Cheesy Potato and Broccoli Casserole Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Category: Vegetable
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Keywords: Cheesy potato casserole, Broccoli casserole, Comfort food, Oven-baked casserole
Description:
Delight in this creamy, cheesy, and comforting Cheesy Potato and Broccoli Casserole, perfect for any weeknight meal or gathering. Combining tender potatoes, vibrant broccoli, and a rich cheese sauce, this dish is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Best of all, it’s incredibly simple to make with minimal prep time. Serve it alongside your favorite protein or enjoy it as a standalone vegetarian entrée. This recipe from Love With Recipes is bound to become a family favorite!
Ingredients & Nutritional Information:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter | 2 tbsp |
| All-purpose flour | 2 tbsp |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp |
| Pepper | 1/4 tsp |
| Ground nutmeg | 1/8 tsp |
| Half-and-half cream | 2 cups |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | 1/2 cup |
| Cream cheese | 1-2 oz |
| Shredded cheddar or Swiss cheese | 1 cup |
| Frozen hash brown potatoes | 4 cups |
| Broccoli florets (lightly steamed) | 2-3 cups |
| Butter (for breadcrumb topping) | 1/2 tbsp |
| Breadcrumbs | 3-4 tbsp |
| Additional Parmesan cheese (optional) | 1/4 cup |
| Nutritional Information (Per Serving) |
|---|
| Calories: 717.6 |
| Total Fat: 46.7g |
| Saturated Fat: 28.5g |
| Cholesterol: 132.1mg |
| Sodium: 544mg |
| Total Carbohydrates: 59.8g |
| Dietary Fiber: 6g |
| Sugars: 2.2g |
| Protein: 19.1g |
Instructions:
-
Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking pan or any oven-safe dish that can comfortably hold the casserole mixture. -
Prepare Cheese Sauce:
In a medium-sized saucepan over medium-low heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour, salt, pepper, and a pinch of ground nutmeg. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, to cook out the raw flour taste. -
Thicken the Sauce:
Gradually pour in the half-and-half cream, continuing to whisk as the mixture begins to thicken and bubble. This should take about 3-5 minutes. Be sure to whisk frequently to prevent lumps from forming. -
Add Cheeses:
Once the sauce has thickened, stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese (optional), the cream cheese, and your choice of shredded cheddar or Swiss cheese. Stir continuously until all the cheeses are completely melted and incorporated into a smooth sauce. -
Combine with Potatoes:
Stir in the frozen hash brown potatoes, ensuring they are fully coated with the cheesy sauce mixture. Make sure the potatoes are evenly distributed for a consistent bake. -
Assemble the Casserole:
Spread half of the cheesy potato mixture into the prepared baking dish, ensuring it covers the bottom evenly. Layer the lightly steamed broccoli florets over the potato mixture. Top with the remaining half of the potato mixture, spreading it out to fully cover the broccoli. -
Bake the Casserole:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the casserole is bubbling and heated through. During this time, the flavors will meld together beautifully. -
Prepare the Topping:
While the casserole bakes, prepare the breadcrumb topping. In a small bowl, combine 3-4 tablespoons of breadcrumbs with 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese (if desired). Melt 1/2 tablespoon of butter and drizzle it over the breadcrumb mixture. Toss everything together until the crumbs are evenly coated with butter. -
Finish Baking:
After the casserole has baked for 25-30 minutes, remove it from the oven and sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture around the edges of the casserole. This will add a nice crunchy contrast to the creamy texture of the dish. Return the casserole to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the breadcrumbs are golden and crispy. -
Let it Rest:
Once fully baked, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to sit for 10 minutes before serving. This helps the casserole firm up slightly and makes it easier to serve.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Casserole:
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Don’t overcook the broccoli: Lightly steam the broccoli until just tender, but still vibrant green. If you cook it for too long, the broccoli may become mushy after being baked in the casserole.
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Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations, such as Gruyère or mozzarella, to create unique flavors.
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Add-ins: To make this casserole heartier, consider adding cooked bacon bits, diced ham, or cooked chicken.
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Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
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Make it gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to thicken the sauce and gluten-free breadcrumbs for the topping.
This Cheesy Potato and Broccoli Casserole offers everything you love about comfort food—creamy, cheesy goodness combined with the wholesome crunch of broccoli. It’s the perfect way to sneak in some veggies while satisfying your cheesy potato cravings.
