Are you tired of bland side dishes at your dinner table? Do you want to add more vegetables to your diet without sacrificing taste? Look no further than this ultimate recipe for broccoli casserole.

Did you know that a one-cup serving of cooked broccoli meets 100% of your daily vitamin C needs? Not only is broccoli packed with nutrients, but it is also delicious when combined with creamy cheese and aromatic spices.

This recipe is easy to customize to your taste preferences - prefer a crispy topping? Use panko breadcrumbs instead of traditional ones. Want a spicy kick? Add red pepper flakes to the mix.

But the real secret to this dish is the balance of ingredients - tender pieces of broccoli swimming in a rich and indulgent cheese sauce made from creamy roux, whole milk, and sharp cheddar. And let's not forget the buttery and crispy topping that brings it all together into an irresistible casserole.

But if you think this recipe is just delicious, think again - it's also a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone at the dinner table asking for seconds. So why settle for a boring side dish when you can have comfort in every bite? Give this ultimate recipe for broccoli casserole a try and see for yourself!

Want to learn how to make it? Keep reading for the full recipe below.

Comfort in Every Bite: The Ultimate Recipe for Broccoli Casserole

Broccoli casserole is a classic dish that every household should have on their recipe list. It's a great side dish, either for a potluck dinner or your family's dining table, especially during the colder months. The combination of the warm and comforting cheese sauce with the crispiness of the broccoli florets will leave everyone in your home satisfied with this ultimate comfort food. Without further ado, let's get into the recipe.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds broccoli florets roughly chopped
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 cups of whole milk
• 1 cup of sour cream
• Three cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• Cooking spray (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil while prepping the broccoli.
3. Add the broccoli florets to the pot and blanch uncovered for two to three minutes. Do not overcook. Blanching helps keep the bright green color and adds both texture to the final dish.
4. Once done with the blanching, drain thoroughly and set it aside in the strainer as you proceed to make your cheese sauce.
5. In a large saucepan, melt the five tablespoons of butter over medium heat until bubbling.
6. Add your five tablespoons of flour, one teaspoon salt, a quarter teaspoon nutmeg, a quarter teaspoon black pepper, and a teaspoon of garlic powder into the pan, then stir constantly using a whisk. Whisk for at least 2-3 minutes since you want all the flavors to marry and the flour taste cooked out.
7. Slowly add in two cups of milk, whisking continuously to combine without lumps till the mixture is thickened slightly.
8. Add the shredded cheddar cheese, one handful at a time to the saucepan, stirring with a whisk continuously to avoid clumps. Only add more cheese once the previous amount has completely melted into the sauce before adding an extra handful so that you won't burn it.
9. Turn off the stove and take the scorching cheese saucepan over the sink. Pour in one cup of sour cream to your cheese sauce and incorporate through to even consistency thoroughly, creating a thick and flavorful sauce. Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings as needed.
10. Take a casserole or baking dish and coat the rings with cooking spay.
11. Stir the drained broccoli into the cheese sauce until coated.
12. Transfer the broccoli cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth out the top creating an even layer.
13. Bake uncovered for about 20-25 min or till everything is hot and bubbly, switching on your broiler, for the last few minutes to crisp up the edges and turn up the golden goodness.
14. Remove the dish from the oven and let it stand briefly. Serve hot with your choice of a main course. Enjoy!

Nutrition

• Serving size - 1/6 of casserole.|
• Calories-336|
• Fat-26g|
• Cholesterol-76mg
• Sodium-682mg
• Potassium-360mg
• Carbohydrates-12g |
• Fiber-3g |
• Sugar-4g |
• Protein-15g

There you go! An easy, savory, and satisfying recipe for broccoli casserole for any occasion. Enjoy the cheesy recipe with friends, family, or colleagues during any festive meal or family dinner, knowing its flavourful contents benefit both body and spirit for a delightfully heart-warming time.