Broccoli Casserole with a Kick

Turn up the heat on your weeknight dinner with this creamy, cheesy Broccoli Casserole with a Kick! This bold twist on a classic comfort food pairs tender broccoli florets with a velvety cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar and cream cheese, elevated by a dash of hot sauce and smoked paprika for a subtle heat and smoky undertone. Finished with a golden, crunchy topping of panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan, this casserole is baked to bubbling perfection. Quick to prepare in under an hour and perfect for serving a crowd, it’s a vibrant side dish or vegetarian main that’s anything but boring. Ideal for adding flavor-packed excitement to your table, this recipe will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Nutriscore Rating: 59/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 5 cups broccoli florets
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 teaspoons hot sauce
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish.

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and blanch them for 2-3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 4

Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the cooked onions and stir until combined, forming a roux. Cook for 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.

Step 5

Slowly whisk in the whole milk, ensuring no lumps form. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, cream cheese, hot sauce, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 7

Add the broccoli florets to the cheese sauce and gently fold to coat evenly. Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish.

Step 8

In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Mix until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.

Step 9

Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the broccoli casserole.

Step 10

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.

Step 11

Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your Broccoli Casserole with a Kick!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1465.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2567.4

Total Fat 191.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 112.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.9g
Cholesterol 557.1mg	0%
Sodium 4573.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 116.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 14.4g	0%
Total Sugars 36.7g
Protein 121.5g	0%

Vitamin D 262.7IU	0%
Calcium 3008.0mg	0%
Iron 10.0mg	0%
Potassium 1184.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 64.4%

Protein: 18.1%

Carbs: 17.5%