Broccoli Cheese Casserole

Name: Broccoli Cheese Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Olive oil spray; 1 pound fresh broccoli florets (small florets work best); ½ cup mayonnaise; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt or ½ teaspoon of any other salt, including Morton kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (just a pinch if you don’t like spicy food); 1 cup cheddar cheese, grated (divided)

By Adeline Parker

Published on August 9, 2025

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There’s something truly comforting about a warm, cheesy side dish. This Broccoli Cheese Casserole delivers pure, unadulterated joy with every spoonful. Its tender broccoli florets are enveloped in a rich, velvety sauce, all topped with a golden, bubbly layer of cheddar cheese. It’s simple, satisfying, and incredibly delicious.

I often whip this up for weeknight dinners when time is short. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, even for the pickiest eaters in my family. Plus, it stores beautifully, making leftovers a welcome treat for lunch the next day. It truly is a lifesaver in my busy kitchen.

Why I Love This Broccoli Cheese Casserole

This Broccoli Cheese Casserole is a winner for so many reasons. It’s ridiculously easy. Seriously, you can totally make it on a busy weeknight. The flavor is just out of this world good. It’s incredibly versatile too.

Super Quick: Ready in under 30 minutes!
Crowd Pleaser: Even picky eaters adore it.
Pure Comfort: It’s like a warm hug on a plate.
Goes with Everything: Perfect for any meal.

The magic of this wonderful Broccoli Cheese Casserole truly lies in its simple, yet brilliant ingredient combination. Together, these components create a dish that’s both comforting and incredibly satisfying.

The Stars of the Show

Fresh Broccoli Florets: These are the heart of our casserole. I prefer smaller florets for even cooking. They provide a delightful tender-crisp bite.
Mayonnaise: This forms the creamy base of our luscious sauce. It adds richness and a smooth texture that binds everything together beautifully.
Dijon Mustard: Just a touch adds a subtle tang and depth of flavor. It really elevates the cheesy goodness without being overpowering.
Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: These are our essential flavor enhancers. They bring out the natural sweetness of the broccoli and the richness of the cheese.
Garlic Powder & Cayenne Pepper: Garlic powder offers a mild, savory aroma. A tiny pinch of cayenne adds a whisper of warmth, though you can totally skip it if you prefer.
Cheddar Cheese: This is our crowning glory! Half goes into the sauce for creamy cheesiness, and the rest tops the casserole for that irresistible golden crust.

Substitutions and Tips

Don’t have mayonnaise? Sour cream or Greek yogurt makes a fine substitute for a tangier, lighter sauce. Feel free to mix up your cheeses too; Monterey Jack or a sharp white cheddar work wonderfully. For a richer flavor, a splash of heavy cream in the sauce is divine. Remember, exact quantities are in the recipe card!

How to Make Broccoli Cheese Casserole

This simple Broccoli Cheese Casserole recipe is truly a weeknight marvel. You’ll be amazed how quickly it comes together. Each step is designed for ease, even if you’re new to casserole crafting.

Prepare the Broccoli

First, preheat your oven to 400°F. Grab a simple 2-quart baking dish. Give it a light coat with olive oil spray. Now, take about a pound of fresh broccoli florets. Small florets are best here, they cook more evenly. Place these green beauties in a large bowl. Add just two tablespoons of water. Cover the bowl tightly. Microwave it on high power for about three minutes. You want the broccoli tender-crisp, not mushy.

Create the Creamy Sauce

While the broccoli is in the microwave, let’s make the sauce. In another big bowl, combine the creamy ingredients. Mix in half a cup of mayonnaise. Add one teaspoon of Dijon mustard. Season with one teaspoon of kosher salt. Sprinkle in a quarter teaspoon of black pepper. Follow with one teaspoon of garlic powder. A tiny pinch of cayenne pepper adds warmth. Stir in half a cup of grated cheddar cheese. It’s time to thin this mixture. Add about one tablespoon of water. This makes it perfectly pourable.

Combine and Top the Casserole

Carefully drain all the water from the cooked broccoli. Gently add the drained broccoli to the creamy sauce bowl. Toss everything together slowly. You want each floret coated beautifully. Transfer this delightful broccoli mixture to your prepared baking dish. Smooth it out a bit. Lightly spray the top with more olive oil. Finally, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the top. This creates that gorgeous cheesy crust we all love.

Bake to Golden Perfection

Now, pop the dish into your preheated oven. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Watch for the edges to get nice and bubbly. You want that cheese on top to be golden and melted. It smells amazing as it bakes! Once it’s ready, carefully remove the Broccoli Cheese Casserole from the oven. Let it rest for about five minutes. This resting time is key. It helps the casserole set up nicely before serving.

How to Store Broccoli Cheese Casserole

Leftovers? Lucky you! Once your delicious Broccoli Cheese Casserole has cooled, it stores beautifully. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer portions to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheating is super simple too. Just pop a serving in the microwave until warmed through. You can also gently reheat it in a low oven for that fresh-baked goodness.

Tips for Success

Use small broccoli florets. They cook more evenly.
Don’t overcook the broccoli in the microwave. Tender-crisp is perfect.
Taste the sauce before adding it to the broccoli. Adjust salt or spice as needed.
Allow the casserole to rest after baking. It helps everything meld together.
Grate your own cheese. It melts much better than pre-shredded.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Olive oil spray
Microwave-safe bowl
Large mixing bowl
2-quart baking dish (or similar size)
Measuring cups and spoons
Grater (for cheese)
Tongs or large spoon (for tossing)

Serving Suggestions

This cheesy broccoli is divine with baked chicken or roasted pork.
It also makes a wonderful vegetarian main dish with a side salad.
Pair it with a crisp white wine or a sparkling cider.
Fresh parsley sprigs add a lovely touch of color.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen broccoli for this Broccoli Cheese Casserole?

Absolutely! Frozen broccoli is a great time-saver for this easy casserole. Just make sure to thaw and drain it really well before adding it to the sauce. Squeeze out any extra moisture to prevent a watery dish.

How can I make this Broccoli Cheese Casserole richer or creamier?

For an extra decadent broccoli casserole, add a splash of heavy cream to the sauce. You could also use a blend of cheeses, like Gruyere or a sharp white cheddar, for more depth. A bit more cheese on top never hurts, either!

Can I prepare this Broccoli Cheese Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can! Assemble the casserole up to the point of baking. Cover it and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time when it’s ready to go in the oven.

What can I substitute for mayonnaise in this Broccoli Cheese Casserole?

Greek yogurt or sour cream work beautifully as substitutes. They add a lovely tanginess to the cheesy broccoli sauce. Use an equal amount, and you’ll have a similarly creamy texture.

Categorized in:

Dinners

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