This easy Broccoli Bake is creamy, cheesy, and the perfect vegetarian main dish or crowd-approved side dish for your next holiday gathering or weeknight family dinner.
Cheesy Parmesan Broccoli Casserole with Crispy Breadcrumb Topping
In the first year of my marriage, I had two dinner-oriented goals.
Convince my husband to like vegetables (without necessarily adding bacon like in this Cauliflower Casserole).
Find a staple holiday side dish to bring to family gatherings that would be i) enjoyed by all, and ii) a little different than the standard spread.
Thanks to this broccoli bake recipe, I was able to accomplish both goals simultaneously.
Cheesy Broccoli Casserole with Crispy Breadcrumbs
“Thank you for the recipe. I made it per the directions and it was a big hit at Thanksgiving dinner.”
About This Cheesy Broccoli Bake
To anyone who struggles to convince family members to eat their veggies, this cheesy broccoli casserole recipe (or this Broccoli Quinoa Casserole) will be your hero.
Here’s why you and even the most ardent veggie avoiders at your table will LOVE this easy broccoli bake.
It’s cheesy. Even the usual veggie nay-sayer won’t be able to deny broccoli when coated in ooey-gooey cheese sauce.
It’s healthy. A reduced amount of butter, non-fat milk, and white whole wheat flour keep the recipe on the healthier end, while a full-flavored extra sharp cheddar cheese ensures that this cheesy broccoli bake still has plenty of flavor.
It’s easy. Intended as a Thanksgiving side dish, I wanted to streamline the classic Broccoli Rice Casserole into a no-fuss, simple broccoli bake that doesn’t add extra work to a day of hectic holiday cooking.
âś… Ingredients:
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk (or heavy cream for richness)
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
âś… Instructions:
 Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
 Steam the broccoli until just tender, about 3-4 minutes, then drain and set aside.
 In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for a minute to create a roux.
 Gradually whisk in the milk, mustard powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until the sauce thickens.
 Remove from heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese and the parmesan until melted.
 Combine the broccoli with the cheese sauce and transfer to a baking dish.
 Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese on top.
 Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
 Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.