Broccoli Two Cheese Casserole(A Country Thanksgiving At The Lamars)
A creamy broccoli casserole with two cheeses, perfect for holiday gatherings and family dinners, featuring a savory blend of bleu cheese, cream cheese, and seasoned flavors.
Ingredients
- 4 (10 oz.) packages frozen chopped broccoli ⓘ
- 4 Tbsp. butter, melted ⓘ
- 4 Tbsp. flour ⓘ
- 2 cups milk ⓘ
- 1 tsp. seasoned salt ⓘ
- Pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. ketchup ⓘ
- 2 (3 oz.) packages blue cheese, crumbled ⓘ
- 2 (3 oz.) packages cream cheese, crumbled ⓘ
- 2 cups soft buttered bread crumbs ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook broccoli according to package directions, reducing cooking time by 3 minutes; drain and spread evenly in two greased 1-1/2 quart casserole dishes.
- In a large skillet, add flour slowly to melted butter, stirring constantly until mixture is smooth.
- Add milk, seasoned salt, pepper, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, bleu cheese, and cream cheese to the skillet, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth and bubbly.
- Pour the cheese mixture over the broccoli in the casserole dishes.
- Sprinkle bread crumbs evenly over the top.
- Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 25 minutes or until the sauce is bubbly and the crumbs are browned.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider using fresh broccoli instead of frozen, and sauté it lightly before adding it to the casserole. For a twist, try substituting the blue cheese with feta or goat cheese for a different taste profile. You can also mix in some cooked chicken or ham for added protein. If you prefer a lighter version, use low-fat milk and reduced-fat cream cheese.
Serving Suggestions
This Broccoli Two Cheese Casserole is a hearty side dish that pairs beautifully with a roasted turkey or glazed ham, making it perfect for holiday gatherings. Consider serving it alongside a fresh salad or with warm, homemade bread like Wendy's Rolls to complement the meal. It also works well as a vegetarian main dish when served with a side of quinoa or rice.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating, but the oven method helps maintain the crispiness of the bread crumbs.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Broccoli Two Cheese Casserole(A Country Thanksgiving At The Lamars) contains roughly 552 calories, with 9g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 40g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (66% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (25% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1346mg per serving (59% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen for this casserole?
Yes, fresh broccoli can be used! Just make sure to blanch it quickly before adding it to the casserole to ensure it's tender. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as fresh broccoli may require less time than frozen.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Just be sure to bake it just before serving for the best texture. If baking from cold, you may need to extend the baking time slightly.
What can I substitute for the cream cheese?
If you're looking for a substitute for cream cheese, consider using Greek yogurt for a healthier option or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative if you're following a vegan diet. This will still give you a creamy texture while altering the flavor slightly.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).