Creamy Broccoli Casserole: Comfort Food at Its Best
When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival the creamy, cheesy goodness of a Creamy Broccoli Casserole. This recipe is my go-to for family dinners or when I want to serve something hearty and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s a simple yet impressive dish that turns everyday ingredients into a showstopper.
Why This Creamy Broccoli Casserole Stands Out
What makes this recipe so unique? It’s all about the balance of flavors and textures. Tender broccoli florets are coated in a rich, homemade béchamel sauce and then topped with Parmesan cheese for a golden, crispy finish. This casserole isn’t just a side dish; it’s a celebration of broccoli’s potential to shine.
I still remember serving this for a family gathering—everyone returned for seconds, even those who usually skipped the veggies. It’s proof that a little love and a few quality ingredients can transform a humble vegetable into the meal’s star.
Easy Creamy Broccoli Casserole
4
servings10
minutes30
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
2 2 Broccoli Head trimmed into florets.
1 tsp 1 Black Pepper
1 Cup 1 Grated Parmesan Cheese
- For the Bèchamel
1 cup 1 Whole Milk
2 tbsp 2 Salted Butter
1/3 Cup 1/3 Flour
1 tsp 1 Nutmeg
1 Tsp 1 Salt
Directions
- 1. Make the Béchamel Sauce
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat.
- Gradually whisk in the flour, ensuring it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan. Cook for 1-2 minutes until you get a smooth paste.
- Slowly pour the milk in three additions, continuously whisking to prevent lumps.
- Stir until the sauce thickens and becomes velvety smooth. Season with salt and nutmeg if desired.
- Remove from heat, cover with plastic wrap (making sure it touches the surface of the sauce to prevent a skin from forming), and set aside.
- 2. Prepare the Broccoli
- Trim the broccoli into bite-sized florets and rinse well.
- Blanch the florets in a pot of salted boiling water for 6 minutes.
- Immediately transfer the broccoli to a bowl of ice water to stop cooking and preserve its bright green color.
- Pat the florets dry with a kitchen towel.
- 3. Assemble the Casserole
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Spread a thin layer of béchamel sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Arrange the broccoli florets evenly over the sauce.
- Pour the remaining béchamel sauce over the broccoli, ensuring it’s well-coated.
- Sprinkle the top generously with grated Parmesan cheese and black pepper.
- Bake the casserole for 20 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden. Switch to the grill (broil) setting for the final 4 minutes to create a golden, crispy topping.
