Introduction
Casseroles have long been a staple in home cooking, celebrated for their comforting nature and ease of preparation. These one-dish meals are not only satisfying but also perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy night in. Among the myriad of casserole options, the Broccoli Cheddar Casserole stands out as a timeless favorite that beautifully marries nutrition with indulgence.
This classic dish features fresh broccoli enveloped in a creamy cheddar sauce, making it a hit with families and a go-to for busy weeknights or gatherings. Whether served as a side dish or a hearty main course, this casserole is sure to please both kids and adults alike.
Recipe Overview
– Total Time: 45 minutes
– Servings: 6
– Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
– 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
– 2 cups cooked rice
– 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
– 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the fresh broccoli florets, cooked rice, shredded cheddar cheese, cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix until well combined.
3. Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and melted butter. Mix until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.
5. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the broccoli and cheese mixture in the baking dish.
6. If desired, add red pepper flakes on top for a touch of heat.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
Preparation Steps Explained
Preheating the Oven
Preheating the oven is a crucial step in casserole preparation. Ensuring your oven reaches the correct temperature before baking allows for even cooking and optimal texture. This is especially important for dishes like the Broccoli Cheddar Casserole, where you want the cheese to melt perfectly and the breadcrumbs to achieve a delightful crunch.
Preparing the Broccoli
Blanching is an essential step to ensure your broccoli retains its vibrant green color and crisp-tender texture. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. While the water heats, prepare an ice bath by filling a large bowl with ice and cold water. Once the water is boiling, add the broccoli florets and let them cook for about 2-3 minutes. This quick cooking time will enhance the color and flavor without making the broccoli mushy. After blanching, immediately transfer the broccoli to the ice bath to halt the cooking process. Once cooled, drain and set aside.
Mixing the Base
Creating a creamy mixture is crucial for a well-flavored casserole. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Once melted, add flour to create a roux, stirring continuously for about 1-2 minutes until it turns a light golden color. Gradually whisk in milk, ensuring there are no lumps, and cook until the mixture thickens. Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in grated cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder for added flavor. This creamy base will be the soul of your casserole.
Incorporating Broccoli
To maintain the integrity of the broccoli, gently fold it into the creamy mixture using a spatula. Be careful not to break the florets; a gentle hand will preserve their structure. This technique ensures that every bite contains a delightful piece of broccoli enveloped in creamy cheese goodness.
Transferring to Casserole Dish
Before transferring the mixture, grease your casserole dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Pour the broccoli and cheese mixture into the dish, using a spatula to spread it evenly. This step is important for achieving a uniform bake and ensuring that all portions of the casserole cook evenly.
Preparing the Topping
For a perfectly golden topping, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and a sprinkle of paprika for color and flavor. Stir well to ensure all breadcrumbs are coated. This mixture will provide a delightful crunch and enhance the casserole’s overall texture. Spread the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole before baking.
Assembling the Casserole
Layering is key to presentation. After adding the broccoli mixture to the casserole dish, make sure the top is as level as possible. This will help the casserole cook evenly and allow the topping to brown uniformly. For an extra touch of flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of additional cheese on top of the breadcrumbs before baking.
Baking
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden brown, and the edges are bubbling. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle.
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your Broccoli Cheddar Casserole, consider garnishing it with freshly chopped chives or parsley for a pop of color and a hint of freshness. Pair the casserole with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. For larger gatherings, you can scale the recipe up and serve it alongside other comforting dishes, such as baked chicken or a hearty soup.
Storage and Reheating Tips
To preserve the freshness of your leftovers, store the casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing individual portions. When reheating, use the oven to maintain the casserole’s texture—cover it with foil and heat at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes. Alternatively, use a microwave, but be sure to cover it to keep moisture in.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of Broccoli Cheddar Casserole provides approximately 300 calories, 12g of protein, 20g of fat, and 24g of carbohydrates. This dish can be a great fit for various dietary plans, offering a tasty way to incorporate vegetables into your meals while satisfying your cheese cravings.
Conclusion
The Broccoli Cheddar Casserole is a comforting dish that balances health and indulgence beautifully. With its creamy texture and cheesy flavor, it’s a satisfying meal that can be enjoyed by everyone. Whether you’re cooking for your family or sharing with friends, this casserole is sure to bring joy and warmth to your dining table. Try this recipe for a delightful meal that celebrates the joy of home-cooked food.
Cheesy Delight: Broccoli Cheddar Casserole
Ingredients
- 4.0 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1.0 cup cooked rice
- 2.0 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1.0 cup cream of mushroom soup
- 0.5 cup milk
- 0.5 cup sour cream
- 1.0 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1.0 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1.0 teaspoon salt
- 1.0 cup breadcrumbs
- 2.0 tablespoons melted butter
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large pot of boiling salted water, blanch the broccoli florets for about 2-3 minutes until they turn bright green but are still crisp. Drain and immediately plunge them into an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Drain again and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese, cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Stir until well combined.
- Gently fold the blanched broccoli into the rice and cheese mixture until evenly distributed.
- Pour the broccoli mixture into a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
- In a separate bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with melted butter until well coated. If you like a bit of heat, you can also mix in the red pepper flakes at this stage.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the broccoli and cheese layer in the casserole dish. Top with the remaining 0.5 cup of shredded cheddar cheese for an extra cheesy finish.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Slice and serve warm as a comforting side dish or a main course.