Elevate your veggie game with this decadent Creamy Broccoli Casserole—a comforting, crowd-pleasing side dish that's perfect for holidays or weeknight dinners. Fresh broccoli florets are blanched to tender perfection, then smothered in a rich, homemade cheese sauce made from shredded cheddar, silky cream cheese, and a hint of garlic and onion powder for extra flavor depth. Topped with buttery crushed Ritz crackers, this casserole boasts a golden, crunchy finish that pairs beautifully with the creamy base. Ready in just under an hour, this easy broccoli casserole balances simplicity with sophistication, making it an irresistible addition to any meal. Perfect for broccoli lovers seeking a recipe that's indulgent yet wholesome!
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish.
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add broccoli florets and blanch for about 3 minutes. Drain immediately and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the flour and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden, creating a roux.
Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture begins to thicken, about 3-5 minutes.
Reduce heat to low, stir in the shredded cheese and cream cheese, whisking until melted and smooth.
Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to the sauce. Stir until well combined.
Place the cooked broccoli into the prepared casserole dish. Pour the cheese sauce over the broccoli and gently combine.
In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your creamy broccoli casserole!
Calories |
3539 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 246.4 g | 316% | |
| Saturated Fat | 129.3 g | 647% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 562 mg | 187% | |
| Sodium | 7331 mg | 319% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 236.9 g | 86% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 16.6 g | 59% | |
| Total Sugars | 52.4 g | ||
| Protein | 110.2 g | 220% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.9 mcg | 30% | |
| Calcium | 2618 mg | 201% | |
| Iron | 13.5 mg | 75% | |
| Potassium | 2441 mg | 52% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.