Broccoli cheese casserole is the dish I make when I want instant comfort without overthinking dinner. The first time I pulled it from the oven, steam rising and cheddar bubbling at the edges, the kitchen smelled warm and nostalgic. That moment sold me. Since then, this broccoli casserole has become my go-to for weeknights, holidays, and everything in between. It’s creamy, familiar, and deeply satisfying, especially when the cheese stretches just right. I love how flexible it is—sometimes classic, sometimes lighter—but always comforting. RecipesLace readers often tell me this one feels like a hug in casserole form, and I couldn’t agree more.
This broccoli and cheese casserole is rich yet balanced, with tender broccoli folded into a creamy cheddar sauce and baked until golden. It’s an easy broccoli cheese casserole that works as a side or simple main, delivering cozy flavour with minimal effort.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
This broccoli cheese casserole recipe is made from scratch without canned soup, giving it a richer, fresher flavour.
Written by Emily | RecipesLace • December 31, 2025
What Is Broccoli Cheese Casserole?
A broccoli cheese casserole recipe combines fresh or frozen broccoli with a creamy cheese sauce—most often cheddar—then bakes it until hot and bubbly. This cheesy broccoli casserole is a classic American comfort dish, loved for its creamy texture, savoury flavour, and simple preparation.
Why You’ll Love It
This cheesy broccoli casserole is everything a home-cooked dish should be: simple, cozy, and reliable. It’s quick to make, flexible with ingredients, and works beautifully for meal prep or family dinners. Kids love the cheese, adults love the flavour, and budgets love the simplicity.
- Quick to make
- Healthy flavor
- Flexible ingredients
- Meal-prep friendly
- Kid-friendly
- Budget-friendly
Reader Questions You May Have
- Can this be a healthy broccoli cheese casserole?
- Is this a 3 ingredient broccoli cheese casserole option?
- Why does my broccoli cheese go watery?
- What cheeses go best with broccoli cheese?
Ingredients (Short List)
- Fresh broccoli florets
- Sharp cheddar cheese (for classic broccoli cheddar casserole flavour)
- Cream or milk
- Butter
- Flour
- Salt and pepper
Optional add-in: cooked rice if you want a broccoli cheese casserole with rice.
Quick Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Steam broccoli just until bright green and barely tender. Micro-tip: stop early—overcooked broccoli releases water later.
- Make the sauce: melt butter, whisk in flour, then slowly add milk until thick. Stir in shredded cheddar until smooth.
- Combine broccoli with the sauce and spread evenly into the dish.
- Quick-fix: if the mixture looks thin, sprinkle in extra cheese to thicken before baking.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until bubbling and lightly golden.
- Let rest 5 minutes, then serve warm.
This version works perfectly as a simple broccoli cheese casserole or as a base for variations. If you enjoy baked comfort dishes, you may also love this classic French Toast Casserole from RecipesLace.
Variations & Serving Ideas
This broccoli and cheddar casserole adapts easily depending on mood, diet, or pantry.
Healthy Twist
Use low-fat milk and reduced-fat cheddar, and swap half the cheese for nutritional yeast. Pair it with lighter sides like those found in Healthy Ground Turkey Recipes.
Budget-Friendly Version
Frozen broccoli works perfectly here and keeps costs down. Skip extra toppings and enjoy the core flavours of this best broccoli cheese casserole.
Kid-Friendly Option
Stir in cooked rice to make a creamy broccoli rice casserole that kids love. Serve alongside cozy mains like Chicken Pot Pie with Cream of Chicken Soup.
High-Protein Upgrade
Add diced chicken or turkey to turn it into a full meal. This also answers the common PASF query for a 4 ingredient broccoli cheese casserole—simple, filling, and satisfying.
If you’re specifically looking for a dedicated broccoli chicken casserole or a broccoli rice casserole, those variations work best as separate recipes, while this version keeps the focus on classic broccoli and cheese.
Tips
- Shred cheese fresh for smoother melting.
- Drain broccoli thoroughly to avoid sogginess.
- Bake uncovered so moisture evaporates.
- Let it rest before serving to set the sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers covered in the fridge up to 3 days.
Q: How do I reheat broccoli cheese casserole without drying it out?
A: Reheat covered at 325°F with a splash of milk—this keeps the broccoli cheese casserole recipe creamy and soft.
FAQs
What cheeses go best with broccoli cheese?
Sharp cheddar is classic, but Colby-Jack or Gruyère also work well.
What are the 5 components of a casserole?
Protein, vegetable, sauce, binder, and topping—this dish covers them simply.
Can broccoli go in a casserole?
Yes, it’s ideal and holds texture when lightly cooked first.
Why does my broccoli cheese go watery?
Excess moisture from overcooked broccoli or uncovered storage causes this.
How to make cheese and broccoli bake thicker?
Use less milk and bake uncovered until bubbling.
What’s the secret to a good casserole?
Balance moisture and flavour. This broccoli cheddar cheese casserole nails both. For more baked inspiration, try this Ground Turkey Casserole Recipes guide.
Nutrition
Approximate per serving:
Calories 260 | Protein 11g | Fat 19g | Carbs 12g | Fiber 3g
Values vary by ingredients; for dairy guidance, visit the USDA or Healthline.
Final Notes
This best broccoli cheese casserole proves that simple food can still feel special. Whether you keep it classic or customise it, that bubbling cheese and tender broccoli always deliver comfort you can taste.
Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe (Easy & Cheesy Comfort Dish)
Equipment
- Baking dish
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Oven
Ingredients
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Steam broccoli until just tender, then drain well.
- Melt butter, whisk in flour, then slowly add milk until thick.
- Stir in cheddar cheese until smooth.
- Combine broccoli with sauce and transfer to baking dish.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
More RecipesLace Recipes You’ll Love
- Enjoy a cozy start with this Creamy Banana Bread Latte, perfect for slow mornings and warm sips.
- For special dinners, serve something memorable like this Savoury Crab Cake Recipe, crispy, flavorful, and elegant.
