Ina Garten Broccoli Casserole Recipe: Family-Approved Magic

Broccoli casseroles are the ultimate comfort food symphony that transforms humble vegetables into a culinary masterpiece.

Green florets dance with creamy textures, promising a flavor explosion in every bite.

Melted cheese weaves magic through tender broccoli, creating a dish that hugs your soul with warmth.

Rich and decadent, this casserole turns ordinary weeknight dinners into memorable feasts.

Nutritious ingredients blend seamlessly, crafting a side dish that feels both indulgent and wholesome.

Families gather around steaming platters, eager to savor each golden, bubbling spoonful.

This recipe will make you the hero of dinner, delivering comfort and satisfaction in one irresistible dish.

Adjustment Ideas for Ina Garten Broccoli Casserole

Explore exciting ways to elevate this broccoli casserole and make it uniquely yours.

Experiment with different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar, gruyère, or smoky gouda to add depth and excitement to the dish.

Boost the nutritional value by mixing in cooked chicken, crispy bacon bits, or diced ham for a heartier meal that satisfies hungry appetites.

Add a kick of flavor with red pepper flakes, garlic powder, or a dash of smoked paprika to transform the classic recipe into a more adventurous side dish.

Replace regular bread crumbs with gluten-free alternatives like crushed rice crackers or almond meal to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising on crunch.

Great Ways to Serve Broccoli Casserole

• Pair with Protein Partners: Serve alongside grilled chicken breasts or baked salmon for a complete, nutritious meal that balances the creamy broccoli casserole.
• Create Delightful Dinner Companions: Match with roasted garlic mashed potatoes or a light quinoa salad to complement the rich, cheesy texture of the dish.
• Enhance with Fresh Touches: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives to add a bright, crisp element that cuts through the casserole's creaminess and provides a pop of color.
• Craft Perfect Portion Plates: Use this casserole as a hearty side dish for family dinners or potluck gatherings, allowing guests to enjoy a comforting vegetable-based option.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 290 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients List for Ina Garten Broccoli Casserole

• Butter: Choose unsalted for better flavor control and freshness.
• Milk: Select whole milk for richer, more luxurious sauce texture.
• Cheese: Pick sharp cheddar for robust, tangy flavor profile.

• Broccoli Florets: Select bright green, firm florets with tight, crisp clusters.

• Flour: Use all-purpose flour for smooth, lump-free sauce base.
• Bread Crumbs: Opt for fine, golden breadcrumbs for extra crispy texture.
• Salt: Select fine sea salt for balanced seasoning.

• Nutmeg: Use freshly grated for more intense, aromatic flavor.

Kitchen Tools to Make Broccoli Casserole

• Medium Saucepan: Perfect for creating the smooth, velvety white sauce without lumps.
• Whisk: Essential for blending butter, flour, and milk into a silky mixture.
• 8-by-8-inch Baking Dish: Provides the perfect size for layering broccoli and creating a beautiful casserole.
• Pot with Lid: Ideal for steaming broccoli to bright green perfection.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Helps ensure precise ingredient quantities.
• Cutting Board and Knife: Useful for preparing broccoli florets.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for mixing bread crumbs with melted butter.
• Oven: Transforms the ingredients into a golden, bubbling masterpiece.

Cooking Instructions for Ina Garten Broccoli Casserole

• Preheat Cooking Zone

Get your oven warmed up to a toasty 450°F, ready to transform fresh broccoli into a mouthwatering casserole.

• Craft Silky Sauce

Melt butter in a pan, whisk in flour until smooth, then slowly pour milk while stirring. Season with salt and nutmeg, stirring until the sauce becomes luxuriously thick and creamy.

• Prepare Vibrant Broccoli

Boil water and steam broccoli florets until they turn a brilliant green and maintain a tender-crisp texture, about 5 minutes.

• Build Flavor Layers

Spread the steamed broccoli in a baking dish, shower with cheese, then pour the velvety white sauce evenly across the top.

• Create Crispy Topping

Melt butter and blend with bread crumbs, then sprinkle this golden, crunchy mixture over the casserole for an irresistible texture.

• Bake and Enjoy

Slide the casserole into the hot oven and bake for 20 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the edges bubble with cheesy excitement. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving up this comforting dish.

Store and Plan Ahead with Broccoli Casserole

• Store Fresh Leftovers: Transfer any remaining broccoli casserole to an airtight container and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. Properly stored, the dish will maintain its delicious flavor for 3-4 days.
• Freeze for Later Meals: Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Frozen casserole stays tasty for up to 2 months, making meal prep a breeze for busy days.
• Reheat with Care: Warm refrigerated casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes to restore its original crispy top and creamy texture. Avoid microwave reheating to keep the bread crumbs crunchy.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare the entire casserole ahead of time and store unbaked in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Simply pop it in the oven when ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if coming straight from the fridge.

Wholesome Ina Garten Broccoli Casserole Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s broccoli casserole delivers comfort with creamy cheese sauce and crisp breadcrumb topping. Hearty side dishes from her Barefoot Contessa kitchen invite diners to savor classic American flavors.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs (907 g) broccoli, cut into small florets (about 8 cups)
• 1 cup (120 g) sharp cheddar, grated
• 1 ½ cups (360 ml) whole milk
• ¼ cup (57 g) unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing
• 3 tbsps (23 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tsps kosher salt, plus extra as needed
• 1 pinch freshly grated nutmeg
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• ½ cup (60 g) fresh bread crumbs

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 450°F and generously grease an 8-by-8-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. White Sauce Creation: Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk in flour to form a smooth roux, then gradually incorporate cold milk while stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
3. Seasoning Sauce: Enhance the developing sauce with sea salt and nutmeg, cooking until it reaches a thick, smooth consistency that elegantly coats a spoon.
4. Broccoli Preparation: Steam broccoli florets for 4-5 minutes, maintaining their vibrant green color and crisp-tender texture.
5. Layering: Spread steamed broccoli evenly in the prepared baking dish, generously sprinkle half the cheese over the vegetables, then pour the velvety white sauce, ensuring it penetrates between the florets.
6. Topping Construction: Combine melted butter with breadcrumbs, creating a golden, crispy coating that will add textural contrast to the creamy casserole.
7. Baking Finale: Scatter the buttered breadcrumbs across the surface and bake for 18-22 minutes until the edges bubble and the top transforms into a light golden-brown crust, signaling perfect culinary completion.

Notes

• Butter Baking Dish Thoroughly: Ensures no sticking and helps create a clean, easy-to-serve casserole with perfect edges.
• Control Roux Consistency: Whisk flour into melted butter slowly to prevent lumps and create a smooth base for the white sauce.
• Steam Broccoli Carefully: Cook florets just until bright green and crisp-tender to maintain nutritional value and prevent mushiness.
• Monitor Baking Time Closely: Watch the casserole during the final minutes to achieve a golden-brown topping without burning, which can make the dish bitter.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg