Broccoli Bake Easy Cheesy Broccoli Casserole Wellplated Com

In the first year of my marriage, I had two dinner-oriented goals.

Convince my husband to like vegetables (without necessarily adding bacon like in this Cauliflower Casserole).Find a staple holiday side dish to bring to family gatherings that would be i) enjoyed by all, and ii) a little different than the standard spread.

Thanks to this broccoli bake recipe, I was able to accomplish both goals simultaneously.

About This Cheesy Broccoli Bake

To anyone who struggles to convince family members to eat their veggies, this cheesy broccoli casserole recipe (or this Broccoli Quinoa Casserole) will be your hero. Here’s why you and even the most ardent veggie avoiders at your table will LOVE this easy broccoli bake.

It’s cheesy. Even the usual veggie nay-sayer won’t be able to deny broccoli when coated in ooey-gooey cheese sauce.It’s healthy. A reduced amount of butter, non-fat milk, and white whole wheat flour keep the recipe on the healthier end, while a full-flavored extra sharp cheddar cheese ensures that this cheesy broccoli bake still has plenty of flavor.It’s easy. Intended as a Thanksgiving side dish, I wanted to streamline the classic Broccoli Rice Casserole into a no-fuss, simple broccoli bake that doesn’t add extra work to a day of hectic holiday cooking.

How to Make Broccoli Bake

This broccoli bake represents everything undeniably magical about the combination of broccoli and cheese (as does this Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheese Soup).

Gratins are the most specific of the three. French by origin, the “gratin” refers to the browned crust, which is made of some mixture of cheese and breadcrumbs, then finished under the broiler. Gratins are typically vegetable based and served as a side dish.Casseroles are more anything goes. The “casserole” refers to the baking dish, and it can be a main or a side (meat, pasta, rice, and veggies all are fair game).Bake is the most general term of them all, as it simply means a dish that is “baked” in the oven. The ingredients are often similar to a gratin or casserole, but the dish can be any shape you like.

Whatever you call them, au gratin-style recipes are comforting and delicious. Try my Homemade Scalloped Potatoes, Asparagus Casserole, and Brussels Sprouts Casserole.

The Ingredients

Broccoli. Loaded with vitamin K, fiber, vitamin C, iron, and potassium, it’s no wonder your mother always told you to finish your Roasted Broccoli.Panko Breadcrumbs. For the crispiest, crunchiest, broccoli bake topping you’ll ever scarf down.Butter. Helps the topping crisp and become perfectly golden in the oven.Parmesan Cheese. Adds a little sharpness to the crispy breadcrumb topping.

Cheddar Cheese. Using an extra-sharp cheddar ensures this cheesy broccoli bake is packed with optimal flavor. (Extra-sharp cheddar is also the secret to my favorite Broccoli Cauliflower Soup.) Whole Wheat White Flour. Sneaks in a little whole grain goodness and thickens the creamy cheese sauce.

Milk. I went for non-fat milk to lighten this typically indulgent baked broccoli side dish. Though feel free to use any milk you like.Spices. A blend of garlic powder, mustard powder, and cayenne adds just the right amount of interest.

The Directions

Storage Tips

To Store. Leftover broccoli bake may be refrigerated in a covered container for up to 3 days.To Reheat. Warm in a 350 degree F oven or in the microwave until heated through and steaming.

Recommended Tools to Broccoli Bake

Deep Skillet. This deep cast iron skillet is perfect for cooking this recipe.Pot with Steaming Basket. Makes steaming and draining the broccoli a breeze!Saucepan. For whisking together a creamy, velvety smooth cheese sauce.

No fussing over veggies, combined with no-fuss holiday comfort food = goals attained.