Description
This creamy Broccoli Cheese Casserole combines tender broccoli florets with a rich cheese sauce made from Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheeses, topped with a crunchy buttery cracker crust. Baked to golden perfection, this comforting dish is perfect as a hearty side or a vegetarian main course, ideal for family dinners or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 3 heads broccoli, cut into florets (about 8 cups)
Dairy & Dairy Alternatives
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 cups whole milk or heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup grated Cheddar cheese
Pantry
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 cups crushed buttery crackers
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350º F (175º C) and prepare a 13 x 9-inch baking dish by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook Broccoli: Bring a large heavy-bottomed stockpot of water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until they turn bright green and slightly tender. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Make Cheese Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour until the mixture is smooth and combined to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk (or heavy cream), salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Add 1 cup of grated Monterey Jack cheese and continue whisking as the sauce simmers gently around the edges and thickens slightly. Finally, stir in the sour cream until fully incorporated.
- Assemble Casserole: Arrange the cooked broccoli evenly in the prepared baking dish. Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the broccoli, spreading it to cover evenly. Sprinkle the top with 1 cup of grated Cheddar cheese and then evenly distribute the crushed buttery crackers as the crunchy topping.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve the casserole warm as a comforting side dish or a vegetarian main course.
Notes
- For a lower-fat option, substitute the butter with olive oil and use low-fat milk and reduced-fat cheeses.
- You can add a teaspoon of garlic powder or finely minced garlic to the cheese sauce for extra flavor.
- To make this gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and gluten-free crackers.
- Make sure not to overcook the broccoli when boiling; it should be slightly tender but still firm to hold texture after baking.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
