Cheesy Broccoli Bake

why make this recipe

This Cheesy Broccoli Bake is warm, simple, and full of cheese. It cooks fast and feeds a few people. You can serve it with meat or bread. It also helps use extra broccoli. If you like baked sides, try this one and easy ideas like baked potatoes with crispy broccoli and bacon for more combos.

introduction

This dish mixes tender broccoli with a creamy cheese sauce and a crunchy topping. You cook the broccoli, make a simple sauce, mix them, and bake until the top is golden. It uses few ingredients and little time. Kids and adults usually like it.

how to make Cheesy Broccoli Bake

Follow these clear steps to make the bake. The sauce starts on the stove and the topping gets crisp in the oven. Work in this order: cook broccoli, make the roux and sauce, mix, top, then bake.

Ingredients :

• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions :

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the broccoli florets in boiling water for about 5 minutes until tender, then drain and set aside.
3. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and garlic powder to make a roux. Gradually add the milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese until melted.
5. Combine the cooked broccoli with the cheese sauce and season with salt and pepper.
6. Pour the mixture into a baking dish.
7. In a bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese and sprinkle over the broccoli mixture.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the topping is golden brown. Serve hot.

how to serve Cheesy Broccoli Bake

Serve it hot right from the oven. It pairs well with roasted chicken, grilled fish, or a simple salad. You can also eat it with warm bread. Spoon it onto plates and serve immediately for best texture.

how to store Cheesy Broccoli Bake

Let it cool to room temperature first. Cover the baking dish or move leftovers to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until hot, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave single servings, but the top may lose crispness.

tips to make Cheesy Broccoli Bake

• Cut broccoli into even pieces so they cook the same.
• Do not overcook the broccoli in the boiling water. Slightly undercooked works best since it will bake more.
• Stir the milk in slowly to avoid lumps in the sauce.
• Use fresh cheddar for better melt and taste.
• For a crunchy top, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones.

variation (if any)

• Add cooked bacon or ham for more flavor.
• Stir in cooked rice or pasta to make it a fuller meal.
• Use a mix of cheeses: add mozzarella or Gruyere for a different taste.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg or mustard powder to the sauce for depth.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen broccoli?
A: Yes. Thaw and drain well before mixing with the sauce. You may need less boiling time.

Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes. Assemble and cover. Keep in the fridge for up to one day, then bake when ready. Add a few extra minutes to the bake time if cold.

Q: Is there a dairy-free option?
A: Use dairy-free butter, milk, and cheese substitutes. The texture will change but it will still be tasty.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: You can freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Conclusion

For more ideas and similar recipes, see this classic take on a Cheesy Broccoli Bake – Emily Bites and another version of a Broccoli Cheese Bake.

Cheesy Broccoli Bake

A warm and cheesy dish that's simple to make, full of tender broccoli, and topped with a crunchy breadcrumb layer. Perfect as a side or standalone meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Side Dish, Vegetable

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the bake

• 2 cups broccoli florets Cut into even pieces.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Use fresh cheddar for better melt.
• 1 cup milk Stir in slowly to avoid lumps.
• 1/4 cup butter Melt over medium heat.
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour For making the roux.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder For flavor.
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper Adjust as needed.

For the topping

• 1 cup breadcrumbs Panko is recommended for extra crunch.
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese Add for flavoring.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the broccoli florets in boiling water for about 5 minutes until tender, then drain and set aside.
3. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and garlic powder to make a roux.
4. Gradually add the milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
5. Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese until melted.
6. Combine the cooked broccoli with the cheese sauce and season with salt and pepper.
7. Pour the mixture into a baking dish.

Baking

1. In a bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese and sprinkle over the broccoli mixture.
2. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the topping is golden brown.

Notes

Serve hot right from the oven. Pairs well with roasted chicken, grilled fish, or a simple salad. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best texture, reheat in the oven.