Easy Paula Deen Broccoli Bake Recipe: Comfort Food at Its Best

Creamy, comforting broccoli bake transforms ordinary vegetables into a spectacular culinary experience that sparks joy at any dinner table.

Sophisticated yet simple, this side dish brings together rich, complementary flavors that dance across your palate with remarkable intensity.

Southern-inspired cooking techniques elevate humble ingredients into something extraordinary and memorable.

Each carefully selected component contributes depth and character to the overall dish, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Crisp breadcrumbs provide delightful crunch against the smooth, velvety interior, while carefully balanced seasonings enhance the natural goodness of fresh produce.

Nutritious green vegetables become irresistible when prepared with such thoughtful technique and passionate attention to detail.

The magic happens when unexpected ingredients meld together, promising a side dish that will have everyone asking for seconds: Get ready to wow your dinner companions!

How to Make Paula Deen’s Broccoli Bake

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Buttery Topping

• Panko breadcrumbs
• Parmesan cheese

Set the topping mixture aside for later.

Step 2: Blanch the Broccoli

Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Toss in broccoli and cook for 3 minutes until crisp-tender. Drain completely and set aside.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce Base

In the same skillet, melt / butter. Sprinkle flour over melted butter and whisk constantly for 1 minute until it turns golden and releases a nutty aroma.

Step 4: Build the Flavor-Packed Sauce

• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Dry mustard
• Black pepper
• Cayenne pepper (optional)

Step 5: Combine Cheese and Broccoli

Remove skillet from heat. Stir in cheddar cheese until smooth and creamy. Add cooked broccoli, mixing to coat every floret with cheesy goodness.

Step 6: Bake to Crispy Perfection

Spread broccoli mixture evenly in the skillet. Sprinkle the reserved breadcrumb topping across the surface. Bake for 20-25 minutes until hot and topping turns golden brown. For extra crispiness, briefly broil the top, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Step 7: Let It Rest and Serve

Allow the broccoli bake to rest for 5 minutes. This helps the sauce set and intensifies the flavors. Serve hot and enjoy the cheesy, crunchy masterpiece!

Pro Tips for Paula Deen’s Broccoli Bake

• Capture Golden Crispiness: Watch carefully while broiling to achieve a perfectly browned top without burning the delicate surface.
• Select Premium Cheese Blocks: Freshly grate cheddar and Parmesan for maximum flavor intensity and smoother melting characteristics.
• Control Milk Integration: Slowly stream dairy while continuously whisking to maintain sauce smoothness and prevent unwanted clumping.
• Master Butter-Flour Technique: Whisk consistently during sauce preparation to eliminate potential lumps and create silky consistency.
• Preserve Broccoli's Vibrant Texture: Blanch vegetables precisely for three minutes, ensuring crisp-tender quality and maintaining nutritional integrity.

How to Store Paula Deen’s Broccoli Bake

• Freezer Bundles: Divide leftovers into individual portion sizes using freezer-safe zip-lock bags. Press out excess air, seal tightly, and label with the date to track freshness. Frozen portions stay delicious for up to 2 months, making quick reheating a breeze.
• Vacuum Sealing: Invest in a vacuum sealer for maximum preservation. Remove all air from the container, which prevents freezer burn and maintains the broccoli bake's original flavor and texture. Properly sealed dishes can last up to 3-4 months without quality degradation.
• Glass Container Storage: Choose transparent glass containers with tight-fitting lids for refrigeration. Glass prevents odor absorption, allows easy visibility of contents, and provides better temperature regulation compared to plastic. Ensure containers are completely clean and dry before storing to prevent bacterial growth.

Fun Variations on Paula Deen’s Broccoli Bake

• Green Garden Extravaganza: Replace broccoli with a colorful medley of zucchini, cauliflower, and green beans for a vibrant vegetable experience.
• Protein Power Boost: Add cooked diced chicken or crispy bacon bits to transform the dish into a hearty main course with extra protein.
• Spicy Southwestern Style: Incorporate diced green chiles, swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese, and sprinkle crushed tortilla chips instead of Panko for a zesty southwestern kick.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Mix in crumbled feta cheese, chopped spinach, and fresh herbs like oregano and thyme for a Mediterranean-inspired vegetable bake with bright, fresh flavors.

Closing Thoughts on Paula Deen’s Broccoli Bake

Paula Deen’s Broccoli Bake emerges as comfort cuisine perfection, blending cheesy richness with crisp breadcrumb textures.

Southern kitchen wisdom shines through each creamy, expertly crafted bite.

Parmesan-crusted edges promise crunch while sharp cheddar delivers luxurious depth.

Subtle spices whisper complexity beneath melted cheese landscapes.

Skillet presentation adds rustic charm to this classic side dish.

Savor each forkful, share this recipe with cherished friends, comment below with your culinary adventures, and spread deliciousness across your favorite social platforms.

What Makes Paula Deen’s Broccoli Bake So Irresistible

• Blast of Comfort Flavors: Indulge in a creamy, cheesy broccoli dish that wraps you in warm, satisfying goodness with every single bite.
• Quick and Easy Culinary Magic: Transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy side dish in just 45 minutes, perfect for busy home cooks who crave delicious results without complicated techniques.
• Texture Symphony: Experience a delightful contrast between the crisp Panko breadcrumb topping and the silky smooth, rich cheese sauce coating tender broccoli florets.
• Customize Your Spice Adventure: Play with heat levels by adjusting cayenne pepper, making this recipe adaptable to different taste preferences and creating a personalized dining experience.

Ingredients for Paula Deen’s Broccoli Bake

• Broccoli: Fresh and crisp vegetable that forms the base of the dish, choose bright green florets with tight buds.

• Butter, Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Rich and creamy ingredients that provide a smooth, tangy flavor and help bind the dish together.
• Milk: Provides a smooth base for the cheese sauce, whole milk recommended for best richness.

• Panko Breadcrumbs: Gives a crispy, golden topping with light and airy texture.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken the cheese sauce and create a smooth consistency.

• Garlic Powder, Salt, Dry Mustard, Black Pepper, Cayenne Pepper: Adds depth of flavor and subtle heat, optional cayenne for those who enjoy spiciness.

Paula Deen Broccoli Bake Recipe

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4.8 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Paula Deen’s Broccoli Bake brings comforting Southern charm to your dinner table. Creamy cheese sauce and tender broccoli combine with crispy breadcrumb topping for a delightful side dish that will make you crave seconds.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 5 cups (1.25 pounds) broccoli florets
• 1 ¾ cups non-fat milk
• ½ cup freshly grated extra sharp cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Breading and Thickening Ingredients:

• ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup white whole wheat flour
• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) unsalted butter, divided

Seasoning Ingredients:

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon dry mustard
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 200°C / 400°F. Gently melt 15g / 1 tablespoon butter in a wide, deep cast iron skillet, then transfer the melted butter to a small mixing bowl and combine with Panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, setting the mixture aside for later use.
2. Create a boiling water bath in a large pot. Submerge the broccoli and cook until achieving a crisp-tender texture, approximately 3 minutes. Thoroughly drain the broccoli and reserve for subsequent steps.
3. Return to the skillet and melt the remaining 30g / 2 tablespoons butter. Delicately sprinkle flour over the melted butter, whisking continuously for 1 minute until the mixture develops a golden hue and releases a nutty fragrance.
4. Introduce milk gradually while maintaining constant whisking to prevent lump formation. Continue whisking for roughly 3 minutes until the sauce thickens and produces gentle bubbles. Incorporate garlic powder, salt, dry mustard, black pepper, and cayenne pepper for enhanced flavor complexity.
5. Remove the skillet from heat and fold in cheddar cheese until achieving a smooth, velvety consistency. Gently fold the cooked broccoli into the cheese sauce, ensuring each floret is evenly coated.
6. Distribute the broccoli and cheese mixture uniformly across the skillet. Sprinkle the reserved breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture over the top for a crisp texture. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the dish is thoroughly heated and the topping transforms into a golden-brown crust. For additional crispness, briefly expose the skillet to the broiler, monitoring closely to prevent burning.
7. Allow the broccoli bake to rest for 5 minutes, enabling the flavors to settle and the sauce to slightly firm before serving.

Notes

• Prevent broccoli from turning soggy by blanching quickly for maximum crunch and vibrant green color.
• Create silky sauce by whisking flour and butter thoroughly, eliminating potential lumpy textures.
• Gradually stream milk while continuously stirring to maintain sauce’s smooth, velvety consistency.
• Elevate dish’s richness by grating cheese directly from fresh blocks, guaranteeing superior melting quality.
• Transform casserole’s appearance with strategic broiling, developing a golden, appetizing crust without burning.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 2958 kcal
• Sugar: 46g
• Sodium: 4918.6mg
• Fat: 137.8g
• Saturated Fat: 82.6g
• Carbohydrates: 298.8g
• Fiber: 42.8g
• Protein: 132.4g
• Cholesterol: 376mg