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Cheesy broccoli bake is the perfect, easy make-ahead side dish. Perfect for everything from a simple weeknight dinner to a Thanksgiving feast.
I’m a big fan of covering vegetables in creamy cheese sauce and baking until golden brown but something tells me that pretty much no person on Earth would be against that. Right? I mean, even the most hatiest (totally a word) vegetable haters will love this glorious cheesy broccoli bake.
Not only is it absolutely delicious but it’s also SO easy to make. The cheese sauce is a one-pot wonder and comes together in minutes (check out the video below) and is layered with steamed broccoli and mozzarella before baking. You could blanche or roast the broccoli as well, you just want to make sure it’s half-way cooked before layering with the cheese sauce.
I love serving this cheesy broccoli casserole with roast chicken or pan-seared pork chops for an easy weeknight dinner but if you’re thinking about side dishes for Thanksgiving, this one is a total winner. It also helps that you can assemble it up to two days ahead and keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it.
How do you make cheesy broccoli bake?
Steam or blanche the broccoli until just tender then layer the broccoli with grated mozzarella and cheese sauce. Bake until golden brown and serve.
How do you make cheese sauce for broccoli?
Make an easy cheese sauce by whisking butter and flour in a medium saucepan over medium heat until a roux forms. Slowly whisk in milk and season with salt, nutmeg, mustard powder and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Remove from the heat then stir in the cheese until completely melted.
What cheese goes with broccoli and cheese?
Using a strong cheese like mature cheddar, Parmesan, Gruyere is best for broccoli and cheese. The flavor of the cheese needs to be able to stand up to the flavor of the broccoli. Adding a good melting cheese like mozzarella, Raclette or Fontina will add lush creaminess.
Cheesy broccoli bake
Ingredients
For the cheese sauce
- 4 cups Cheese sauce Click for recipe
For the Cheesy broccoli bake
- 750 g broccoli florets Approximately 1½lbs
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese grated
Instructions
- Pre-heat the oven to 200ºc/400ºF.
- Prepare the cheese sauce to recipe instructions.
- Steam or blanche the broccoli until just tender then drain and allow to dry for 10 a few minutes.
- Layer the broccoli, cheese sauce and mozzarella in an oven-safe casserole dish then place in the oven.
- Bake until golden brown and until the broccoli is cooked through and serve.
Video
Nutrition
Creamy broccoli chicken gnocchi soup
Crispy chicken thighs on cheesy broccoli rice
The perfect side dish. Made it with roasted pork and potatoes and added a salad for my vegetarian friend. Smiles all around!
Sounds perfect! 🙂
My family loved this. We eat a lot of broccoli and I’m out of ideas but this was really good.
So happy I could provide some new inspiration.
Great recipe. Perfect use of broccoli.
Thanks!
This looks so, so delicious! Definitely need to add it to my weekly rotation!
You must! It’s a good one!
Wow! That looks like the perfect comforting side dish. ??
It totally is!