Description
Cheesy Broccoli Delight is a comforting and flavorful casserole featuring tender broccoli florets enveloped in a creamy, cheesy sauce made with sharp cheddar and Parmesan. This easy-to-make baked side dish combines a classic cheese sauce with subtle spices, offering a delicious way to enjoy vegetables with a decadent twist, perfect for family meals or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Topping
- 1/2 cup crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs (optional)
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook broccoli: Steam or blanch the broccoli florets for 2 to 3 minutes until they are just tender but still retain their bright green color. Drain the broccoli well and set it aside.
- Make roux and cheese sauce: In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the flour and cook for an additional minute to form a roux, which will thicken the sauce.
- Add milk and spices: Slowly whisk in the whole milk, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened, approximately 3 to 5 minutes. Then, add salt, black pepper, paprika, and nutmeg (if using) to build flavor.
- Incorporate cheeses: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy, creating a rich cheese sauce.
- Combine broccoli and cheese sauce: Add the cooked broccoli to the cheese sauce and stir gently to coat all the florets evenly with the creamy mixture.
- Assemble and top: Pour the broccoli and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish. If desired, sprinkle crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs evenly over the top for a crunchy topping.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
- Serve and garnish: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, to add freshness and color.
Notes
- For extra richness, stir in a few spoonfuls of sour cream or cream cheese into the cheese sauce before baking.
- Add cooked rice or quinoa to the mixture to create a heartier, complete casserole-style meal.
- Steaming the broccoli ensures it stays vibrant and retains texture inside the creamy bake.
- Using a mix of sharp cheddar and Parmesan balances creamy texture with bold flavor.
