Ingredients
4 cups fresh broccoli florets (or frozen, thawed)
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
Prepare broccoli: Steam or blanch broccoli for 3–4 minutes until slightly tender. Drain well.
Make cheese sauce:
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
Slowly add milk, whisking continuously until thickened.
Season: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Add cheese: Mix in 1 ½ cups cheddar and stir until melted and smooth.
Combine: Remove from heat and stir in sour cream. Add broccoli and toss to coat.
Assemble: Pour into baking dish. Top with remaining cheddar, Parmesan, and breadcrumbs (if using).
Bake for 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Cooking Tips
- Drain broccoli well to avoid a watery casserole.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting (pre-shredded can be grainy).
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of paprika or mustard powder to the sauce.
- Let the bake rest for 5 minutes before serving to help it set.
- Want it extra creamy? Add a splash of heavy cream to the sauce.
Variations
- Chicken Broccoli Bake: Add 2 cups cooked shredded chicken for a complete meal.
- Low-Carb/Keto: Skip breadcrumbs and use crushed pork rinds or extra cheese.
- Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
- Loaded Version: Mix in cooked bacon bits for extra flavor.
- Different Cheeses: Try mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Gruyère for a twist.
- Veggie Boost: Add cauliflower, mushrooms, or spinach.
- Crunchy Topping: Use crushed crackers or fried onions instead of breadcrumbs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g