Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe

Experience the ideal make-ahead Broccoli Cheese Casserole recipe that your kids, partner, and friends will appreciate. It's sure to become your new BFF.

– 1 1/2 lb Broccoli crowns (some stem is fine) – 4 Tbsp butter – 1/4 cup all purpose flour – 2 cups half and half – salt – 3 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese, divided

Ingredients

Instruction 

If making immediately, preheat oven to 350F. Cut broccoli stems and all into bite-sized pieces. Plunge in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, drain, and cool in icy water. 

Step 1

Step 2

Drain on a clean kitchen towel when cold. Stir flour into melted butter in a saucepan. Cook without browning for a few minutes, stirring regularly. 

Step 3

Whisk or stir in the half-and-half slowly until it thickens. No need to boil. To avoid sticking or burning, I use a silicone spatula toward the end.

Step 4

Allow to cool for 2 minutes. Don't let the very hot sauce curdle the cheese. Stir slowly to melt 2 cups of cheese and smooth the sauce. Add salt to taste.

Step 5

Toss broccoli with warm cheese sauce until coated, then place in baking dish. Add the last cup of cheese. 

Step 6

If making immediately, bake for 35-40 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and brown. For some extra browning, broil it slightly at the end.

Step 7

If made ahead, foil and refrigerate. Bring to room temperature before baking (2 hours) from the fridge. Make-ahead casseroles may take longer to bake.

Also See

Authentic Irish Colcannon Recipe