Creamy Broccoli Delight Casserole
This Creamy Broccoli Delight Casserole is a wholesome, delectable dish that brings together tender broccoli and a rich, homemade cream cheese sauce without relying on canned soups. As a child, I relished the classic broccoli casserole, but I found a way to elevate it while cutting down on sodium. This version is not only healthier, but it's loaded with flavor! Whether you choose to top it with crunchy breadcrumbs or buttery Ritz crackers, each bite is a delightful medley of textures and tastes. Great as a comforting side dish or a satisfying vegetarian main course, this dish is perfect for family gatherings and potlucks. Serve it warm, and watch it disappear before your eyes!
6
Servings
223
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Frozen Chopped Broccoli
2 (10 ounce packages)
Garlic, Jarred Minced
1/2 (teaspoon)
Butter
1/4 (cup (divided))
All-Purpose Flour
2 (tablespoons)
Milk
1 (cup)
Salt
1/4-1/2 (teaspoon (to taste))
Pepper
1/8 (teaspoon)
Cream Cheese
1 (3 ounce package (softened))
Cheddar Cheese, Shredded
1/2 (cup)
Breadcrumbs or Crushed Ritz Crackers
1/2 (cup (fine and dry))
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Cook the frozen chopped broccoli according to package directions, or if using fresh broccoli, chop it and cook it until tender. Drain well and mix in the minced garlic. Transfer the broccoli to a lightly greased 1-quart casserole dish and set aside.
3
In a heavy saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over low heat. Once melted, sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously to create a smooth paste. Cook for 1 minute while stirring constantly.
4
Gradually pour in the milk, continuing to stir over medium heat. Cook until the mixture thickens and becomes bubbly; this should take about 5-7 minutes.
5
Add salt and pepper to taste, and then stir in the softened cream cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
6
Pour the cream cheese sauce over the broccoli in the casserole dish, stirring gently to combine. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top.
7
In a small saucepan, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over low heat. Remove from heat once melted and stir in either the breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers until well coated.
8
Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb or Ritz cracker mixture over the top of the casserole.
9
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, or until warmed through and the top is golden and bubbly.
Nutrition Information
14g
Fat
13g
Carbs
7g
Protein
2.5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Broccoli Delight Casserole?
It is a wholesome dish featuring tender broccoli and a rich, homemade cream cheese sauce, designed to be a healthier alternative to traditional canned soup versions.
Is this recipe a healthy alternative to traditional casseroles?
Yes, it is designed to be lower in sodium and avoids the use of canned soups by utilizing a fresh, homemade cream cheese sauce.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains 223 calories.
What temperature should I preheat my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Yes, if using fresh broccoli, chop it and cook it until it is tender before proceeding with the recipe.
How do I prepare the frozen broccoli?
Cook the frozen chopped broccoli according to the package directions and drain it well before mixing in the garlic.
Does this recipe require canned soup?
No, this recipe does not use canned soups; it features a homemade sauce made from butter, flour, milk, and cream cheese.
How do I make the cream cheese sauce?
Melt butter, whisk in flour to make a paste, gradually add milk until thickened, then stir in the softened cream cheese.
How long does it take for the sauce to thicken?
The sauce should take about 5-7 minutes to become thick and bubbly over medium heat.
What size casserole dish is needed?
A lightly greased 1-quart casserole dish is recommended for this recipe.
What kind of cheese is used for the topping?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to be sprinkled on top.
What are the options for the crunchy topping?
You can use either fine, dry breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers mixed with melted butter.
How long should the casserole bake?
Bake the casserole for 40 minutes in the preheated oven.
How do I know when the casserole is finished cooking?
It is ready when it is warmed through and the top topping is golden and bubbly.
Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this dish is a satisfying vegetarian main course or a comforting side dish.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving provides 7 grams of protein.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 14 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 13 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much fiber does this casserole provide?
Each serving contains 2.5 grams of fiber.
What kind of cream cheese should I use?
You should use one 3-ounce package of softened cream cheese.
How much butter is needed for the entire recipe?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of butter in total, divided between the sauce and the topping.
Can I add garlic to the recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/2 teaspoon of jarred minced garlic mixed with the broccoli.
How much milk is required?
The recipe uses 1 cup of milk for the homemade sauce.
What is the purpose of the flour in the recipe?
The 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour are used to create a roux to thicken the milk into a sauce.
How much salt and pepper should I add?
The recipe suggests 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of salt to taste and 1/8 teaspoon of pepper.
Can I serve this at a potluck?
Yes, this dish is perfect for family gatherings and potlucks.
Is the broccoli chopped or in florets?
The recipe specifically calls for chopped broccoli.
What makes the topping golden brown?
Mixing the breadcrumbs or crackers with 2 tablespoons of melted butter before baking ensures a golden, crispy finish.
Should the cream cheese be cold when added?
No, the cream cheese should be softened so it stirs easily into the sauce for a smooth and creamy texture.