Description
This Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Casserole with Garlic Butter Pretzels is the ultimate comfort food! Tender broccoli smothered in a creamy cheddar sauce, topped with crispy garlic butter pretzels, creates the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and crunchy textures. It’s a fantastic side dish or main course that’s easy to make and guaranteed to please everyone at the table!
Ingredients
Scale
For the casserole:
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (or 1 package frozen broccoli florets)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for a richer sauce)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for extra depth of flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For the garlic butter pretzel topping:
- 2 cups mini pretzels or crushed pretzels
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish and set aside. - Prepare the broccoli:
If using fresh broccoli, steam the florets until tender, about 4-5 minutes. If using frozen broccoli, cook according to package instructions. Drain any excess water and set the broccoli aside. - Make the creamy cheese sauce:
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to make a roux. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
Add the shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, Dijon mustard (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth and creamy. - Assemble the casserole:
Pour the cooked broccoli into the prepared casserole dish. Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the broccoli, stirring gently to combine. Spread the mixture evenly. - Make the garlic butter pretzel topping:
In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley (if using). Toss the mini pretzels or crushed pretzels in the garlic butter mixture until evenly coated. Sprinkle the garlic butter pretzels over the top of the casserole. - Bake:
Bake the casserole for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly. If you like your pretzel topping extra crispy, broil the casserole for an additional 1-2 minutes. - Serve:
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the cheesy, crunchy, and flavorful goodness!
Notes
- If you prefer a lower-fat version, you can use reduced-fat cheese or milk, though the sauce may be slightly less creamy.
- For an extra creamy casserole, consider adding 1/2 cup of sour cream or cream cheese to the cheese sauce.
- You can also add cooked chicken or bacon to the casserole for extra protein.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 50mg