Quick and Easy Broccoli and Cheese Casserole
November 22, 2023
super easy
You have got to try this creamy broccoli cheese casserole recipe. It is an easy side dish to prepare for any occasion, something the whole family will love.
If you were an 80’s baby, you probably grew up the on the Velveeta cheese version of this casserole. While we love the flavor, what we don’t love is all of the preservatives Velveeta and American cheese have loaded in them. We have created a much healthier version with the most creamy cheese sauce. You will not miss the preservatives, we promise. Our goal here is to fuel your body, not hinder. So check out this Quick and Easy Broccoli and Cheese Casserole
Easy Swaps
There are a few swaps compared to the 80’s style that used Velveeta cheese. Did you know that American cheese is less than 51% cheese curds ? It is processed cheese, exactly what we are trying to get away from. So don’t use this as an alternative either. If you are going to swap for one of the cheeses we have used in this recipe, be sure it is real cheese! Also, don’t try to skip corners by using pre-shredded cheese. The pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents in it. Most people use Ritz crackers, but instead we use panko bread crumbs which still give you the crunch without the junk.
To make the easy cheese sauce you will need just a few simple ingredients. These simple ingredients create the ultimate comfort food.
Ingredients:
- olive oil spray
- 24 oz. frozen broccoli
- 1 yellow onion finely chopped
- 1 1/2 TBSP. butter
- 1 1/2 TBSP einkorn all purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 tsp. onion powder
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp. ground mustard powder
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups Monterey jack cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup of panko bread crumbs
Making the Quick and Easy Broccoli and Cheese Casserole
Preheat the oven to 375 f. The first step will be to make a simple roux to create the homemade cheese sauce. In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat combine the chopped onion and butter. Once the butter has melted and the onion has tenderized add in the einkorn flour to create a paste. Add in the milk and whisk together at this point turn to medium heat and let the sauce thicken. Be sure to whisk frequently so that it doesn’t burn and once it has thickened turn the heat to low and add in the cheese. Use a wooden spoon to get the cheese all blended in and at this point add in the chicken broth (chicken stock or bone broth can also be used). Remove the cheese sauce from the heat.
In a baking dish, pour in a layer of the cheese sauce and then place half of the broccoli on top. I like
using frozen broccoli florets for this recipe because it gets more tender and there is much less prep. If all you have is fresh broccoli florets be sure to steam them first to get the broccoli partially tender. Pour half of the cheese sauce on top of the broccoli and then place broccoli on top followed by one more layer of cheese sauce.
Cover the dish with foil and place in the preheated oven. Bake in the oven for one hour until the top of the casserole turns golden brown. Remove and let the casserole cool about 10-15 minutes. Serve and enjoy!
The Ultimate Side Dish
This great recipe will not disappoint! The cayenne gives it the perfect amount of kick that makes you wanting more. It is the perfect side dish for any occasion. If you love creamy casseroles, you will love this. It pairs perfectly
with pork chops, pork tenderloin or even your Thanksgiving turkey. Be sure to give this easy broccoli casserole recipe a try.
If you love the looks of this dish, try these:
https://healthierhomemade.co/recipe/creamy-cheddar-and-chive-potato-soup/
Quick and Easy Broccoli and Cheese Casserole
Ingredients
- olive oil spray
- 24 oz. frozen broccoli
- 1 yellow onion finely chopped
- 1 1/2 TBSP. butter
- 1 1/2 TBSP einkorn all purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 tsp. onion powder
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp. ground mustard powder
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups Monterey jack cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup of panko bread crumbs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 f.
- In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat combine the chopped onion and butter.
- Once the butter has melted and the onion has tenderized add in the einkorn flour to create a paste.
- Add in the milk and whisk together at this point turn to medium heat and let the sauce thicken. Be sure to whisk frequently so that it doesn't burn and once it has thickened turn the heat to low and add in the cheese.
- Use a wooden spoon to get the cheese all blended in and at this point add in the chicken broth.
- Remove the cheese sauce from the heat.
- In a baking dish, pour in a layer of the cheese sauce and then place half of the broccoli on top. Pour half of the cheese sauce on top of the broccoli and then place broccoli on top followed by one more layer of cheese sauce.
- Cover the dish with foil and place in the preheated oven. Bake in the oven for one hour until the top of the casserole turns golden brown.
- Remove and let the casserole cool about 10-15 minutes. Serve and enjoy!
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