Easy 30-Minute Broccoli Cheese Casserole

Why Make This Recipe

This Easy 30-Minute Broccoli Cheese Casserole is perfect for busy weeknight dinners. It combines the fresh taste of broccoli with creamy cheese to create a comforting dish that everyone will love. Not only is it quick to prepare, but it also packs in vegetables, making it a healthier option. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to get kids to enjoy their greens!

How to Make Easy 30-Minute Broccoli Cheese Casserole

Ingredients

Olive oil spray
1 pound fresh broccoli florets
½ cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 cup cheddar cheese (grated, divided)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Spray a 2-quart baking dish with olive oil.
Place the broccoli florets in a large microwave-safe bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of water. Cover and microwave on high until tender-crisp, about 3 minutes.
In another large bowl, prepare the creamy sauce by mixing mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and half the grated cheddar cheese. Add about 1 tablespoon of water to thin the mixture if necessary.
Drain the broccoli well and add it to the creamy sauce, gently tossing to coat.
Transfer the coated broccoli to the prepared baking dish, lightly spray the top with olive oil, and evenly sprinkle the remaining cheddar on top.
Bake until golden brown and bubbly around the edges, about 15-20 minutes.
Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

How to Serve Easy 30-Minute Broccoli Cheese Casserole

This casserole can be served as a main dish or a side. Pair it with proteins like grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. It also goes well with rice or quinoa. A simple side salad can balance out the dish beautifully.

How to Store Easy 30-Minute Broccoli Cheese Casserole

To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely. Cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. Just make sure to thaw it fully before reheating.

Tips to Make Easy 30-Minute Broccoli Cheese Casserole

Use fresh broccoli for the best flavor, but frozen broccoli can work in a pinch.
Feel free to add other vegetables, like cauliflower or carrots, for variety.
For extra flavor, consider mixing in cooked bacon pieces or diced ham.

Variation

You can easily swap out the cheddar cheese for other types of cheese, such as mozzarella or gouda. Adding some cooked pasta can turn this casserole into a broccoli cheese pasta bake!

FAQs

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole and store it in the refrigerator covered for up to 24 hours before baking.

2. What if I don’t have Dijon mustard?
You can use yellow mustard as a substitute, though it will change the flavor slightly.

3. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Use a dairy-free mayonnaise and substitute a dairy-free cheese for the cheddar.