Broccoli Cheese Casserole is the ultimate comfort food side dish—rich, creamy, and packed with tender broccoli and melty cheese. It’s crispy and golden on top but warm and soft underneath, making it perfect for holiday tables, weeknight dinners, or potlucks. Easy to make with simple ingredients, this casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 1 cup milk

• ½ cup sour cream

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• 1½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded (divided)

• ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.

2. Cook broccoli: Steam or boil broccoli for 2–3 minutes until just tender. Drain and set aside.

3. Make sauce: In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté onion until soft, then add garlic and cook for 1 minute more. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.

4. Slowly whisk in milk and bring to a simmer. Stir in sour cream, mustard, salt, pepper, and 1 cup of the cheese. Cook until smooth and melted.

5. Assemble: In a large bowl, mix broccoli with the cheese sauce. Pour into the baking dish. Top with remaining ½ cup cheese and breadcrumbs, if using.

6. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. Let cool slightly before serving.

Nutrients (estimated per serving, based on 6 servings)

• Calories: ~270

• Protein: ~10g

• Fat: ~18g

• Carbohydrates: ~15g

• Fiber: ~3g

• Sugar: ~4g

• Sodium: ~380mg

• Calcium: ~200mg

A Comforting Combination of Flavor and Texture

What makes broccoli cheese casserole so comforting is its combination of creamy, cheesy sauce and wholesome broccoli. The tender-crisp texture of lightly cooked broccoli pairs beautifully with the velvety, rich cheese sauce, which gets its depth from sautéed onions, garlic, and a touch of Dijon mustard. The result is a casserole that’s creamy without being heavy, flavorful without being complicated.

Topping it all off is a generous layer of melted cheddar and optional breadcrumbs that bake to a golden finish, offering just the right amount of crunch. Each spoonful delivers a mouthwatering contrast of textures—creamy, soft, and crispy—that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Easy to Make with Everyday Ingredients

One of the best aspects of broccoli cheese casserole is its simplicity. The ingredients are pantry and refrigerator staples: broccoli, cheese, milk, butter, flour, sour cream, and seasonings. The base is a simple roux—a mixture of butter and flour—used to thicken the sauce and create a smooth, creamy consistency. Sour cream and Dijon mustard add richness and tang, while sharp cheddar gives it that signature cheesy flavor.

This dish is ideal for beginner cooks or anyone looking for a low-fuss recipe that delivers big results. It comes together in about 30 minutes and bakes up beautifully in a single dish, making prep and cleanup a breeze.

A Versatile Side Dish for Any Occasion

Broccoli cheese casserole is the kind of dish that works for just about any meal. During the holidays, it’s a welcome alternative or addition to green bean casserole, bringing vibrant color and a punch of cheesy goodness to the table. At potlucks or casual gatherings, it’s a reliable favorite that reheats well and travels easily.

It’s also a fantastic complement to meat-based mains like roasted chicken, baked ham, pork chops, or grilled steak. You can serve it as a side or even as a vegetarian main dish when paired with rice, baked potatoes, or crusty bread. For those eating low-carb, it’s a satisfying dish that delivers both flavor and fullness without relying on starches.

Nutritional Value in Every Bite

Despite its indulgent flavor, broccoli cheese casserole offers real nutritional benefits. Broccoli is one of the most nutrient-dense vegetables you can eat, packed with vitamins C and K, fiber, antioxidants, and plant-based compounds that support immune health and digestion. When steamed or lightly boiled, it retains most of its nutrients while softening just enough to absorb the flavors of the sauce.

The cheese adds calcium and protein, while the milk and sour cream contribute creaminess and additional nutrients. You get a dish that’s satisfying, wholesome, and delicious all in one. And because it’s made from scratch, you can control the sodium and fat content more easily than with pre-packaged casseroles or frozen meals.

Customizable to Fit Your Preferences

One of the reasons broccoli cheese casserole is such a kitchen staple is that it’s endlessly customizable. You can switch up the cheese—try Monterey Jack for a milder flavor, pepper jack for heat, or a mix of cheddar and Gruyère for extra depth. You can also incorporate cooked rice, quinoa, or even shredded chicken to make it more filling.

If you prefer a gluten-free version, use cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. For a low-dairy or dairy-free option, substitute plant-based milk and cheese, and use a vegan butter alternative.

Want more vegetables? Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or cauliflower. Craving a crunchier topping? Mix the breadcrumbs with crushed crackers or add toasted nuts for extra texture.

No matter how you tweak it, the base recipe holds up beautifully and adapts well to whatever ingredients you have on hand.

Perfect for Make-Ahead Meals and Leftovers

Broccoli cheese casserole is a dream when it comes to meal prep and leftovers. You can prepare the entire dish a day in advance—just assemble, cover, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. This makes it perfect for holiday prep, busy weeknights, or any time you want a stress-free meal option that’s ready to pop in the oven.

Leftovers reheat well in the microwave or oven and maintain their creamy texture. In fact, many people find that the flavors deepen and improve after sitting for a day. You can enjoy them as-is or repurpose them by mixing into pasta, using them as a baked potato topping, or even folding into an omelet for a cheesy, veggie-packed breakfast.

A Family Favorite That Even Picky Eaters Love

Getting kids to eat vegetables isn’t always easy, but broccoli cheese casserole makes it a lot more likely. The creamy, cheesy sauce mellows out the broccoli’s natural bitterness and creates a familiar, comforting flavor profile that’s a hit with children and adults alike. It’s a great way to introduce more greens into your family’s diet without feeling like you’re sacrificing taste.

Because the texture is soft and the flavors are mild, it’s also suitable for older adults or anyone who prefers less crunchy or spicy food. It’s a gentle, feel-good dish that’s easy to love and hard to resist.

Tips for Success Every Time

To get the best results with broccoli cheese casserole, steam or boil the broccoli just until tender—it should still be bright green and have a little bite. Overcooking will make it mushy, and it won’t hold up as well in the oven.

Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Stir the sauce constantly when adding the milk to avoid lumps, and make sure the cheese is fully melted before combining with the broccoli.

If using breadcrumbs for a topping, lightly toast them in a bit of butter before adding them to the casserole. This gives you an extra crispy, golden layer that makes the dish even more irresistible.

Conclusion

Broccoli Cheese Casserole is the ultimate feel-good side dish—simple to make, endlessly versatile, and packed with flavor. It takes a humble vegetable and transforms it into something rich, creamy, and completely satisfying. Whether you’re serving it at a festive holiday dinner, bringing it to a potluck, or enjoying it as a cozy weeknight comfort food, this casserole never disappoints.

From its creamy interior to its bubbly, golden topping, every bite is a celebration of texture and taste. And because it’s made with real, fresh ingredients, it offers both indulgence and nutrition in a single dish. With the ability to customize, prepare ahead, and reheat beautifully, broccoli cheese casserole is a reliable go-to that belongs in every cook’s repertoire.

Serve it warm, straight from the oven, and watch as it quickly becomes the star of the table—proving once again that the simplest dishes often bring the greatest joy.