There is something so comforting about a warm, bubbly casserole straight from the oven. This Healthy Baked Broccoli Cheese Casserole is exactly that. It’s pure comfort in a dish.
We are taking simple ingredients and turning them into a rich, creamy, and satisfying meal. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner and a fantastic way to get everyone to eat their veggies. Let’s get cooking!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Honestly, what’s not to love? This dish is a crowd pleaser. It has that classic cheesy goodness that kids and adults both enjoy. It is one of my favorite Broccoli And Cheese Recipes.
It’s also incredibly simple to put together. You don’t need any fancy kitchen gadgets. Just a saucepan and a baking dish are enough to create this wonderful meal.
Plus, it’s a great way to use up fresh broccoli. The creamy cheese sauce perfectly complements the earthy flavor of the broccoli. It’s a match made in heaven!
Ingredients
- 8 cups fresh broccoli
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 ¼ cups milk
- salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups shredded Swiss cheese
- 2 large eggs, beaten
Step By Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare The Broccoli
First things first, preheat your oven to 325 degrees F or 165 degrees C. While that’s heating up, it’s time to get the broccoli ready.
Place your broccoli florets in a steamer basket over about an inch of boiling water. Cover it and let it steam for just 2 to 6 minutes. You want it crisp and tender, not mushy. Then, drain it well.
Step 2: Make The Cheese Sauce
Now for the best part, the creamy cheese sauce! Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and stir it constantly until it gets bubbly.
Next, toss in the chopped onion and then slowly pour in the milk. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook for one minute. Remove it from the heat and season with a little salt and pepper.
Step 3: Combine Everything
With the saucepan off the heat, add the shredded Swiss cheese and the beaten eggs. Stir everything together until the cheese is completely melted into a smooth sauce.
Gently fold in your steamed broccoli until every piece is coated in that amazing cheese sauce. Then, transfer the whole mixture into a 9×13 inch casserole dish. This is one Easy Broccoli Casserole!
Step 4: Bake To Perfection
Place the casserole dish in your preheated oven. Bake for about 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are bubbly and the center is hot. The top should be a beautiful golden brown.
How To Store Leftovers
Got leftovers? No problem! Simply cover the casserole dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap, or transfer the leftovers to an airtight container.
It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 or 4 days. Reheat it in the oven or microwave until warmed through for a quick and delicious meal.
Tips
Want an extra crunchy topping? Sprinkle some breadcrumbs or crushed crackers over the top before baking. It adds a wonderful texture to the creamy Broccoli Bake.
Feel free to experiment with the cheese! While Swiss is delicious, a sharp cheddar, Gruyere, or even a mix of cheeses would work wonderfully in this recipe.
Make sure you drain the broccoli very well after steaming. Any excess water can make the casserole a bit soupy, and we want it thick and creamy.
Conclusion
And there you have it! A simple, delicious, and Healthy Baked Broccoli Cheese Casserole that is sure to become a family favorite. It’s proof that easy recipes can be packed with amazing flavor.
Give this recipe a try the next time you need a comforting and satisfying dish. I promise you will not be disappointed. Happy cooking!
FAQ
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli?
Yes, you can. Just make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess water before adding it to the cheese sauce. This prevents the casserole from becoming watery.
What Other Cheeses Work Well?
Sharp cheddar is a fantastic substitute for a classic taste. Gruyere adds a nutty flavor, and a Monterey Jack blend melts beautifully. Feel free to mix and match your favorites!
Can I Make This Ahead Of Time?
Absolutely. You can assemble the entire casserole, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You might need to add 5 to 10 minutes to the baking time if it’s going into the oven cold.
Healthy Baked Broccoli Cheese Casserole
A comforting and creamy baked broccoli cheese casserole that’s simple to make. This rich and satisfying dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner and is a fantastic way to enjoy your veggies.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place broccoli florets in a steamer basket over boiling water and steam for 2-6 minutes until crisp-tender. Drain well.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook until bubbly. Add the chopped onion, then slowly whisk in the milk.
- Bring the sauce to a boil and cook for one minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper.
- Stir in the shredded Swiss cheese and beaten eggs until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Gently fold in the steamed broccoli.
- Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 inch casserole dish and bake for 30 minutes, or until the edges are bubbly and the top is golden brown. Serve hot.
Notes
For an extra crunchy topping, sprinkle some breadcrumbs or crushed crackers over the casserole before baking.
Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Sharp cheddar or Gruyere are also delicious in this recipe.
Make sure to drain the steamed broccoli very well to prevent the casserole from becoming watery.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
