Creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly comforting, the "Easy As Can Be Broccoli Cheese Bake" is a family-friendly side dish that pairs vibrant broccoli florets with a velvety homemade cheese sauce, topped with a golden, crispy panko breadcrumb crust. This crowd-pleaser is quick to prepare, featuring pantry staples like sharp cheddar, parmesan, and a touch of garlic powder to elevate the flavor. With just 10 minutes of prep and a short bake time, itβs the perfect addition to weeknight dinners, potlucks, or holiday spreads. Whether you're looking to sneak in more veggies or indulge in a cheesy casserole, this recipe delivers big on flavor and ease.
Preheat your oven to 375Β°F (190Β°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 2-3 minutes, until theyβre bright green and slightly tender. Drain and set aside.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly, to create a smooth sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the mixture begins to thicken.
Stir in the cheddar cheese and parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, and mix well.
Place the cooked broccoli in the prepared baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the broccoli.
In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the cheese sauce.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
Calories |
2142 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 151.7 g | 194% | |
| Saturated Fat | 88.3 g | 442% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 432 mg | 144% | |
| Sodium | 3938 mg | 171% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 105.7 g | 38% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 11.4 g | 41% | |
| Total Sugars | 31.4 g | ||
| Protein | 110.9 g | 222% | |
| Vitamin D | 6.6 mcg | 33% | |
| Calcium | 2847 mg | 219% | |
| Iron | 8.2 mg | 46% | |
| Potassium | 1025 mg | 22% | |
*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.