The Ultimate Creamy Broccoli Cheese Casserole: Your Go-To Holiday Side Dish

Prepare to fall in love with the best Broccoli Cheese Casserole recipe you’ll ever make. This dish brings together tender broccoli florets, perfectly baked bread cubes, and a rich, velvety cheddar cheese sauce – all elevated with hints of Dijon mustard, whole-grain mustard, mayonnaise, and a touch of horseradish for an unforgettable flavor profile. It’s more than just a side; it’s a culinary experience that promises to steal the show at any gathering. Ideal for holiday feasts like Thanksgiving or Christmas, this crowd-pleasing casserole can even be assembled a day in advance, making your special occasion preparations smoother and stress-free. Forget the ordinary potluck fare; this broccoli and cheese casserole is about to become your new family favorite.

If there’s one recipe that consistently earns rave reviews, it’s this Broccoli Cheese Casserole. Seriously, it’s one of the tastiest creations I’ve ever made, a true standout in my recipe collection. This isn’t just a claim; it’s a declaration from someone who has cooked for dozens of people at church events and family reunions. The joy this dish brings is palpable, and I find myself gushing about its fantastic qualities because it truly is that good.

This particular Broccoli Cheese Casserole is a reimagined version of an old favorite. My previous recipe, while tasty, relied on condensed cream of celery soup and a hefty amount of mayonnaise, ingredients I felt could be improved upon. Recognizing the potential for a healthier yet equally delicious alternative, I developed this updated version several years ago. It has since become a staple in my cooking rotation, especially for large gatherings, reliably delighting 80-100 guests, particularly during Thanksgiving. Its consistent popularity speaks volumes about its undeniable appeal.

Why This Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe is a Must-Make

The magic of this broccoli cheese casserole lies in its thoughtful combination of textures and flavors, alongside its remarkably simple and adaptable preparation method. Every element contributes to a harmonious and delicious outcome that is sure to impress.

The Perfect Harmony of Textures

One of the most captivating aspects of this dreamy casserole is its balanced textures. The inclusion of bread cubes is a game-changer; it adds substantial bulk and transforms the dish beyond a simple baked broccoli and cheese. The bread acts as a sponge, diligently absorbing the rich cheese sauce and any liquid released by the cooking broccoli. This absorption creates an almost bread-pudding-like consistency within the casserole, making each bite luxurious and utterly satisfying. It’s so good, you might even forget you’re eating your vegetables!

Crucially, the broccoli florets retain a delightful firmness, offering a pleasant crunch that beautifully contrasts with the soft, creamy bread and cheese sauce. This interplay of textures is what makes the casserole so engaging and delicious.

A quick note on broccoli: while fresh broccoli provides a firmer, more “al dente” bite, using frozen broccoli is also perfectly acceptable and often my choice for convenience. When using frozen florets, the broccoli will be noticeably softer, but it will still hold its shape and contribute to the overall deliciousness without becoming mushy. Both options yield fantastic results, allowing you to tailor the casserole to your textural preference.

A Symphony of Savory Flavors

Beyond texture, this broccoli cheese casserole shines with an amazing depth of flavor. Broccoli, a personal favorite vegetable, forms the wholesome core of the dish. The cheese sauce, however, is where the true flavor innovation happens. It incorporates both Dijon mustard and whole grain mustard. The Dijon provides a subtle, sharp “zip,” while the whole grain mustard introduces lovely pearls of flavor and a rustic texture that truly elevates the sauce.

Additionally, a tiny hint of prepared horseradish is stirred into the cheese sauce. This small but mighty ingredient adds a perfect “yummm” in the background – a warm, subtle kick that enhances the cheesiness without overpowering the other flavors. This carefully curated blend ensures every forkful is absolutely delicious and deeply satisfying.

Effortless Preparation and Make-Ahead Convenience

Finally, the simplicity of assembling this casserole is another reason for its success. The process begins by layering toasted bread cubes, broccoli, and diced onion in a baking dish. Next, a rich cheddar cheese sauce is prepared using the same classic method as a béchamel for mac and cheese – a roux, milk, and then cheese. Once the sauce is complete, it’s poured over the base, topped with extra cheese, and then baked to golden perfection.

These steps are incredibly straightforward, and the true beauty is their flexibility. This casserole is an ideal make-ahead dish. When I prepare this broccoli casserole with cheese and mayo for dozens of people, I often assemble it the day before, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it overnight. This approach significantly reduces stress and saves valuable time on the day of the event, allowing me to focus on other preparations.

Furthermore, this recipe scales up exceptionally well to feed a large crowd. I frequently prepare it in hotel half pans, doubling the recipe for each pan. Served as a hearty side dish alongside a variety of other foods, a single recipe generously stretches to serve 8-10 people, making it perfect for any large gathering or holiday meal.

Essential Ingredients for Your Best Broccoli Cheese Casserole

Crafting this incredible broccoli and cheese casserole starts with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving the perfect balance of flavor and texture:

• Crusty, Day-Old Baguette: While “day-old” is specified, a baguette that is 2-3 days old is actually even better. The goal is to have nicely dried bread cubes, which will absorb the cheese sauce beautifully without turning soggy, contributing to that delightful bread pudding-like texture.
• Broccoli Florets: You can use either fresh or frozen broccoli florets. Both options yield delicious results. However, be aware that frozen broccoli will result in a slightly softer texture compared to the crisper, more al dente bite you get from fresh broccoli. Choose based on your preference and convenience.
• White Onion: Diced white onion adds a foundational layer of savory flavor to the casserole, complementing the broccoli and cheese.
• Unsalted Butter and All-Purpose Flour: These two ingredients are essential for creating a classic roux, which forms the base of our rich and creamy cheese sauce. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall sodium content of the dish.
• Milk: Added to the roux, milk transforms it into a smooth béchamel sauce, the creamy foundation for our cheddar cheese sauce. Whole milk is recommended for the richest flavor and texture.
• Seasonings: A balanced blend of kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper enhances all the other flavors in the casserole. Don’t underestimate the power of fresh cracked pepper for a more vibrant taste.
• Sauce Additions for Flavor Depth:
  • Dijon Mustard: Provides a subtle, tangy “zip” that brightens the cheese sauce and cuts through its richness.
  • Prepared Horseradish: Just a touch of horseradish adds an unexpected warmth and a depth of flavor that is truly exquisite, creating that perfect “yummm” background note.
  • Whole-Grain Mustard: Contributes not only another layer of mustard flavor but also beautiful little pearls of mustard seed, adding a slight textural interest to the sauce.
• Mayonnaise: Full-fat mayonnaise is incorporated into the cheese sauce for an extra layer of richness and creaminess, contributing to the casserole’s indulgent texture.
• Cheeses:
  • Sharp Cheddar Cheese: We use shredded sharp cheddar for its robust flavor, which is central to a truly satisfying cheese casserole. It’s divided, with some going into the sauce and the rest for topping.
  • Vermont White Sharp Cheddar Cheese: This is used primarily for topping the casserole alongside the regular sharp cheddar. The variation in color from the white cheddar creates a much more appealing visual presentation than a monochromatic cheese topping, making your casserole look as good as it tastes.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: Thinly sliced (chiffonade) fresh basil leaves are added as a garnish just before serving. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, fresh basil contributes a pungent, aromatic flavor that provides a wonderful fresh contrast to the rich, savory casserole.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Broccoli Casserole with Cheese

Creating this delectable broccoli cheese casserole is a straightforward process, broken down into three simple yet crucial phases: preparing the casserole base, crafting the rich cheese sauce, and finally, assembling and baking to golden perfection.

Phase 1: Preparing Your Casserole Base

The first step focuses on getting your foundational ingredients ready for baking. This initial preparation sets the stage for the casserole’s ultimate texture and flavor.

• Begin by preheating your oven to a comfortable 350°F (175°C). This ensures your oven is ready for both the bread toasting and the final bake.
• Next, to achieve the desired dryness and ensure optimal sauce absorption, place your cubed bread on a baking sheet and lightly toast it in the preheated oven for about 5-10 minutes. This quick toast prevents the bread from becoming soggy in the casserole.
• Once the bread is lightly toasted and all other ingredients are measured and ready, combine the broccoli florets, diced white onion, and the toasted bread cubes in a 13×9 inch baking dish. Give them a gentle toss to ensure even distribution. At this point, your casserole base is prepared and ready for the sauce.

Phase 2: Crafting the Rich Cheddar Cheese Sauce

This phase is all about creating the luscious, flavorful cheese sauce that binds everything together. It’s a classic technique that yields incredibly creamy results.

• In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Once melted, add the all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for about a minute to create a smooth roux. Cooking the flour ensures that the sauce will thicken properly and eliminates any raw flour taste.
• Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps form. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the béchamel sauce begins to steam and visibly thickens. At this point, remove the saucepan from the heat to prevent scorching.
• Into the hot béchamel, whisk in the Dijon mustard, kosher salt, fresh cracked pepper, prepared horseradish, whole-grain mustard, and the full-fat mayonnaise. Finally, add approximately two cups of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Stir vigorously until the cheese is mostly melted and incorporated into a smooth sauce. It doesn’t need to be perfectly smooth at this stage; a few small lumps are acceptable, as it will continue to melt in the oven.

Phase 3: Final Assembly and Baking to Golden Perfection

With your base and sauce prepared, it’s time to bring everything together and bake your masterpiece.

• Carefully pour the creamy cheddar cheese sauce evenly over the broccoli, bread cubes, and onion mixture in the baking dish. Gently toss or spread to ensure everything is thoroughly coated.
• For a beautiful and flavorful topping, sprinkle the remaining one cup of sharp cheddar cheese and the one cup of Vermont white sharp cheddar cheese over the top. The combination of colors will make your casserole even more visually appealing.
• Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for approximately 50 minutes. The casserole is ready when the broccoli is tender when pierced with a sharp knife and the sauce is bubbly.
• After 50 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5 minutes. This last step allows the cheese topping to achieve a beautiful golden-brown color and a slightly crispy texture.
• Once baked to perfection, remove the casserole from the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish generously with thinly sliced fresh basil leaves for a burst of fresh flavor and vibrant color. Enjoy your homemade, comforting broccoli cheese casserole!

More Delightful Casserole Recipes

If you love the comfort and convenience of casseroles as much as we do, you’re in for a treat! Casseroles are perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, and meal prepping. Explore some of our other cherished casserole recipes that are sure to become new favorites in your kitchen:

Expert Tips and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

To ensure your broccoli cheese casserole turns out perfectly every time, consider these expert tips and common questions:

• Broccoli Texture: The choice between fresh and frozen broccoli significantly impacts the final texture. Fresh broccoli tends to yield a firmer, more “al dente” bite, retaining a slight crunch. Frozen broccoli, on the other hand, will be softer but still delicious, with a tender texture. Both are excellent, so choose based on your desired consistency.
• Using Frozen Broccoli: If you opt for frozen broccoli, there’s no need to thaw it beforehand! The casserole can be assembled directly with the broccoli still frozen, offering a convenient shortcut without compromising flavor.
• Advance Preparation: This casserole is an excellent make-ahead dish. You can fully assemble it, then simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a day. Before baking, it’s recommended to let the casserole sit out at room temperature for about an hour to take off the fridge chill, which ensures more even cooking.
• Making the Cheese Sauce: When preparing the béchamel and incorporating the cheese, continuous whisking or stirring is crucial. This prevents the milk from scorching at the bottom of the pan and helps achieve a smooth, lump-free sauce. While adding the cheese, it doesn’t need to melt completely smoothly; it’s better to under-melt slightly than to risk over-thickening the sauce by cooking it too long. If the sauce cools too much and the cheese won’t melt, a quick return to low heat will help.
• Dry Bread is Key: Ensure your bread cubes are sufficiently dry before assembling the casserole. Whether you use day-old bread or lightly toast fresh bread, this step is vital. Dry bread efficiently soaks up the rich cheese sauce and any moisture released by the broccoli during baking, preventing a watery casserole and contributing to that delightful, bread pudding-like texture.

Looking for another holiday favorite? Don’t miss our recipe for the Best Stuffing Ever – a perfect pairing for any festive meal!