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Cheesy Broccoli Bake

Cheesy Broccoli Bake

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Category Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 280 kcal
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Description

This Cheesy Broccoli Bake is the ultimate comfort food! Packed with tender broccoli florets, a creamy cheese sauce, and a golden breadcrumb topping, this dish is perfect as a side or a main course. It’s quick, easy, and loaded with flavor—making it a family favorite for weeknight dinners or holiday spreads.

Ingredients
  

For the Broccoli Base:

  • 6 cups broccoli florets fresh or frozen, thawed
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves minced

For the Cheese Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika optional
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Topping:

  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs panko or regular
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
  • 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions
 

Prepare the Broccoli:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and blanch for 2–3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Drain and set aside.

Cook the Aromatics:

  1. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Remove from heat.

Make the Cheese Sauce:

  1. In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream until smooth.
  2. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens. Stir in Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika (if using). Remove from heat and mix in the shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth.

Combine and Assemble:

  1. Add the blanched broccoli and cooked onion mixture to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat evenly. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.

Add the Topping:

  1. In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole, followed by the additional shredded cheddar cheese.

Bake:

  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

Serve:

  1. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Notes

Nutrition Information (per serving):

  • Calories: 280
  • Fat: 20g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Protein: 12g

Additional Notes:

  • For extra flavor, add cooked bacon bits to the cheese sauce or sprinkle them on top before baking.
  • Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour for a gluten-free version.
  • This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken or grilled steak!