Welcome to your new favorite holiday tradition! This Easy Holiday Broccoli Casserole isn’t just a dish; it’s a culinary hug, a creamy, cheesy sensation that effortlessly takes center stage at any festive gathering. Imagine tender broccoli florets enveloped in a rich, velvety cheese sauce, all topped with a delightful crunch. It’s a recipe designed for ease without compromising on flavor, promising to be a winner with every single bite.

Updated Content: This cherished recipe, first shared in November 2019, has consistently proven its worth as a holiday staple. Its enduring popularity has inspired a refresh, bringing you new insights, expanded tips, and more reasons to make this your go-to side dish for every celebratory occasion. Prepare to fall in love all over again, or for the very first time!

Today, we’re thrilled to re-introduce you to this delightful casserole. But that’s not all! We’re also excited to share some fantastic insights into how the right bakeware can elevate your holiday cooking and storage experience. We’ll be showcasing beautiful and practical baking dishes and food storage containers from our friends at Ello Products, making your holiday meal prep smoother and more enjoyable.

Why This Broccoli Casserole Will Be Your New Holiday Favorite

What makes this particular broccoli casserole so special? It boils down to a few key elements: unmatched flavor, delightful texture, and supreme ease of preparation. The holidays are a time for joy, not stress, and this recipe embodies that philosophy perfectly. You’ll find it’s not only incredibly forgiving for busy cooks but also incredibly versatile.

• Effortless Preparation: With just a handful of common ingredients and less than an hour from start to finish, this casserole fits seamlessly into even the most hectic holiday schedule. No complex techniques, just simple steps to deliciousness.
• Universal Appeal: Broccoli and cheese are a classic pairing for a reason. This dish caters to all ages, making it a guaranteed hit even with picky eaters. The creamy, savory notes are comforting and satisfying, complementing a wide array of main courses.
• Perfect Holiday Companion: Whether it’s a grand Thanksgiving feast, a cozy Christmas dinner, or a bright Easter brunch, this casserole is robust enough to stand alongside roasted meats and other rich sides, yet light enough not to overwhelm the palate. Its vibrant green hue also adds a beautiful splash of color to your holiday spread.

Mastering the Creamy & Cheesy Perfection

The magic of this casserole lies in its balance of textures and flavors. Let’s dive into the components that make it truly irresistible.

The Art of Blanching Broccoli for Vibrant Color and Texture

The foundation of any great broccoli casserole is, naturally, the broccoli itself. We start with fresh broccoli florets, and a quick blanching step is crucial. This brief boil followed by an ice bath ensures the broccoli retains its beautiful vibrant green color and a pleasant tender-crisp texture. Overcooked, mushy broccoli is a common pitfall, but with this technique, your broccoli will be perfectly cooked and visually appealing.

Crafting the Silky, Irresistible Cheese Sauce

The heart of this casserole is its rich and creamy cheese sauce. Made with butter, minced garlic, all-purpose flour, and luscious half and half, it forms a classic roux base. The slow addition of half and half creates a smooth, thick sauce that perfectly coats every floret. The star of the show, of course, is the cheese blend: sharp white and yellow cheddar. Using two types of cheddar not only adds depth of flavor but also creates a more appealing visual with varying shades of gold and cream. The eggs act as a binding agent, helping the casserole set beautifully while maintaining its creamy texture.

The Crispy Topping Advantage: A Textural Delight

No casserole is complete without a tantalizing topping, and this recipe utilizes store-bought crispy fried onions. These aren’t just for green bean casserole! Their savory crunch provides a wonderful textural contrast to the creamy broccoli and cheese, adding an extra layer of flavor and making each bite an experience. A final sprinkle of cheese before baking ensures a perfectly melted, golden-brown crust.

As you can see, this casserole comes together with remarkable ease. Just a handful of ingredients and less than an hour of prep and bake time are all you need to create a side dish that everyone will rave about. You’ll be asked for the recipe, guaranteed!

The Essential Bakeware for Effortless Holiday Cooking: Featuring Ello Duraglass

Making holiday meals should be a joy, not a chore, and having the right tools makes all the difference. This delicious casserole was perfectly baked in Ello’s Duraglass 9×13 baking dish. This particular dish is a standout piece from Ello’s Bake and Store Set, which is truly designed with the busy cook in mind.

Ello’s Duraglass Bakeware offers incredible convenience and durability, making it ideal for everything from festive potlucks to everyday meal prep and efficient storage of leftovers. The versatility of these dishes is a game-changer during the demanding holiday season.

For example, I’ll also be preparing my Creamed Spinach and Mushrooms in Ello’s 8×8 baking dish this Easter. The ability to make dishes the night before and store them securely in the refrigerator until baking time is an invaluable time-saver for holiday hosting.

Additional Features of Ello’s Duraglass Bakeware

Ello’s bakeware isn’t just pretty; it’s packed with practical features:

• Leak-Proof Lids: Each container comes with a clear Tritan lid that seals tightly, ensuring your dishes stay fresh longer and are perfectly secure for transporting to gatherings without any spills.
• Protective Silicone Sleeves: A durable silicone sleeve acts as a built-in trivet, protecting surfaces and guarding the glass dish from chips and scratches. What’s even better is that it’s safe to go from freezer to oven to table without needing to remove the sleeve!
• Ultimate Convenience: All components are dishwasher safe for easy cleanup and are completely BPA-free, providing peace of mind for your family’s health.

Expert Tips for Casserole Success

Achieving a perfect broccoli casserole is simple with a few insider tips:

• Crispy Fried Onions: For the best texture, consider the type of crispy fried onions you’re using. If you opt for brands like French’s, which often have larger pieces, a quick chop into smaller bits will ensure more even distribution and crunch throughout the casserole. If you’re using Lars Own, they typically come pre-chopped, so you can use them as is.
• Cheese Your Way: While a combination of sharp white and yellow cheddar cheese offers a beautiful balance of flavor and color, feel free to adapt. You can certainly use just one type of cheddar, or experiment with other good melting cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or even a touch of Parmesan for an extra savory kick.
• Preventing a Watery Casserole: The key to a non-watery casserole is proper draining of the blanched broccoli. Ensure all excess water is removed after the ice bath. Also, allow your cheese sauce to thicken adequately before combining it with the other ingredients.
• Using Frozen Broccoli: If fresh broccoli isn’t available, you can use frozen. Just be sure to thaw it completely and drain it thoroughly before blanching. Squeeze out any excess moisture to prevent a soggy casserole.
• Achieving a Golden Crust: For that irresistible golden-brown topping, keep an eye on your casserole during the last few minutes of baking. If it’s not quite as golden as you’d like, you can carefully place it under the broiler for 1-2 minutes. Watch it closely to prevent burning!

Make-Ahead & Storage Solutions for Stress-Free Holidays

One of the greatest advantages of this Easy Holiday Broccoli Casserole is its make-ahead potential, a true lifesaver during busy holiday preparations.

• Prepare in Advance: You can assemble the entire casserole (excluding the final crispy onion topping) up to one day before baking. Simply cover the dish tightly with foil or Ello’s leak-proof lid and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add the remaining crispy onions and cheese, then bake as directed, potentially adding a few extra minutes to account for the chilled dish.
• Storing Leftovers: Any leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. It reheats beautifully in the oven or microwave.
• Freezing for Later: This casserole is also freezer-friendly! To freeze, assemble the casserole but omit the crispy fried onions on top. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then add the crispy onions and bake as directed.

Serving Suggestions & Creative Variations

This versatile casserole pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes and can be easily adapted to suit your taste:

• Classic Holiday Pairings: Serve it alongside your roasted turkey, glazed ham, prime rib, or any festive main course. It’s also a fantastic addition to a holiday brunch spread.
• Everyday Meal Enhancement: Don’t reserve this gem just for holidays! It makes a delicious side for weeknight roasted chicken, baked salmon, or pork chops.
• Add a Protein Boost: For a heartier meal, stir in cooked diced ham, shredded chicken, or crumbled cooked bacon into the broccoli mixture before baking.
• Vegetable Medley: Enhance the vegetable content by adding sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or even some corn kernels to the mix.
• Spice it Up: A pinch of nutmeg in the cheese sauce can add a subtle warmth, while a dash of red pepper flakes will give it a nice kick.
• Alternative Toppings: If fried onions aren’t your preference, consider a topping of buttery Panko breadcrumbs, crushed Ritz crackers, or a mix of breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan for a different kind of crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions About Broccoli Casserole

Here are answers to some common questions you might have:

• Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh? Yes, you absolutely can! Just make sure to thaw the frozen broccoli completely and drain it very well, pressing out any excess moisture, before following the blanching step. This prevents the casserole from becoming watery.
• How can I prevent my casserole from being watery? The key is twofold: properly draining your blanched broccoli and ensuring your cheese sauce is adequately thickened before combining with the other ingredients. A thin sauce can lead to a watery casserole.
• Is this casserole vegetarian? Yes, this recipe is inherently vegetarian, making it a great option for guests with dietary preferences.
• What other types of cheese can I use? While sharp cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment with other good melting cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, Swiss, or even a blend with a touch of smoked gouda for a different flavor profile.
• How long does broccoli casserole last in the refrigerator? When stored properly in an airtight container, leftover broccoli casserole can be safely kept in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time and freeze it unbaked? Yes, you can! Assemble the casserole without the final crispy onion topping, cover it tightly, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking, then add the crispy onions and bake as directed.

More Delectable Holiday Side Dish Ideas to Enjoy

Looking for more inspiration to round out your holiday menu? Check out these other fantastic side dish recipes:

Soft Everything Dinner Rolls

The BEST One Pot Cheesy Potatoes

Green Beans with Mushrooms, Onions and Mornay Sauce

Easy Holiday Broccoli Casserole Video Overview