Do Ahead Broccoli Casserole
Make your next holiday feast or family dinner effortless with this creamy, cheesy Do Ahead Broccoli Casserole—a make-ahead dish that's as practical as it is indulgent. Featuring tender, vibrant broccoli enveloped in a luscious cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar and cream cheese, then topped with a golden, crunchy panko-Parmesan crust, this casserole is the perfect balance of comfort and sophistication. Designed for convenience, this recipe allows you to prepare the dish up to 24 hours in advance, making it an excellent choice for busy schedules or entertaining. With just 20 minutes of prep time and a bubbling, flavorful finish, this crowd-pleaser is guaranteed to elevate any gathering. Perfect for keywords like "make-ahead casserole," "broccoli cheese bake," and "holiday side dishes."
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 6 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2.5 cups milk
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 0.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If preparing the dish ahead, skip this step and proceed to storing instructions.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and blanch them for 2-3 minutes, until vibrant green and slightly softened. Drain immediately and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and whisk until smooth. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. Gradually add the milk, whisking continuously, until the mixture thickens and is free of lumps.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and cream cheese until melted and smooth. Add the salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix well and remove from heat.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the blanched broccoli with the cheese sauce, ensuring all the florets are coated. Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, olive oil, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated. Sprinkle the breadcrumb topping evenly over the casserole.
If making ahead, cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
To bake, remove the casserole from the refrigerator (if prepared ahead) and let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake the casserole, uncovered, for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Do Ahead Broccoli Casserole!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2918 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 216.7 g | 278% | |
| Saturated Fat | 120.5 g | 602% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 584 mg | 195% | |
| Sodium | 5616 mg | 244% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 144.0 g | 52% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 17.4 g | 62% | |
| Total Sugars | 46.5 g | ||
| Protein | 125.6 g | 251% | |
| Vitamin D | 7.9 mcg | 40% | |
| Calcium | 3216 mg | 247% | |
| Iron | 10.3 mg | 57% | |
| Potassium | 3105 mg | 66% | |
*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.
