Holiday Broccoli Cheddar Casserole

Holiday Broccoli Cheddar Casserole is one of those timeless Christmas side dishes that brings warmth, comfort, and nostalgia to the holiday table. Its creamy cheese sauce, tender broccoli, and golden, bubbling top make it a crowd-pleasing classic loved by children and adults alike. This dish fits perfectly alongside Christmas dinner favorites, shines on winter potluck tables, and works beautifully for Christmas Eve meals or casual holiday gatherings.

With no pork, no bacon, and no alcohol involved, this casserole remains family-friendly and suitable for every type of holiday menu. It uses simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create something special and deeply comforting—exactly what winter meals are made for. Whether you’re preparing a traditional Christmas feast or building a modern holiday menu, this cozy broccoli cheddar casserole deserves a place on your table.

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Why Holiday Broccoli Cheddar Casserole Is a Christmas Essential

Some recipes simply anchor a holiday meal, and broccoli cheddar casserole is one of them. It’s the perfect balance of rich, creamy, cheesy flavor with a tender vegetable base. The combination is satisfying without feeling too heavy, and it pairs effortlessly with almost any main dish.

Here’s why this dish is beloved during the holiday season:

• Comfort food at its best — creamy, cheesy, warm, and cozy

• Family-friendly flavor — even picky eaters enjoy it

• A reliable crowd-pleaser — great for feeding groups

• Uses accessible ingredients — no specialty items required

• A wonderful make-ahead option — ideal for busy holiday cooking

• Fully pork-free and alcohol-free — fits many dietary needs

• Perfect for winter buffets, potlucks, and Christmas dinner menus

It’s versatile, gooey, and festive—everything you want in a Christmas vegetable casserole.

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Ingredients for Holiday Broccoli Cheddar Casserole

This casserole relies on simple, familiar ingredients that create layers of flavor and texture.

For the base:

• 6 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)

• 1 small onion, finely diced

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

For the cheese sauce:

• 3 tablespoons butter

• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 2 cups milk (whole milk recommended for creaminess)

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 2 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar preferred)

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon dry mustard (optional for flavor depth)

For the topping:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• ¾ cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers

• 2 tablespoons melted butter

• Optional: 2 tablespoons chopped parsley for garnish

Choosing high-quality cheddar is key. Sharp or extra-sharp cheddar provides better depth, melts beautifully, and enhances the holiday comfort food vibe.

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Prepping the Broccoli for the Casserole

How the broccoli is prepared affects the texture of the final dish.

Using Fresh Broccoli

1. Wash and chop broccoli into medium-size florets.

2. Blanch in boiling water for 2–3 minutes until bright green.

3. Immediately plunge into ice water to stop cooking.

4. Drain very well.

Using Frozen Broccoli

1. Thaw completely.

2. Squeeze out excess moisture with paper towels.

3. Do not overcook frozen broccoli—you want it firm enough to hold its texture in the casserole.

Broccoli should remain slightly crisp before baking, as it softens during cooking.

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Sautéing the Aromatics

A little flavor foundation goes a long way.

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet.

2. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent.

3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

4. Remove from heat.

This mixture gives the casserole a warm, savory base that balances the richness of the cheese sauce.

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Making the Creamy Cheddar Sauce

This is the heart of the recipe—the gooey, velvety cheese sauce that makes broccoli irresistible.

1. In a saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.

2. Whisk in the flour to create a smooth roux.

3. Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly.

4. Slowly pour in the milk and cream while whisking.

5. Simmer until slightly thickened.

6. Remove from heat and add shredded cheddar cheese.

7. Whisk until melted and smooth.

8. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and dry mustard.

The sauce should be luxurious, creamy, and deeply cheesy. Adjust the seasonings to taste—sharp cheddar already brings a lot of flavor.

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Assembling the Casserole

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish.

3. Spread broccoli and sautéed onion mixture in the dish.

4. Pour the warm cheddar sauce evenly over the broccoli.

5. Gently toss or fold to coat everything.

The broccoli should be generously covered but not drowning in sauce.

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Adding the Topping

A crispy, golden topping turns a good casserole into a great casserole.

Making the Topping

1. Combine breadcrumbs or crushed crackers with melted butter.

2. Stir in a handful of cheddar if you want extra cheesiness.

Adding It to the Casserole

• Sprinkle cheddar cheese across the top of the broccoli mixture.

• Add the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the cheese.

This creates two layers: a melty layer and a crunchy one.

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Baking the Casserole

Bake uncovered at 350°F for 25–30 minutes until:

• The cheese is bubbling around the edges

• The topping is golden brown

• The casserole center is heated through

If you want extra crispiness, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end—but watch closely, as the topping can brown quickly.

Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps the cheese sauce thicken slightly and makes serving neater.

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Flavor Variations for Every Holiday Mood

Holiday meals are versatile, and this casserole can be tailored to different themes.

Three-Cheese Broccoli Bake

Add Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or mozzarella to deepen the cheese flavor.

Broccoli Cheddar with Herb Topping

Mix rosemary or thyme into the breadcrumb mixture.

Extra Creamy Broccoli Cheddar

Add more cream or a splash of broth for extra smoothness.

Cheddar Broccoli with Carrots

Add thinly sliced carrots for color and sweetness.

Spicy Broccoli Cheddar

Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes.

Gluten-Free Version

Use gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Lighter Version

Use half-and-half instead of cream and reduce cheese slightly.

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What to Serve with Holiday Broccoli Cheddar Casserole

This casserole pairs well with almost every Christmas entrée.

Protein Pairings

• Roast turkey

• Christmas ham substitute (non-pork options like turkey ham)

• Roasted chicken

• Beef tenderloin

• Prime rib

• Baked salmon

• Herb-crusted white fish

• Vegetarian mains such as mushroom Wellington or nut roasts

Other Holiday Sides

• Mashed potatoes

• Honey glazed carrots

• Green bean dishes

• Parmesan roasted baby potatoes

• Christmas salads

• Dinner rolls or garlic bread

Because this casserole is cozy and creamy, it balances beautifully with crisp, fresh, or roasted sides.

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Tips for Perfect Broccoli Cheddar Casserole

• Drain broccoli thoroughly to avoid watery casserole.

• Use sharp cheddar — it melts better and tastes richer.

• Don’t overcook broccoli before baking.

• Bake uncovered so the topping crisps.

• Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.

• Whisk sauce constantly to avoid lumps.

• Let it rest before serving to thicken the sauce.

• Taste the sauce before baking to adjust seasoning.

These small steps transform a simple casserole into a spectacular holiday dish.

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Make-Ahead Instructions

Holiday meals go smoother when some dishes can be prepared in advance.

To Make Ahead (Best Method)

1. Assemble the casserole completely.

2. Do not add topping.

3. Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.

4. Add topping just before baking.

5. Bake an additional 5–10 minutes to account for the cold start.

To Freeze

1. Assemble casserole without topping.

2. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then foil.

3. Freeze up to 3 months.

4. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

5. Add topping and bake normally.

Freezing with the topping makes it soggy, so always add it fresh.

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Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Refrigerator

Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.

Reheating

• Oven: 350°F for 15–20 minutes

• Air Fryer: 300°F for 6–8 minutes

• Microwave: Works, but softens the topping

To recreate the crispy top, sprinkle a little fresh breadcrumb mixture or cheese before reheating in the oven.

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Is This Casserole Healthy?

Holiday Broccoli Cheddar Casserole is indulgent, but it also packs in nutritional benefits:

• Broccoli is high in fiber, vitamins C and K, and antioxidants.

• Cheese provides protein and calcium.

• Controlled amounts of butter and cream offer richness without overwhelming the dish.

• No pork, no bacon, and no alcohol keep it clean and family-friendly.

As holiday comfort food goes, this dish strikes a nice balance between healthy vegetables and satisfying richness.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using watery broccoli

• Burning the cheese topping

• Making the sauce too thin

• Overcooking broccoli before baking

• Using pre-shredded cheese (contains starches that hinder melting)

• Adding topping too early when making ahead

• Baking at too low a temperature (prevents browning)

Avoid these pitfalls and your casserole will come out perfect.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes—just thaw and squeeze out as much moisture as possible.

Can I use different cheeses?
Absolutely. Gruyère, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, and Colby work well.

Can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Can I double the recipe for a large group?
Yes! Use two baking dishes for best texture.

Is the casserole vegetarian?
Yes, as long as you use vegetarian-friendly cheese.

Can I lighten the recipe?
Use reduced-fat milk and slightly less cheese.

Will this stay creamy after reheating?
Yes, especially if reheated gently in the oven.