Broccoli Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 lbs broccoli
or 1 1/2 lbs broccoli florets
- 4 Tbsp butter
- 1/2 yellow onion
chopped small, about 3/4 cup
- 4 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cup whole milk
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1 Tbsp dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 2 cups cheddar cheese
shredded, 8 oz
- 64 Ritz crackers
2 sleeves, crushed
- 3 Tbsp butter
melted
Directions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 400F.
- 2
Blanch or steam broccoli florets for about 5 minutes.
- 3
In a stovetop pan melt the butter and sauté the onions for about 5 minutes. Dust in the flour and stir until moisture is absorbed.
- 4
Pour in the milk a little at a time and whisk or stir until a thick roux has formed.
- 5
Stir in the cream cheese, Dijon, salt and pepper until smooth.
- 6
Stir in the cheddar cheese until smooth.
- 7
Add the broccoli and stir again so all florets are coated. Transfer to a 9x13 casserole dish or a 3 quart casserole dish.
- 8
Crush the crackers to a medium crumb and add the melted butter. Toss to coat as best as possible.
- 9
Top the casserole and bake for 15 minutes until top is golden brown and cheese is bubbling. Remove from the oven and allow to rest for about 10 minutes to firm slightly for serving.
Broccoli Casserole
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Ratings & Reviews
Based on 141 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Craving a comforting, crowd-pleasing side dish that effortlessly graces your holiday table but is easy enough for any weeknight? This creamy broccoli casserole is the answer, promising a delicious experience every time.
What truly makes this broccoli casserole shine is the rich, velvety cheese sauce combined with that irresistible buttery cracker topping. The addition of cream cheese lends an extra layer of decadence and smoothness, while a touch of Dijon mustard elevates the savory flavors without overpowering the classic comfort.
Prepare for a dish that delivers tender-crisp broccoli bathed in a luxurious, creamy, and wonderfully cheesy sauce. Each forkful offers a delightful contrast: the vibrant green of the broccoli, the smooth, comforting texture of the sauce, and the satisfying crunch of the golden-brown Ritz cracker topping. It's a comforting, hearty side that manages to feel both special and familiar.
Customization & Variations
This recipe is incredibly versatile. While cheddar is a classic, feel free to experiment with other melting cheeses like Gruyere or Monterey Jack for different flavor profiles. For a slightly different topping, you could swap the Ritz crackers for panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter. If you prefer a milder onion flavor, use shallots instead of yellow onion. You can also vary the mustard; a stone-ground mustard would add more texture and a bolder flavor.
Serve this beloved broccoli casserole as the perfect accompaniment to a holiday feast or alongside roasted chicken or ham for an elevated weeknight dinner. It’s a dish that brings warmth and flavor to any meal.