Broccoli Cheese Casserole
Broccoli florets, cheese, and homemade cream of chicken soup come together in this Broccoli Cheese Casserole. The best holiday side dish.
There are always a few dishes that make a yearly appearance on our Thanksgiving menu, and my Broccoli Cheese Casserole is definitely one of them. This homemade broccoli and cheese casserole is a comfort food classic that’s sure to be a hit alongside other Thanksgiving side dishes. It’s rich, flavorful, and the kind of dish that keeps guests coming back for seconds.
BROCCOLI CHEESE CASSEROLE
Tender, fresh broccoli florets are smothered in a creamy, cheesy mixture of melty cheddar, Greek yogurt, and homemade condensed chicken soup, an irresistible combination that’s perfect for any dinner. Want to really wow your party guests and family? Add a layer of buttery, crispy crackers or breadcrumbs on top for a satisfying crunch. Even the pickiest broccoli skeptics will be converted once they taste this creamy, cheesy side dish!
For weeknight dinners, this creamy broccoli casserole pairs perfectly with dishes like Chicken Piccata, Crock Pot Turkey and Gravy, or Slow Cooker Honey Glazed Ham. It’s a versatile side that works for holidays, family dinners, or any occasion when you want a crowd-pleasing vegetable dish.
Find my expert tips on how to make broccoli cheese casserole from scratch below! Don’t forget to tag me in all of your creations @lifeinthelofthouse on Instagram and Facebook. Let’s stay connected. ❤️
Why You’ll Love This Easy Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe:
- Creamy & Comforting: This broccoli cheese casserole is loaded with tender broccoli, creamy Greek yogurt, and a smooth, cheesy sauce that’s pure comfort in every bite.
- Family-Friendly Casserole: With simple ingredients like broccoli, cheddar cheese, and a homemade chicken broth sauce, this casserole is an easy broccoli side dish that both kids and adults love. It can even stand alone as a main course.
- Perfect For Any Occasion: Whether you’re serving it for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a family dinner, this casserole is a versatile side dish that pairs well with roasted meats, chicken, or ham.
- Customizable Layers: You can add a crunchy topping of breadcrumbs or crackers for extra texture, or use your favorite cheese to make it mild, sharp, or extra cheesy.
- ChatGPT said:
- Make It Healthy Or Hearty: Customize this casserole to suit your nutrition goals or needs! Greek yogurt adds creaminess and protein, creating a lighter, healthier version of this classic cheesy broccoli comfort dish without compromising on flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups chicken broth
- 3/4 cup milk, divided (I use 2%)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 5 cups cooked and chopped broccoli florets
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 small yellow onion chopped
- 1 cup freshly grated cheddar cheese (I use mild cheddar)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick spray. Set aside.
Combine chicken broth and 1/4 cup milk in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a low boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low.
Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk the flour and seasonings together. Pour in the remaining milk. Whisk until smooth and no lumps remain. (Mixture will be thick.)
Pour the flour/milk mixture into the saucepan with the broth mixture. Whisk and stir constantly as mixture simmers. Continue to let simmer until mixture is smooth and thick. (Around 5 minutes or so.) Remove from heat and let stand about 10 minutes to slightly cool.
In a large bowl, add cooked broccoli, soup mixture, yogurt, and onion. Gently mix to combine everything. Pour mixture into prepared baking dish. Spread out evenly. Top with grated cheddar cheese.
Bake in preheated oven, uncovered, for 20 minutes or until hot, bubbly, and cheese is melted. Remove from oven and serve warm. Enjoy!
Servings
Serves 6.
Storage and Reheating
Let the casserole cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave for 1–2 minutes or the whole casserole in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes until heated through.
Holly’s Tips for The Best Broccoli Cheese Casserole:
- Use Fresh Broccoli: Fresh florets give this casserole the best flavor, texture, and vibrant color.
- Don’t Overcook: Lightly steam or blanch broccoli so it stays tender-crisp after baking, avoiding a mushy casserole.
- Create A Creamy Sauce: Whisk the flour, milk, and seasonings before adding to the chicken broth to ensure a lump-free, rich base for this cheesy broccoli side dish.
- Choose The Right Cheese: Freshly grated cheddar melts beautifully. Mild cheddar is great for families, while sharp cheddar adds extra flavor.
- Topping Tip: Sprinkle breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or panko on top for a golden, crispy finish that elevates this easy broccoli casserole.
- Perfect For Any Occasion: This casserole is a versatile holiday side dish or weeknight favorite that pairs well with roasted meats, poultry, or ham.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes! Prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed when ready to serve.
Yes! Thaw and drain frozen broccoli first to avoid excess water, which can make the casserole watery.
To make this Broccoli Cheese Casserole dairy-free, substitute the Greek yogurt and cheddar cheese with plant-based alternatives, such as dairy-free yogurt and vegan cheese, while keeping the creamy texture and flavor intact.
To make Broccoli Cheese Casserole gluten-free, simply replace the all-purpose flour in the sauce with a gluten-free flour or cornstarch, and ensure any other ingredients, like chicken broth, are labeled gluten-free.
Similar Recipes
Craving something similar? Try my Parmesan Roasted Broccoli next.
Can’t get enough of broccoli? My Creamy Broccoli and Bacon is just as delicious.
Wanting something more protein-rich? My Cheesy Chicken Rice and Broccoli Skillet is a simple weeknight meal.
In the mood for something different? Give my Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli, Beef and Broccoli Ramen, and Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells a try.
Have you made this Broccoli Cheese Casserole recipe? 💚
Leave a review, and don’t forget to tag me in your creations on Instagram and Facebook! @lifeinthelofthouse! #BroccoliCheeseCasserole #ThanksgivingCasserole #LifeInTheLofthouse
Broccoli Cheese Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups chicken broth
- 3/4 cup milk, divided (I use 2%)
- 1/4 cup all purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 5 cups cooked and chopped broccoli florets
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 small yellow onion chopped
- 1 cup freshly grated cheddar cheese (I use mild cheddar)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick spray. Set aside.
- Combine chicken broth and 1/4 cup milk in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a low boil. Reduce heat to medium-low.
- Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk the flour and seasonings together. Pour in remaining milk. Whisk until smooth and no lumps remain. (Mixture will be thick.)
- Pour the flour/milk mixture into the saucepan with the broth mixture. Whisk and stir constantly as mixture simmers. Continue to let simmer until mixture is smooth and thick. (Around 5 minutes or so.) Remove from heat and let stand about 10 minutes to slightly cool.
- In a large bowl, add cooked broccoli, soup mixture, yogurt and onion. Gently mix to combine everything. Pour mixture into prepared baking dish. Spread out evenly. Top with grated cheddar cheese.
- Bake in preheated oven, uncovered, for 20 minutes or until hot, bubbly and cheese is melted. Remove from oven and serve warm. Enjoy!
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Can you use sour cream instead of yogurt?
Yes you can. It will give it a tangier flavor, but it will work.
can you add rice to this?
I think you could add cooked rice to this with delicious results! If I were to do it I would add only 1 to 2 cups cooked rice. Stir it in when you stir the broccoli and soup mixture together then bake as directed. 🙂
can I make this a day ahead?
Yes! Just make as directed, but don’t bake it yet. Cover and store in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it/serve it. It will need a little extra time to warm through in the oven though. 🙂
Can you make this with canned cream of chicken soup? I’m sure the homemade version tastes better, but canned would be much quicker for weeknights! Thank you!
Yes, you can use a couple of cans of cream of chicken soup to replace the broth, milk and yogurt. It won’t taste them same, but will definitely work. 🙂