Broccoli And Cheese Casserole
The Broccoli and Cheese Casserole is a delectable side dish that is ideal for the holidays or simply weekday dinner. This broccoli casserole recipe is incredibly delicious, easy-to-make, and low in carb.
Everyone knows that green foods are good for our well being. Broccoli is one of the healthiest vegetable and one my favorites too.
When I was a kid, this was one of my favorite holiday casseroles, and I still love it now! It's cheesy, with some greens mixed in. In other words, it’s perfect for me! To be honest, I think I could make this a meal by adding some shredded chicken. But since this is about a casserole side dish, I'll keep things simple.
Everyone thinks that broccoli is not tasty, So I made this broccoli with cheese. It's a good way to give broccoli to picky eaters, but it's also popular among adults. The best thing about this recipe is how simple it is; it can be prepared in just 30 minutes.
Here’s Why You’ll Love Broccoli And Cheese Casserole
- Comfort Food Vibes: This dish is sure to satisfy your cravings for creamy, cheesy sauce and delicate broccoli. It is comforting, filling, and ideal for cozy meals.
- Easy Prep: The recipe is simple and easy to whip up. It doesn't require any special preparation methods. It works well on hectic days when you just want a simple prepared meal.
- Crowd-pleaser: This Broccoli and cheese casserole is popular among kids and adults. Everyone will be more likely to eat their vegetables if covered in cheese and creamy sauce.
- Save Time: You can make this Broccoli and cheese casserole ahead of time and enjoy it later. It is possible to prepare it a day or two in advance, and when you're ready to eat, bake it.
- Versatility: You can modify the recipe to suit your preferences. Add more vegetables, various cheeses, or cooked chicken or bacon for a more hearty dish.
Substitutions And Variations
Cheeses
- Mixed Cheeses: To achieve a more complex flavor, try combining cheeses like gouda, Swiss, or Monterey Jack.
- Spicy Cheese: To add some heat to your Broccoli and cheese casserole, use pepper jack cheese.
Additional Vegetables
Add cauliflower florets, Bell Peppers, and Carrots for a colorful vegetable combination, and other veggies.
Protein additions:
- Turn it into a Meal: Add cooked and shredded chicken to boost the meal's nutritional value. Crumbled cooked bacon provides a smokey, delicious flavor.
- Ham: Leftover holiday ham or diced ham both work well.
Crunchy Topping
Traditional Broccoli and cheese casserole is often topped with Ritz or other cracker crumbs.
Leftovers And Storage
Store: The leftover Broccoli and cheese casserole can be stored in the fridge for three to four days if stored covered. Tightly covered with foil, plastic wrap, or store in an airtight container.
Reheat: Just put the leftover in baking dish and put it in the oven to reheat. Alternatively, you can warm it in a microwave or reheat it in a pot over low heat until thoroughly warmed.
Tips
- I have used frozen broccoli in this recipe but fresh broccoli would also work well.
- To ensure equal cooking, cut the broccoli into uniform-sized florets.
- To prevent too much moisture in the casserole, make sure the frozen broccoli is thoroughly drained.
- Before baking, give the mixture a taste to see if the seasoning needs adjusting. If you want it hotter, you may also add a bit of cayenne or a dash of spicy sauce.
- If the topping is getting too brown quickly, cover the casserole with foil during the baking. Take off the paper for the last 10 to 15 minutes to make the top crispy.
- Bake this recipe in two different baking dishes if you wish to double it. A 9x13-inch dish is too small for a double recipe.
Serving Suggestions
This is a very versatile dish that complements almost anything. I prefer to serve it alongside the following:
FAQ’s
Is It Possible To Replace Frozen Broccoli With Fresh In A Casserole?
You certainly can! Frozen food is convenient because it does not require chopping and can be stored in the freezer until ready to use. However, you may use fresh broccoli in this dish just as well!
Can Broccoli And Cheese Casserole Be Frozen?
Absolutely! This casserole dish is perfect for freezing. I do this frequently so that I always have one on hand for the next meal. I often divide dishes into two baking pans to freeze one.
To freeze, simply prepare as usual, let cool completely, wrap tightly, and place in the freezer. Place it in the refrigerator overnight to defrost, and then bake it again until the center is hot.
Can I Make It Ahead?
You can make broccoli and cheese casserole ahead of time, which is one of its best features. This is a fantastic side dish to make in advance for Easter, Thanksgiving, or Christmas.
Make-Ahead Instructions: After making the casserole according to recipe directions, cover it with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. You can store the dish for up to three days. When you're ready, remove the cover and bake as usual.
Do You Have To Cook Broccoli Before Putting It In A Casserole?
No! The best thing is that you can mix frozen or fresh broccoli into the cheese mixture before baking it all together in the oven! Broccoli cooks quickly, and if you cook it beforehand, it will be too soft when the dish is baked.
