Broccoli Cheddar Casserole

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This Broccoli Cheddar Casserole is a cheesy, flavorful crowd favorite—bright green broccoli baked in a rich cheese sauce with a crispy topping. It’s the perfect side dish you can make ahead of time!

I couldn’t possibly tell you how many times I’ve made this Broccoli Cheddar Casserole. There’s not one holiday table it’s not graced. I find myself craving it all the time, and since it’s so easy to make with simple ingredients I already have in my kitchen, I make it for our weeknight family dinners too!

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Tender broccoli, a cheesy creamy sauce, with an irresistible crunchy topping, you can whip up this easy broccoli casserole recipe in less than an hour. It’s ideal for busy weeknights or holiday spread, and it always gets rave reviews!

Trust me, you’re going to love this dish and make it all the time too! Be sure to check out our other popular casserole side dishes like Loaded Mashed Potatoes and Cheesy Cabbage Casserole!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Like This Recipe

8-Ingredients and Easy to Prepare: Cheesy broccoli casserole uses pantry staples and frozen broccoli, making it quick and fuss-free.
Crowd Pleaser: This easy side dish is creamy and cheesy and pairs well with almost any main dish! It’s a great recipe for family dinners, with a holiday meal, or potlucks.
Make Ahead: Prepare this broccoli cheddar casserole in advance, then add the buttery cracker topping when ready to bake!

A serving of cheddar broccoli Casserole on a plate.

Ingredients

Scroll Down to the Bottom of this Post for Ingredient Amounts Listed in the Printable Recipe Card

Frozen Broccoli Florets: The star veggie, providing tender, flavorful broccoli without the prep work.
Salted Butter: Adds richness and helps create a luscious base for the sauce.
All-Purpose Flour: Acts as a thickening agent for the sauce.
Evaporated Milk or Half & Half: Helps yield a cheese sauce base that’s rich and smooth.
American or Velveeta Cheese: Melts easily, giving the casserole its creamy, cheesy goodness.
Medium Cheddar Cheese: Brings sharp flavor and adds depth to the creamy cheese sauce.
Garlic Powder: Enhances flavor with a warm, savory note.
Buttery Ritz Crackers: Crushed and sprinkled on top, butter crackers creates a perfect crispy topping.

The ingredients to make cheddar broccoli casserole.

Tools You’ll Need

How to Make Broccoli Cheddar Casserole

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 13×9-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
In a large skillet, melt 1/4 cup of the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in flour. Cook for about 1-2 minutes, until bubbly but not browned.

Making a roux in a skillet for cheddar broccoli casserole.

Gradually whisk in evaporated milk or half and half, milk, garlic powder, and salt and black pepper. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and is smooth, about 3-5 minutes.

Remove from the heat and stir in American or Velveeta cheese and 4 ounces of the cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.

Making a cheese sauce in a skillet for cheddar broccoli casserole.

Pour the frozen broccoli florets in the skillet, and stir until the broccoli is evenly coated.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it in a single layer.

Assembling a cheddar broccoli casserole in a baking dish.

Melt the remaining butter in a medium bowl in the microwave. Combine the melted butter with the remaining cheddar cheese and cracker crumbs. Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.

Mixing the crumb topping for a cheddar broccoli casserole in a baking dish.

Bake uncovered 30-35 minutes, or until bubbly and the top is golden brown.

Pro Tips and Substitutions

You can use Fresh Broccoli if you Prefer: Fresh broccoli florets can be used if you prefer, just blanch it briefly before mixing.
Cheese Options: Use a mix of your favorite cheeses in this broccoli cheese casserole recipe like sharp cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella for different flavor profiles.
Swap evaporated milk or low fat milk: For a lighter version, swap evaporated milk with low-fat milk. The texture will be slightly thinner.
Crunchy Topping: Regular crushed crackers or cheese crackers both work great. Panko breadcrumbs offers a great crunch too! For a gluten-free version, try gluten-free crackers or roasted panko bread crumbs.
Add-ins: Mix in cooked bacon bits or a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra flavor.

What to Serve with Broccoli Casserole

This easy casserole recipe goes with so many meals! We love having it with pork chops, balsamic flank steak, and thanksgiving turkey! It’s just one of those easy recipes you can throw together to accompany nearly any main dish and alongside another vegetable.

Storage and Freezing

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot.

Freeze individual portions or the entire casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat thoroughly before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I substitute Velvet cheese with in broccoli casserole?

Any processed cheese or a blend of melted American cheese works well. You can also substitute with shredded a different shredded cheese for a different texture.

Can I make broccoli casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole without the cracker topping, cover, and refrigerate. Add the topping when ready to bake and add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if chilled.

How do I prevent the topping from becoming soggy?

Use fresh, buttery crackers and bake until bubbly and golden brown on top for a crispy finish.

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