Kittencal's Creamy Broccoli Casserole Make Ahead

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with Kittencal's Creamy Broccoli Casserole, a make-ahead dish that's perfect for busy nights or holiday gatherings. This rich and velvety casserole pairs tender blanched broccoli with a luscious cheese sauce made from cheddar, cream cheese, and a hint of garlic and onion powder. Topped with a golden, crunchy breadcrumb and Parmesan crust, every bite is a delightful contrast of textures. Designed for convenience, this recipe allows you to prepare it up to 24 hours in advance, making it an ideal choice for stress-free meal planning. Whether it's a weeknight dinner or a side dish for a festive spread, this creamy broccoli casserole will steal the show! Perfectly balanced flavors, creamy textures, and make-ahead ease make this dish a reliable crowd-pleaser.

Nutriscore Rating: 58/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 900 grams broccoli florets
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 120 grams cream cheese, softened
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2

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

Step 3

In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook, stirring continuously, for 1–2 minutes to create a roux.

Step 4

Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, ensuring no lumps form. Continue to cook, stirring, until the mixture starts to thicken, about 3–4 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 6

Add the blanched broccoli to the cheese sauce and fold gently to coat the broccoli evenly.

Step 7

Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly.

Step 8

In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and olive oil together until combined. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.

Step 9

If making ahead, cover the dish tightly with foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.

Step 10

When ready to cook, bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 30–40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy, and the casserole is hot and bubbly.

Step 11

Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2245.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3953.8

Total Fat 297.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 166.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.4g
Cholesterol 830.5mg	0%
Sodium 7403.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 191.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 27.1g	0%
Total Sugars 46.7g
Protein 147.7g	0%

Vitamin D 223.7IU	0%
Calcium 3295.7mg	0%
Iron 15.1mg	0%
Potassium 989.6mg	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: 66.4%

Protein: 14.7%

Carbs: 19.0%