If you’re searching for a comforting dish that brings together the perfect harmony of tender broccoli, rich cheese, and a satisfyingly crunchy topping, this Creamy Cheesy Broccoli Casserole Recipe will quickly become your go-to. It’s one of those standout recipes that feels like a warm hug at the dinner table, combining fresh broccoli florets with a luscious cheddar cheese sauce, all baked to bubbling, golden perfection. Whether for a family meal or a cozy potluck, this casserole offers that irresistible creamy and cheesy goodness that makes everyone ask for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

In a white pan on a white marbled surface, there is a creamy white liquid base covering the bottom. On top of this base, there are two different types of shredded cheese: a lighter, pale yellow cheese on the left side and a richer, orange-yellow shredded cheese mostly covering the right side. A metal whisk with thin wires is partially dipped into the mixture, resting more towards the left side among the lighter cheese. The texture of the liquid is smooth and thick, lightly bubbling around the edge of the pan. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients for this casserole is wonderfully simple, but each one plays a vital role in creating its delicious texture, flavor, and color. From the fresh green broccoli that adds a pleasant crunch and vibrant hue to the rich cheeses that bring creamy depth, every element here is essential for that classic comfort food feel.

Broccoli florets (8 cups): Fresh and crisp, they provide the hearty vegetable base packed with nutrients and color.
Butter (4 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps create the velvety cheese sauce as well as crisping the crumb topping.
Minced garlic (1 tablespoon): Offers a subtle aromatic punch that elevates the casserole’s flavor.
All-purpose flour (⅓ cup): Essential for thickening the smooth cheese sauce to just the right consistency.
Milk (2 cups): The creamy foundation for the cheese sauce, balancing richness without overpowering.
Water or chicken broth (1 cup): Adds moisture and a mild savory note, deepening the sauce’s flavor.
Shredded cheddar cheese (1 ½ cups): The star in the cheese sauce, bringing bold flavor and irresistible creaminess.
Grated parmesan cheese (½ cup): Adds a salty, nutty dimension that complements the cheddar.
Salt and fresh ground black pepper: Simple but crucial seasonings to bring the whole dish alive.
Panko bread crumbs (½ cup): Provides the perfect crunchy topping that contrasts delightfully with the creamy filling.
Melted butter (1 tablespoon): Binds the panko crumbs and helps them crisp up beautifully in the oven.

How to Make Creamy Cheesy Broccoli Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the broccoli base

Start by preheating your oven to 350˚F. Place the fresh broccoli florets into a 9×13 baking dish. This sets up the green foundation for your casserole, which will soak in all the cheesy goodness that follows.

Step 2: Create the cheesy sauce

Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook it just for 10 seconds until it releases its fragrant aroma — this little step gives a depth of flavor that’s easy to miss but impossible to forget. Sprinkle the flour over the butter and garlic, whisking continuously for about 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste and start thickening your sauce.

Step 3: Whisk in liquids and thicken

Slowly pour in the milk while whisking nonstop. This technique prevents lumps and helps develop a smooth, creamy sauce. Next, add the water or chicken broth and continue cooking and whisking for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce thickens to a luscious consistency that will coat the broccoli perfectly.

Step 4: Add the cheese and seasonings

Remove the sauce from heat and whisk in the shredded cheddar and parmesan cheeses. Sprinkle in salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, stirring until the cheese melts into a rich, velvety sauce that’s packed with flavor.

Step 5: Combine and assemble

Pour the cheese sauce over the broccoli florets in the baking dish and gently stir to make sure every floret is coated in cheesy goodness. This mix is the heart of the Creamy Cheesy Broccoli Casserole Recipe, combining freshness with indulgence in every bite.

Step 6: Prepare the crunchy topping and bake

In a small bowl, combine panko bread crumbs with melted butter so they’ll crisp up nicely during baking. Sprinkle this over the broccoli mixture evenly. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the broccoli to soften. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the topping is beautifully browned and the casserole bubbles invitingly.

Step 7: Rest and season

Remove the dish from the oven and let it stand for 5 to 8 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the flavors to settle, and you can taste and adjust salt and pepper at the end to make sure the seasoning is perfect.

How to Serve Creamy Cheesy Broccoli Casserole Recipe

A white bowl holds a creamy broccoli dish with about three layers: a base layer of green broccoli florets, a middle layer of thick white cheese sauce that covers the broccoli, and a top layer of golden-brown toasted breadcrumbs that add a crunchy texture. To the right side of the bowl, a piece of soft bread is partially dipped into the sauce. A silver fork rests in the bowl next to the bread. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Before serving, sprinkle a touch of extra shredded cheddar or freshly chopped parsley for a pop of vibrant color and freshness. Crispy bacon bits or toasted almonds also make fantastic garnishes that add crunch and a smoky or nutty contrast to the creamy casserole.

Side Dishes

This casserole shines beautifully alongside roasted chicken or grilled pork chops, creating a complete meal. For lighter options, a crisp green salad or simple steamed rice help balance the richness, making every bite perfectly harmonious.

Creative Ways to Present

For a crowd-pleasing twist on the traditional casserole, serve individual portions in small ramekins topped with extra panko and a sprinkle of cheese. Alternatively, turn it into a layered bake by alternating broccoli cheese layers with thin slices of cooked potatoes or cauliflower for extra dimension.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your casserole, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the creamy cheesy textures intact while maintaining freshness for easy future meals.

Freezing

You can freeze the Creamy Cheesy Broccoli Casserole Recipe either before or after baking. Just cover tightly with foil or place in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To bring your casserole back to life, reheat covered in a 350˚F oven for about 20 minutes, or until warmed through. The topping will crisp up again, and the sauce will become luxuriously creamy, just like the first time.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli for this casserole?

Yes, frozen broccoli works well, but be sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly to avoid excess water in the casserole, which can make it runny.

What type of cheese is best for this casserole?

Sharp cheddar is ideal for its bold flavor that balances the mildness of broccoli, while parmesan adds a lovely nutty touch. Combining these two brings the perfect cheesy notes.

Can I make this casserole dairy-free?

For a dairy-free version, try using plant-based butter, a non-dairy milk such as almond or oat milk, and vegan cheese alternatives to recreate the creamy cheesy textures.

How can I make the topping extra crispy?

Mixing panko crumbs with a little melted butter is key, but you can also add grated parmesan or a sprinkle of paprika for extra flavor and crunch.

Is this casserole suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! It reheats wonderfully and makes for an easy, wholesome lunch or dinner option. Prepare it ahead and simply warm it up when needed.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly comforting about the Creamy Cheesy Broccoli Casserole Recipe. Its balance of fresh, tender broccoli and a rich, cheesy sauce topped with a golden crunch creates a dish that feels both indulgent and nourishing. I can’t recommend enough giving this casserole a try for your next cozy meal — your family and friends are sure to fall in love with every creamy, cheesy bite.