Description
This Broccoli Cheese Casserole is creamy, cheesy, and topped with a perfectly golden panko crust. It’s a comforting side dish that pairs beautifully with any main course or makes a hearty vegetarian meal on its own.
Ingredients
- 8 cups broccoli florets (from 2–3 crowns)
- 3 1/2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 2 large leeks, white and pale green parts only, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced (about 1 cup)
- 1 cup chopped shallots (or yellow onion)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup dry white wine (or 5 Tbsp vegetable/chicken broth + 1 Tbsp sherry vinegar)
- 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 3/4 cups whole milk (or unsweetened cashew milk)
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup freshly grated sharp white cheddar cheese
- 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Steam the broccoli: Option 1 – Microwave: Combine broccoli and 1/4 cup water in a microwavable bowl; cover loosely with plastic wrap and microwave 5 minutes until crisp-tender. Drain and set aside. Option 2 – Stovetop: Place broccoli in a steamer basket over 1 inch of boiling water. Steam 5 minutes until crisp-tender.
- Preheat oven to 425ºF. Grease an 11×7-inch baking pan.
- Heat 2 Tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Add leeks and shallots; cook 8–10 minutes until softened. Add garlic; cook 1–2 minutes until aromatic.
- Add white wine (or broth + vinegar mixture) to pan; cook 2–3 minutes until liquid mostly evaporates.
- Sprinkle flour into pan; cook 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly to coat onions. Whisk in milk and bring to simmer. Cook 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Stir in salt and pepper.
- Add cheddar cheese; stir constantly 1 minute until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and stir in broccoli. Transfer mixture to prepared baking pan.
- Combine panko breadcrumbs and remaining 1 1/2 Tbsp olive oil; mix well. Sprinkle over casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 20 minutes until panko is golden and casserole is bubbly. Serve warm.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use cashew milk instead of whole milk.
- Breadcrumb topping can be mixed with a little Parmesan for extra flavor.
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat beautifully.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American