What’s the best cheese for broccoli bake?

Sharp cheddar delivers bold flavor, but Swiss or Gruyère create a smoother, nuttier profile. You can even combine both.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes. Thaw and drain it well before mixing to avoid excess water in the casserole.

How do I make it gluten-free?

Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch in the roux. Everything else remains the same.

What to serve with broccoli cheese bake?

It pairs beautifully with roast chicken, turkey, or vegetarian mains like stuffed mushrooms.

Broccoli Cheese Bake: A Creamy Thanksgiving Favorite

Description

This Broccoli Cheese Bake is a creamy, cheesy, and golden Thanksgiving favorite that always disappears first from the table. Tender broccoli florets are baked in a rich, velvety cheese sauce until bubbly and crisp on top a comforting side that pairs perfectly with roasted turkey or mashed potatoes.

Ingredients

Scale

5 cups fresh broccoli florets (or frozen, thawed and drained)
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (use gluten-free flour if needed)
2 cups whole milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
1/2 cup shredded Swiss or Gruyère cheese (optional)
2 eggs (optional, for custardy texture)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
1/4 cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers (optional, for topping)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the broccoli for 2–3 minutes until just tender but still bright green. Drain well and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a smooth paste and cook for 1 minute.
Gradually whisk in milk, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
Reduce heat to low and stir in shredded cheddar (and Swiss or Gruyère if using) until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
In a large bowl, combine the broccoli with the cheese sauce. Add beaten eggs if desired for extra richness.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and smooth the top evenly. Sprinkle extra cheese and breadcrumbs (if using) over the top.
Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
Cool for 5 minutes before serving. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

You can prepare this dish up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate before baking. For freezing, let the casserole cool completely and wrap tightly; reheat at 350°F until warmed through. For a lighter version, use part-skim cheese and less butter. Make it gluten-free by substituting gluten-free flour or cornstarch.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Thanksgiving
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion
Calories: 310
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 420mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 13g
Cholesterol: 90mg