Easy broccoli cheese casserole recipe Quick prep tech with savory cheddar bake Perfect side dish method for family dinners Get the simple steps now
Ingredients
Scale
1 large head of broccoli, cut into small florets
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 small yellow onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups whole milk
1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
1 cup crushed Ritz crackers (or breadcrumbs) for topping
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and generously grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Blanch the broccoli. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 2-3 minutes until bright green. Immediately drain and plunge them into a bowl of ice water. Drain again and set aside.
Melt the butter over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic. Cook, stirring constantly, for about one minute to form a roux.
Slowly pour in the milk and broth, whisking constantly. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring often, until thickened.
Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, black pepper, and 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
Gently fold the blanched broccoli florets into the cheese sauce until evenly coated.
Pour the cheesy broccoli mixture into your prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese and the crushed Ritz crackers.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly around the edges.
Let it cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
A creamy, cheesy, and delicious broccoli casserole that is the ultimate comfort food. This easy recipe comes together quickly for a perfect weeknight dinner the whole family will love.
