Go Back
Baked Broccoli Recipe With Cheese

Baked Broccoli Recipe With Cheese - Easy Family Meal

Baked broccoli with cheese is a comforting side dish that highlights the freshness of broccoli, smothered in rich, gooey cheese. It’s an excellent way to sneak some greens into your meal—after all, who can resist a cheesy, vegetable concoction?
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

  • Here’s a list of what you’ll need to get started:
  • 8 - cups fresh broccoli florets
  • 1 - cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese for a bolder flavor
  • - ½ cup unsalted butter
  • - ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 - small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 - ¼ cups whole milk
  • - Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 - cups grated Swiss cheese
  • 2 - large eggs, lightly beaten
  • - ½ teaspoon garlic powder for an extra punch of flavor
  • - ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes to add a hint of spice
  • This combination will yield a delightful dish that balances creaminess and a touch of heat.

Method
 

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
  1. Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). This initial step ensures that the cheese will bubble and golden beautifully as it bakes.
Step 2: Steam the Broccoli
  1. Grab your steamer and fill it with an inch of water. Place in the fresh broccoli florets, cover with a lid, and let it steam until they’re crisp-tender. This usually takes about 2 to 6 minutes. Keep an eye on them; we don’t want them mushy!
Step 3: Prepare the Cheesy Sauce
  1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, sprinkle in the flour, stirring until it becomes bubbly. This creates a roux which will thicken our sauce. Now, add in the chopped onion and cook until softened—about 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps form. Raise the heat until you reach a gentle boil, cooking for just about a minute.
Step 4: Season Up
  1. Once the mixture has thickened a bit, remove it from the heat. Add a pinch of salt, a dash of pepper, and the garlic powder. Stir in the cheddar cheese and Swiss cheese until they're nearly melted, followed by the lightly beaten eggs. Mix until everything is well combined, and the cheese is beautifully gooey.
Step 5: Combine and Coat
  1. Add the steamed broccoli to your cheese mixture. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently stir until every piece of broccoli is coated in that cheesy goodness. It’s fun to see the vibrant green against the rich cheese!
Step 6: Transfer and Bake
  1. Pour the cheesy broccoli mixture into a 9x13-inch casserole dish. This is where the magic happens! Place it in the preheated oven and let it bake for about 30 minutes or until it’s bubbling and golden on top. The aroma will be irresistible!

Notes

- Don't oversteam the broccoli. You want it to maintain some crunch, so keep a close eye on the steaming time.
- Experiment with cheeses. While Swiss and cheddar work great, feel free to try Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even a pepper jack for a spicy kick.
- Add protein. Toss in some cooked chicken or turkey to make it a full meal.
- Make it ahead. You can assemble everything a day before and simply pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve.
- Keep it gluten-free. Substitute the all-purpose flour with cornstarch mixed with a bit of cold water to thicken the sauce.