Year Round Broccoli Casserole
A creamy broccoli casserole with pearl onions, sharp Cheddar, and a crispy bread crumb topping, perfect for comforting family dinners or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan.
- Blend in flour, salt, and cian pepper to make a roux.
- Gradually add warm milk, simmer and stir until thickened.
- Stir in softened cream cheese until smooth.
- In a 1/2-quart casserole dish, place lightly steamed broccoli pieces and parboiled pearl onions.
- Pour the sauce over the vegetables and mix lightly.
- Sprinkle with shredded sharp Cheddar cheese.
- Bake, covered, for 15 minutes.
- Cut remaining butter into hunks and lay on top of the casserole.
- Sprinkle bread crumbs over the top.
- Bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding garlic or onion powder to the roux. If you're out of pearl onions, you can substitute with chopped yellow onions or shallots. To make this dish even creamier, try mixing in some shredded mozzarella or Gruyère cheese. If you're looking to make it lighter, you can use low-fat cream cheese or a dairy-free alternative.
Serving Suggestions
This broccoli casserole is a fantastic side dish for roasted meats or grilled fish. It pairs beautifully with Grandma'S Chocolate Chip Cake for dessert. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a fresh salad or some crusty bread. It's a versatile dish that works well for both weeknight dinners and holiday gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover broccoli casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quicker option, but the oven method helps maintain its crispy topping.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Year Round Broccoli Casserole contains roughly 698 calories, with 20g protein, 120g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (44% of the Daily Value), protein (40% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1447mg per serving (63% 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 frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli! Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the casserole to avoid excess moisture. Lightly steaming the frozen broccoli can help retain its texture and flavor.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time, as it will be cold from the fridge.
What can I serve with this casserole?
This broccoli casserole pairs well with a variety of dishes. Consider serving it alongside grilled chicken or baked salmon for a balanced meal. A side of Easy Delicious Old Fashioned Cole Slaw Dressing adds a refreshing crunch to complement the creamy casserole.
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).