Make this creamy, gooey Cheesy Broccoli Casserole, a simple comfort food side dish that tastes like your favorite steakhouse version. It is quick to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks.
Author:Carla Davis
Prep Time:15 min
Cook Time:25 min
Total Time:40 min
Yield:6 servings 1x
Category:Side Dish
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 pound fresh broccoli florets
1 tablespoon butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup whole milk
1 cup chicken broth
8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded, divided
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional topping)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking dish.
Blanch the broccoli florets in boiling water for 3 minutes until slightly tender. Drain them well and set them aside.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for one minute, stirring constantly.
Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth until smooth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring until it thickens slightly, about 3 to 5 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low. Add the cubed cream cheese and stir until it melts completely into the sauce.
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Fold the blanched broccoli florets into the cheese sauce until they are fully coated.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top. If using, mix the breadcrumbs with a teaspoon of melted butter and sprinkle over the cheese.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is lightly golden brown.
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For a copycat steakhouse flavor, use sharp white cheddar cheese in the sauce.
If you are short on time, you can use frozen broccoli, but thaw and drain it very well before adding it to the sauce.
This recipe works well as a vegetarian main dish if you increase the portion size.