When it comes to dishes that truly shine on the dinner table, broccoli cheese casserole holds a special place.

Think tender broccoli baked to perfection, nestled among crisp bread cubes, and smothered in a velvety cheddar cheese sauce with just the right hint of tang from mustard and horseradish.

It’s a dish that doesn’t just fill plates—it fills hearts. This casserole isn’t just food—it’s a memory in the making.

It’s the warm, cheesy sidekick to your turkey at Thanksgiving, the star of a cozy weeknight dinner, or the recipe everyone’s asking for at your next family gathering.

Simple to make, easy to love, and impossible to resist, broccoli cheese casserole has a way of stealing the spotlight every time it’s served.

Forget the fuss and focus on the flavor—this recipe is everything you need to turn a regular meal into something truly special.

Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe

Ingredients

• 6 oz crusty, day-old baguette, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 lb broccoli florets, washed and trimmed
• ½ large white onion, diced
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk (use full-fat or 2%)
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 pinches freshly cracked black pepper
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp grated horseradish
• 1 tsp whole-grain mustard
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 cup shredded Vermont white cheddar cheese
• Optional garnish: fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Place the bread cubes on a baking tray and lightly toast them in the oven for 5–10 minutes, until crisp.
3. In a large casserole dish (9×13 inches), mix together the broccoli florets, toasted bread cubes, and diced onion.
4. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 1–2 minutes to create a smooth roux.
5. Gradually whisk in the milk and continue stirring until the mixture thickens and starts to steam. Remove from heat.
6. Stir in the salt, pepper, Dijon mustard, horseradish (if using), whole-grain mustard, and mayonnaise.
7. Mix in 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until the cheese is almost fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
8. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the broccoli mixture in the casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of sharp cheddar and 1 cup of white cheddar over the top.
9. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 50 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender when tested with a knife.
10. Remove the foil and bake for another 5 minutes, allowing the cheese on top to melt and slightly brown.
11. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired, and serve warm.

Key Tips For Making Broccoli Cheese Casserole

Creating a broccoli cheese casserole that’s rich, creamy, and flavorful is all about getting a few key details right. Here’s how to ensure it turns out perfectly every time:

• Use fresh broccoli for the best texture. Frozen broccoli can work in a pinch, but fresh florets give a better bite and don’t turn mushy.
• Toast the bread cubes. Lightly toasting the bread ensures they stay crisp even after baking in the cheese sauce.
• Shred your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect how well it melts. For a smooth sauce, grate cheese fresh from the block.
• Season the sauce generously. The sauce is the heart of the casserole. Add salt, pepper, and a dash of mustard to balance the richness of the cheese.
• Let the casserole rest after baking. Once out of the oven, give the dish 5–10 minutes to settle. This helps the cheese sauce thicken and makes serving easier.
• Prep ahead if needed. You can assemble the casserole a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate it, then bake it fresh when ready to serve.

What To Serve With Broccoli Cheese Casserole?

This hearty dish pairs beautifully with a variety of mains and sides. Here are some tasty options:

• Roasted chicken or turkey
• Grilled steak or lamb chops
• Baked salmon or white fish
• Mashed or roasted potatoes
• Buttered rice or pilaf
• Fresh green salad
• Garlic bread or dinner rolls

How To Store Broccoli Cheese Casserole?

Proper storage keeps your casserole fresh and delicious for leftovers. Follow these simple steps:

• Refrigerating: Allow the casserole to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or cover the dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole. Wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or use a freezer-safe container. It can stay frozen for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: To reheat, thaw frozen casserole in the fridge overnight. Then, bake it at 350°F (175°C) for about 20–30 minutes until heated through. Cover with foil while reheating to prevent the top from drying out.

Why Is My Broccoli Cheese Casserole Watery?

A watery casserole can be frustrating, but it’s a common issue that’s usually easy to fix. The problem often comes down to moisture in the ingredients or the cooking process.

Here are the main reasons your broccoli cheese casserole might turn out watery, along with tips to avoid it:

1. Excess Moisture In The Broccoli

Broccoli contains a lot of water, especially if it’s frozen. When it cooks, this water can leak into your casserole.

• Solution: If you’re using frozen broccoli, make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out as much water as possible. For fresh broccoli, blanch it briefly, then drain and pat it dry with a towel before using.

2. Sauce Too Thin

A runny cheese sauce can make the casserole watery, especially if it doesn’t thicken properly before baking.

• Solution: When making the cheese sauce, cook it until it’s thick and creamy before adding it to the casserole. Stir continuously and ensure the roux (butter and flour mixture) is well-cooked before adding milk.

3. Bread Not Toasted Enough

Untoasted bread cubes can soak up moisture and release it during baking, making the casserole soggy.

• Solution: Always toast the bread cubes before adding them to the casserole. This creates a barrier that prevents them from becoming too soft.

4. Overcrowding The Dish

Packing too many ingredients into the baking dish can trap steam, causing excess moisture to collect.

• Solution: Use the right-sized dish for your recipe. A larger dish ensures even cooking and allows moisture to escape.

5. Overuse Of Wet Ingredients

Ingredients like mayonnaise, sour cream, or mustard can add too much liquid if not measured carefully.

• Solution: Stick to the recipe measurements and avoid adding extra wet ingredients unless they’re balanced with thickening agents.

By addressing these common issues, you can enjoy a broccoli cheese casserole that’s creamy, not watery. Adjusting your technique just a little can make all the difference!

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