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Broccoli Cheese Casserole

Broccoli Cheese Casserole makes it a cinch to get your daily veggies! This gluten free version of the classic comfort food bakes up hot, bubbly and irresistibly cheesy.

Serve up this easy casserole as a side to Balsamic Chicken! Or add it to your holiday sides with our favorite Sweet Potato Casserole.

Broccoli cheese casserole baked in an oval baking dish.

Why this Recipe Works

Some days I’m all about centering fresh meat and produce in the meals I cook. Other days, only a cheesy stick-to-your-ribs midwestern casserole will do (like this loaded cauliflower casserole).

With today’s Broccoli Cheese Casserole recipe you can have BOTH!

  • It’s made from scratch with real cheese, eggs and butter. No sodium laden canned soup here!
  • We use three kinds of cheese in this casserole for incredible flavor.
  • It’s gluten free and low in carbs with (of course) no added sugars or flour.
  • Fresh broccoli florets are in every cheesy bite!

Even the pickiest eaters love this casserole!

Ingredient Notes

Ingredients needed for broccoli cheese casserole recipe.
  • Cheddar cheese. Buy the cheese in a block and shred it at home with a grater. Packaged shredded cheese tend to have additives that prevent easy melting.
  • Parmesan cheese. Make sure to use real, freshly grated parmesan—not anything that comes from a shaker.
  • Cream cheese. Use full fat regular cream cheese for best results.
  • Broccoli. Chop a fresh head of broccoli into bite sized florets to make this recipe. Frozen broccoli can also be used.

Serving Suggestions

A helping of broccoli cheese casserole makes any meal more delicious.

Serve this as a side dish with hearty entrees like Baked Ranch Chicken, burgers and steak. It also pairs well with simple roast chicken and lighter fare like green salads.

The comfort food flavors make this casserole a perfect addition to your Thanksgiving or holiday menu too!

Or, if you’re like me, sometimes you’ll just serve yourself an extra big helping and make Broccoli Cheese Casserole a meal all on its own.

Step by step photos showing how to make broccoli cheese casserole.

Tips and Tricks

  • Cook the broccoli in a few tablespoons of water in the microwave before adding it to the casserole.
  • For a creamier consistency, stir a bit of heavy cream into the sauce along with the cheese.
  • Use a large cast iron skillet or other oven safe skillet to make this casserole all in one dish. After the stove cooking step, you can simply transfer the skillet right to the stove to bake.
  • Bake Broccoli Cheese Casserole until the top is lightly browned and bubbly.
Broccoli cheese casserole scooped into a bowl for serving.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this recipe with different kinds of cheese?

Yes, you can swap out other cheese varieties like monterey, colby or mozzarella for the cheddar here.

Can I use frozen broccoli in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli, although I prefer the taste and texture of fresh broccoli here. No need to steam it first if using frozen. Just break the frozen florets up with a spoon or spatula before adding them to the pan.

How do you store leftover broccoli cheese casserole?

Cover leftover casserole with foil or plastic wrap. Keep refrigerated and reheat before eating.

More Easy Side Dish Recipes

Broccoli Cheese Casserole makes it a cinch to get your daily veggies! This gluten free version of the classic comfort food bakes up hot, bubbly and irresistibly cheesy.

Broccoli Cheese Casserole

Yield: 8 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Broccoli Cheese Casserole makes it a cinch to get your daily veggies! This gluten free version of the classic comfort food bakes up hot, bubbly and irresistibly cheesy.

Ingredients

  • 4 cups broccoli florets
  • 3 Tablespoons water
  • 2 Tablespoons butter
  • 1 yellow onion, diced (about 1/2 cup)
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 6 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup parmesan cheese
  • 2 large eggs

Instructions

    1. Chop broccoli into florets, remove thick stalks. Place broccoli florets into a large microwave-safe container, add 3 Tablespoons of water and loosely cover it. Cook broccoli in the microwave for 5 minutes or until desired tenderness. 
    2. Add butter into a 10-inch skillet and heat it over medium high heat. Sauté chopped onion in butter until onion is translucent. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about one minute.
    3. Remove skillet from heat and add salt, black pepper, and the three types of cheese. Mix to combine. Add eggs to mixture.
    4. Mix broccoli florets with the cheesy filling. Either cook in cast iron (or oven safe skillet) or pour into a 2 qt baking dish.
    5. Bake the broccoli casserole for 25-30 minutes at 350 degrees F or until the cheese is melted and slightly brown on top.

Notes

  • Broccoli: You can use frozen broccoli, although I prefer the taste and texture of fresh broccoli here. No need to steam it first if using frozen. Just break the frozen florets up with a spoon or spatula before adding them to the pan.
  • Cover leftover casserole with foil or plastic wrap. Keep refrigerated and reheat before eating.
  • Cook the broccoli in a few tablespoons of water in the microwave before adding it to the casserole.
  • For a creamier consistency, stir a bit of heavy cream into the sauce along with the cheese.
  • Use a large cast iron skillet or other oven safe skillet to make this casserole all in one dish. After the stove cooking step, you can simply transfer the skillet right to the stove to bake.
  • Bake Broccoli Cheese Casserole until the top is lightly browned and bubbly.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1 scoop
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 280Total Fat: 22gSaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 106mgSodium: 460mgCarbohydrates: 10gFiber: 3gSugar: 3gProtein: 12g

Cheddar, parmesan and cream cheese come together with broccoli for one killer side dish. You can’t beat Broccoli Cheese Casserole when it’s made from scratch with real wholesome ingredients.

Gina White

Sunday 18th of December 2022

I like that cheeses can be switched out, helpful to use up what you have!

Pat Q

Wednesday 14th of December 2022

This looks amazing! I am going to make this for Christmas dinner.

Beverly

Tuesday 13th of December 2022

I can't wait to try this! I love all things broccoli and cheese 🤩

Marsha Fante

Tuesday 13th of December 2022

Yummo~ This looks so tasty!

Kara

Tuesday 13th of December 2022

I love broccoli and cheese. This looks like a winner.

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