4.3 from 94 votes
Broccoli Cheese Casserole From Scratch
Broccoli Cheese Casserole From Scratch features tender broccoli coated in a creamy sharp cheddar sauce and baked to meld the flavors. The broccoli is briefly boiled then shocked in ice water to preserve bite and color before being combined with a cheese sauce made from a butter-flour roux and half and half. The sharp cheddar adds a pronounced cheese flavor that stands out in this comforting casserole, suitable as a side dish or light entrée.
Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
30 mins
Total Time
50 mins
Servings:
8
servings
Calories:
343 kcal
Course:
Side Dish
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
- 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 cheddar cheese sharp, grated, divided
Instructions
- If making immediately, preheat oven to 350F
- Cut the broccoli, stems included, into bite sized pieces. Plunge in boiling water for 2-3 minutes exactly, then drain and put in ice water to stop cooking. When cold, drain on a clean kitchen towel.
- Meanwhile melt the butter in a saucepan and add the flour, stirring to combine. Cook, stirring constantly, for a few minutes, without browning. Slowly add in the half and half, stirring or whiskling constantly, until the mixture thickens. Note: you don't need to bring it to a boil. I usually switch to a silicone spatula at the end to keep the sauce from sticking to the pan or scorching.
- Remove from heat and let cool for 2 minutes. This is important because you don't want the super hot sauce to cause the cheese to curdle. Add 2 cups of the cheese, and stir gently until it melts and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt to taste.
- Toss the broccoli with the warm cheese sauce until evenly coated, and then spoon into a baking dish. Top with the remaining cup of cheese. If making immediately, bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and starting to turn golden on top. You can run it under the broiler briefly at the end for some browning if you like.
- If making ahead, cover tightly with foil and refrigerate. Remove from the fridge and let come to room temperature before baking (about 2 hours.) The baking time will probably be slightly longer for the make ahead casserole.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for a stronger, more distinct flavor.
Nutrition Information
Calories
343kcal
(17%)
Carbohydrates
12g
(4%)
Protein
15g
(30%)
Fat
27g
(42%)
Saturated Fat
17g
(85%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
1g
(6%)
Monounsaturated Fat
7g
(35%)
Trans Fat
1g
(50%)
Cholesterol
82mg
(27%)
Sodium
366mg
(15%)
Potassium
395mg
(8%)
Fiber
2g
(8%)
Sugar
2g
(4%)
Vitamin A
1344IU
(27%)
Vitamin C
76mg
(84%)
Calcium
411mg
(41%)
Iron
1mg
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 8 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 343
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 343kcal | 17% |
| Carbohydrates | 12g | 4% |
| Protein | 15g | 30% |
| Fat | 27g | 42% |
| Saturated Fat | 17g | 85% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 82mg | 27% |
| Sodium | 366mg | 15% |
| Potassium | 395mg | 8% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 1344IU | 27% |
| Vitamin C | 76mg | 84% |
| Calcium | 411mg | 41% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.