Cheese Broccoli Casserole Recipe
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Classic casserole dishes like this Cheese Broccoli Casserole are almost a given at any potluck dinner or holiday meal. This cheesy broccoli casserole is a crowd favorite for sure.
There are those certain dishes that make a regular appearance on our holiday table. Ask my dad what he wants and Broccoli Casserole will be on his list. And no wonder, broccoli roasted in a cheesy and creamy sauce then topped with a crunchy topping, what’s not to like?
This Cheese Broccoli Casserole is not only cheesy but it’s pretty easy too (check out that rhyming) AND it’s even easier to eat. I’d plan on making a double batch, or make one for now and freeze the other for later.
Made with fresh broccoli (although frozen may be substituted) this recipe is a bit of a fresher version without a bunch of extra processed junk (if you don’t count the french fried onions on top), yet not lacking one single bit in the flavor category.
This Cheese Broccoli Casserole recipe does not include the regular cream of mushroom soup. Instead a simple roux mixture is made that takes no time to whip up. Shredded sharp cheddar, a bit of diced onion, and fresh broccoli are added, along with beaten egg, mayonnaise, garlic powder and a smidgen of salt and pepper to make this flavorful classic favorite.
Oh wait! I almost forgot the crunchy and savory french fried onions sprinkled on top. What an invention, those onions! Of course, if you need a substitute a combination of melted butter and crushed saltines or Ritz may be used in a pinch.
So whether you’re serving turkey, ham or a scrumptious rib roast this Cheese Broccoli Casserole will make the nice compliment to your holiday table.
More delicious recipes for holiday entertaining:
Cheese Broccoli Casserole Recipe
Cheese Broccoli Casserole Recipe
A cheesy broccoli side dish perfect for family gatherings and potlucks.
Ingredients
- 8 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 large egg
- 2/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper*
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar, grated
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup french fried onions**
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350-degrees F. Prepare 9x13-inch baking dish by buttering or lightly coat with cooking spray.
- Steam broccoli for 5 minutes. Drain.
- In a small sauce pan, melt butter over medium-low heat. Whisk in flour and continue to cook, stirring for 1-2 minutes. Whisk in chicken broth, milk, and garlic continuing to whisk until it slightly thickens. Simmer for 1-2 minutes stirring occasionally. Remove from heat.
- In a large bowl, lightly beat egg. Whisk in mayonnaise, salt and pepper. Slowly whisk in warm flour/broth mixture. Stir in grated cheese and chopped onion. Add broccoli and stir to fully incorporate.
- Spread mixture evenly in prepared baking dish. Top with fried onions.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes at 350-degrees F, until golden and bubbly.
Notes
*If you like a little spice, in addition to the black pepper, add a few pinches or ground red pepper to kick it up a notch. **French Fried Onion topping substitute: Melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Mix 1/2 sleeve of crushed saltine crackers with melted butter and evenly spread over casserole.
I want this yummy cheesy goodness right now!!!
I’ll trade ya a cake?
I should’ve eaten lunch before reading your post! Wishing I could raid your kitchen. And now!
I wish you lived close enough to raid my kitchen. 😉
I can’t wait to try this! My kiddos will go crazy for this casserole!
Oh, yes! Cheese and broccoli is a kid-friendly combo, isn’t it? (And an adult-friendly combo too.)
My mom makes a version of this casserole every single Thanksgiving. I’m thinking I might need to urge her to add fried onions on top this year!
Oh yes! The fried onions take it over the top. I do make it with crushed crackers too, but those onions—yum!
Cheesy broccoli casserole reminds me of home 🙂 Mmmmm!
Those are the best kinds of dishes, aren’t they?
I’m definitely going to switch out my standard green bean casserole for this recipe. It looks just amazing…thanks for posting!
Thanks Candace! Make sure to use some of that delicious Cabot cheese!
I have not used mayo in many dishes … please tell me if you can taste the mayo and actually why use mayo. I would
like to serve this for Sunday lunch, but am nervous about mayo. Also I am not a wonderful cook and need simplicity since the other ladies are great cooks. Oh well, I keep trying. Thank you so much for any help you might offer.
I do not detect mayonnaise in this recipe.
Thinking about trying this as a Christmas dinner side since the hubs doesn’t like green bean casserole. Do you think I could mix both brocoli AND cauliflower in this recipe? Thanks!
That would work. Of course, it will taste different but it will work just fine.