Description
A warm and comforting Cheesy Broccoli Casserole with a creamy cheese sauce and a crunchy breadcrumb topping.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- 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 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 salt, black 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 the 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 evenly over the casserole.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until bubbly and the topping is golden brown. Monitor closely to prevent burning.
- Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
To keep the casserole moist, add a splash of milk to the sauce if it seems too thick. For crispier topping, consider mixing Panko breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: broccoli, casserole, cheese, comfort food, vegetarian