Broccoli Cheese Casserole: Perfect Timing For A Delicious Dish

Broccoli cheese casserole is a delicious, family-friendly dish that can be served as a side or main course. The cooking time for broccoli cheese casserole varies depending on the recipe and the desired level of doneness, but it typically falls within the range of 25 to 45 minutes. This comforting dish is a crowd-pleaser and can be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. It is a versatile dish that can be served on its own or paired with meat dishes like turkey or ham.

Broccoli cheese casserole ingredients

A broccoli cheese casserole is a delicious, comforting, and easy-to-make dish that can be prepared in advance, making it perfect for holidays and family suppers. While there are many variations of the recipe, the core ingredients remain the same. Here is a detailed list of ingredients and some alternatives you can use to customise your casserole.

Broccoli

The star of the show! You can use fresh or frozen broccoli florets. Some recipes suggest blanching or boiling the broccoli before adding it to the casserole, while others recommend using raw broccoli. If using frozen broccoli, be sure to thaw it first and drain any excess liquid to prevent a soggy casserole.

Cheese

A good melting cheese is key to a tasty broccoli cheese casserole. Cheddar is a popular choice, and grating your own will ensure the best flavour and texture. You can also use a combination of cheeses, such as Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or Velveeta, to create a magical, naughty cheese sauce.

Sauce

A creamy sauce brings the dish together. You can make a simple sauce using butter, flour, and milk, or opt for a can of condensed cream of mushroom or chicken soup for convenience. For a more indulgent sauce, try using heavy cream or sour cream.

Seasonings

Salt and pepper are essential for enhancing the flavours of the dish. You can also add paprika, cayenne pepper, or Dijon mustard for a little kick.

Toppings

Buttery crackers are a classic topping for broccoli cheese casserole, adding a crunchy texture. Ritz crackers are a popular choice, but you can also use breadcrumbs or French-fried onions. For a crispy, crunchy finish, sprinkle the topping over the casserole before baking.

Optional Add-Ins

While not necessary, you can experiment with adding extra ingredients to make the dish your own. Some options include eggs, mayonnaise, sour cream, cooked chicken, rice, or additional vegetables like onions, mushrooms, or mixed veggies.

With these ingredients and your preferred cooking method, you're well on your way to creating a mouth-watering broccoli cheese casserole that's sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

How to make the sauce

The sauce for the broccoli cheese casserole is a key component, providing a creamy texture and a tangy flavour that complements the broccoli and cheese. Here is a step-by-step guide to making this delicious sauce:

Ingredients:

• Butter
• All-purpose flour
• Milk (or heavy/thick cream for a richer sauce)
• Salt (preferably Kosher salt)
• Ground black pepper
• Cayenne pepper (optional, for added spice)
• Cheese (Monterey Jack or a similar melting cheese)
• Sour cream

Method:

• Melt the butter in a skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
• Whisk in the flour until well combined and smooth.
• Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. You can also use a combination of milk and cream for a richer sauce.
• Add the salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir well to combine.
• Add the grated Monterey Jack cheese and continue to stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is slightly thickened.
• Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.
• Finally, stir in the sour cream. The sour cream adds a tangy flavour and extra creaminess to the sauce.

Your sauce is now ready to be poured over the broccoli in the casserole dish! Simply top with cheddar cheese and crushed crackers or breadcrumbs, and bake until bubbling and golden.

Feel free to adjust the seasoning and spice level to your taste. You can also experiment with different types of cheese to find your perfect combination. Enjoy your homemade broccoli cheese casserole!

How to cook the broccoli

Preparation

First, cut the broccoli into florets. If you are using fresh broccoli, you can add the florets to a large, heavy-bottomed pot of boiling water and cook for 3-5 minutes before draining and setting aside. If you are using frozen broccoli, you can either thaw it completely or cook it in the microwave for half of the time instructed on the package.

Sauce

In a separate pan, melt butter over medium heat and whisk in flour until well combined. Then, whisk in milk, salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, and Monterrey Jack cheese. Reduce the heat to a simmer and continue whisking until the sauce has thickened slightly. Finally, stir in the sour cream.

Baking

Arrange the broccoli in a casserole dish and pour the cream sauce over it. Top with cheddar cheese and crushed crackers or breadcrumbs. Bake uncovered for 35-45 minutes, or until bubbling.

How to assemble the casserole

To assemble the broccoli cheese casserole, start by preheating your oven to 325-400°F and preparing your baking dish. You can use a 2-quart, 9x13-inch, or 13x9-inch baking dish, depending on the recipe you are following and the number of servings. Grease the baking dish with butter or nonstick cooking spray.

Next, prepare the sauce. In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine a can of condensed cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and French-fried onions or crushed crackers. Heat the mixture, stirring occasionally, until it is well blended and heated through, about 4-5 minutes. You can also add milk, cream, eggs, mayonnaise, and seasonings like salt, pepper, cayenne, and Dijon mustard to your sauce. Whisk the ingredients together until smooth and well combined.

Now, it's time to add the broccoli. You can use fresh or frozen broccoli florets, but if using frozen broccoli, be sure to thaw it first. If using fresh broccoli, cut the broccoli into florets and briefly boil or steam it until tender before adding it to the sauce. Add the broccoli to the sauce and stir until it is evenly coated.

Once the broccoli is coated in the sauce, transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the top with additional shredded cheese and French-fried onions or crushed crackers.

Finally, bake your broccoli cheese casserole in the preheated oven until it is bubbly and golden brown on top. The baking time will vary depending on the size and depth of your baking dish, but it typically takes about 30-45 minutes.

How to store and reheat

Leftover broccoli cheese casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, place the casserole in an oven-safe dish and reheat in the oven until warmed through. Alternatively, individual portions can be reheated in the microwave.

If you want to make the broccoli cheese casserole in advance, you can prepare it up to two days ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just wait to add the final topping until you are ready to bake.

You can also freeze broccoli cheese casserole for up to three months. Place leftovers in an airtight freezer-safe container and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. However, freezing is not recommended due to the dairy content, as the casserole may separate and curdle, resulting in an unpleasant texture.

When reheating, you may need to add a splash of broth to rehydrate the cream sauce.

Frequently asked questions