Description
This Broccoli Cheese Casserole is a creamy, cheesy baked dish featuring tender broccoli florets smothered in a rich Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheese sauce, finished with a crunchy buttery cracker topping. Perfect as a comforting side for family dinners or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 3 heads broccoli (cut into florets, about 8 cups)
Sauce
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk or heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 cup grated Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
Topping
- 1 cup grated Cheddar cheese
- 2 cups crushed buttery crackers
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350º F (175º C), and grease a 13 x 9 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook Broccoli: Bring a large heavy-bottomed stockpot of water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook them for 3-5 minutes until just tender. Drain the broccoli well and set aside.
- Make Cheese Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the all-purpose flour until smoothly combined to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk, then add the Kosher salt, ground black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir in 1 cup of grated Monterey Jack cheese. Reduce the heat to low and simmer gently, whisking frequently until the sauce thickens enough to slightly coat the edges of the pan. Remove from heat and stir in the sour cream until fully incorporated.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the cooked broccoli evenly in the prepared baking dish. Pour the creamy cheese sauce evenly over the broccoli. Sprinkle the grated Cheddar cheese evenly over the top, followed by the crushed buttery crackers for a crunchy topping.
- Bake: Place the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
- Serve: Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before serving warm as a comforting side dish.
Notes
- For a crispier topping, you can broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Use fresh broccoli florets for best texture; frozen broccoli can be used but should be thawed and well-drained.
- Monterey Jack cheese adds creaminess; substitute with Mozzarella if unavailable.
- Crushed buttery crackers can be replaced with breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter for a similar crunchy topping.
- For a lighter option, use low-fat milk and reduced-fat cheese, but the casserole may be less rich.