Serve hot.
Cook Notes
- You can add a sprinkle of garlic powder or paprika to the cracker mixture for added flavor.
Variations
- Broccoli and Cauliflower Casserole: Add cauliflower florets for a different twist.
- Bacon Lover’s Delight: Mix in cooked, crumbled bacon into the casserole before baking.
Keto Version
- Replace the processed cheese loaf with a mixture of cream cheese and shredded cheddar.
- Use almond flour or crushed pork rinds instead of crackers for the topping.
Low-Carb Version
- Substitute the crackers in the topping with a low-carb alternative like almond flour mixed with parmesan cheese.
Nutrition Information
Each serving approximately contains (for 8 servings):
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 13g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 520mg
(Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on ingredient brands and preparation modifications.)
