Name: Cheesy Broccoli Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 large head of broccoli (about 2 pounds), cut into florets; 1 pound elbow macaroni; 1/2 cup butter (for roux); 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 3 cups milk; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg; 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese; 1/2 cup bread crumbs; 2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping)

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Cheesy Broccoli Casserole: A Simple and Delicious Recipe

Warm, cheesy, and reliably comforting, this Cheesy Broccoli Casserole is the kind of dish that makes weeknights feel a little cozier and potlucks a little better. It balances bright broccoli florets with a creamy cheddar-Monterey Jack sauce and a crunchy breadcrumb topping — easy to make and even easier to love. If you enjoy hearty vegetable casseroles, you might also appreciate the savory contrast in this Chinese Beef and Broccoli recipe as another way to highlight broccoli in your meals.

Why make this recipe
What makes this Cheesy Broccoli Casserole special is its winning combination of textures and familiar flavors: tender broccoli and macaroni wrapped in a silky cheese sauce, finished with a golden, buttery crumb topping. It’s a crowd-pleaser that sits comfortably between a side dish and a main, and it uses simple pantry ingredients that you likely already have on hand.

How to make Cheesy Broccoli Casserole
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cheesy Broccoli Casserole

Prep the vegetables and pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add broccoli florets and cook for 5–7 minutes, until tender-crisp. Drain and rinse under cold water.
Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set both aside to cool.

Notes: Par-cooking the broccoli until just tender-crisp preserves its bright color and prevents it from turning mushy during baking. Rinsing both broccoli and macaroni under cold water stops the cooking and helps separate the pieces so the final casserole doesn’t clump.

Make the roux and sauce

Melt 1/2 cup butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in 1/2 cup all-purpose flour until smooth to form a roux.
Gradually whisk in 3 cups milk, ensuring each addition is fully incorporated. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and thickened (about 5–7 minutes).
Stir in 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder, and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg. Adjust seasonings to taste.
Reduce heat to low. Stir in 4 cups shredded cheddar and 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese until melted and smooth.

Notes: Whisk constantly while adding milk to avoid lumps. Use sharp cheddar for more flavor; the Monterey Jack helps keep the sauce smooth and creamy.

Combine and bake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Gently combine the cooked broccoli, macaroni, and cheese sauce in a large bowl.
Pour mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
Combine 1/2 cup bread crumbs and 2 tablespoons melted butter; sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until bubbly and the topping is golden brown. Monitor closely toward the end to prevent burning.

Tips during baking: If the topping browns too quickly before the casserole is heated through, loosely tent the dish with foil for the remaining baking time. Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes after removing it from the oven so the sauce firms up and is easier to serve.

Directions (original)
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add broccoli florets and cook for 5-7 minutes, until tender-crisp. Drain and rinse under cold water., Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set both aside to cool., Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth (roux)., Gradually whisk in milk, ensuring each addition is fully incorporated. Whisk until smooth and thickened (5-7 minutes)., Stir in salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and nutmeg. Adjust seasonings to taste., Reduce heat to low. Stir in cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese until melted and smooth., Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)., Gently combine cooked broccoli, macaroni, and cheese sauce in a large bowl., Pour mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish., Combine bread crumbs and 2 tablespoons melted butter. Sprinkle over casserole., Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and topping is golden brown. Monitor closely to prevent burning.

Ingredients

1 large head of broccoli (about 2 pounds), cut into florets
1 pound elbow macaroni
1/2 cup butter (for roux)
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups milk
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/2 cup bread crumbs
2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping)

Best Way to Store Cheesy Broccoli Casserole

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days at 40°F (4°C) or below.
Freezer: For longer storage, place cooled casserole portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags and freeze for up to 2 months at 0°F (-18°C). Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating instructions: Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 1–2 minutes on medium power, stirring halfway. For a whole dish, warm in a 325°F (160°C) oven covered with foil for 20–30 minutes or until heated through.

Serving Suggestions for Cheesy Broccoli Casserole

Classic pairing: Serve alongside roasted chicken, meatloaf, or baked ham to round out a comforting meal. The rich cheese sauce complements simply seasoned proteins.
Lighter balance: Pair with a crisp green salad dressed with a bright vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
Family-style: Let everyone serve themselves from the casserole dish at the table; add a squeeze of fresh lemon or sprinkle of chopped chives for brightness at serving time.

Tips to make Cheesy Broccoli Casserole
Q: How do I keep it moist?
A: Add a splash of milk to the casserole before baking if the sauce seems too thick; avoid overcooking the broccoli and macaroni during the boiling stage.

Q: Can I make it ahead?
A: Yes — assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

Q: How can I make a crispier topping?
A: Mix Panko breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan and a touch more butter, or briefly broil the casserole for 1–2 minutes at the end of baking while watching closely.

Variation(s)

Vegetarian swap (easy): For a lighter texture, replace half the cheddar with low-fat cheese and add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions folded into the mixture.
Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour in the roux, substitute gluten-free pasta, and use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the topping.

Notes on variations: You can also replace part of the milk with cream for an ultra-rich sauce or stir in a spoonful of Dijon mustard for a subtle tang.

Common Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use frozen broccoli?
A: Yes. Thaw and drain frozen broccoli thoroughly, then pat dry to avoid adding excess water to the casserole. Slightly reduce the par-cooking time, since frozen broccoli is often softer.

Q: What cheese works best?
A: Use a combination of sharp cheddar for flavor and Monterey Jack for meltiness. You can swap in Gruyère or Colby for different nuances.

Q: Is it possible to make this dairy-free?
A: For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based butter and flour for the roux, substitute unsweetened oat or soy milk, and use dairy-free cheddar-style shreds. The sauce will be slightly different in flavor and texture but still comforting.

Q: How do I avoid a watery casserole?
A: Ensure broccoli and pasta are well-drained and cooled before mixing with the sauce. Also, avoid overcooking the vegetables in the boiling step. If your sauce separates, a quick whisk over low heat with a small splash of milk can help re-emulsify it.

Q: Can I add protein to make this a main dish?
A: Yes — fold in diced cooked chicken, crumbled cooked sausage, or shredded ham for a heartier casserole.

Final notes and serving etiquette: This casserole benefits from a brief rest after baking so the cheese sets slightly and slices hold shape. Garnish with chopped parsley or scallions for a fresh finish and color contrast.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Broccoli Casserole is a dependable, crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to prepare and versatile enough for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or holiday tables. For another classic broccoli-forward comfort recipe, try this Cheesy Broccoli Casserole From Scratch | YellowBlissRoad.com, and if you’d like a tried-and-true community favorite, check out the Awesome Broccoli-Cheese Casserole Recipe for more inspiration.