Sunday Cheesy Broccoli Bake

Name: Sunday Cheesy Broccoli Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 4 cups fresh broccoli florets; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup bread crumbs; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; Salt and pepper, to taste

Highlighted under: Home Food

I absolutely love making this Sunday Cheesy Broccoli Bake for my family. The blend of crunchy broccoli and creamy cheese creates a comforting dish that everyone enjoys. This recipe is perfect for those lazy Sundays when you want something delicious but easy to prepare. Plus, the combination of flavors makes it a fantastic side or even a light main course. I’ve found that roasting the broccoli first intensifies its flavor, which brings this dish to the next level. Trust me, you’ll want to make this every week!

Created by

Elin Matthews

Last updated on 2026-01-12T08:17:35.033Z

When I first tried making broccoli au gratin, I never imagined I would develop such a love for it. The first time I served it, everyone was surprised by how creamy and flavorful it was. I had carefully combined shredded cheese, cream, and the perfect blend of spices that transformed the humble broccoli into something extraordinary.

One key tip I learned is to ensure you cook the broccoli just until it's slightly tender before adding the cheese. It helps the cheese melt beautifully and maintain the texture of the broccoli. This simple technique has made my evenings with family delightful, as we savor every cheesy bite!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Melty, gooey cheese that brings comfort in every bite
Nutritious broccoli adds a delightful crunch
Ideal for family gatherings or a cozy dinner

Broccoli Preparation Tips

Blanching the broccoli is a crucial step in achieving the perfect texture for this dish. After bringing salted water to a boil, make sure to time the blanching precisely; 3-4 minutes is enough to soften the broccoli while retaining its bright green color and crunchiness. If you over-blanch, you'll end up with mushy broccoli, which can detract from the overall presentation and texture of the bake.

Once you drain the blanched broccoli, consider tossing it in a little olive oil and seasoning with salt and pepper. This adds extra flavor and prevents the broccoli from sticking together when combined with the cheese sauce. A light coating of oil will also aid in achieving a beautiful golden color during baking.

The Role of Cheese

The combination of cheddar and Parmesan cheese in this bake not only provides a delicious flavor but also an appealing texture. Cheddar delivers that melty, gooey comfort that enhances each bite, while Parmesan adds a nutty depth and a slight crispy finish when baked. When selecting your cheeses, opt for a good quality block cheddar; shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can alter the melting properties.

If you're looking for a lighter version, consider using a mix of reduced-fat cheese or adding in some cream cheese for creaminess without as many calories. This also allows you to play around with flavors; a pepper jack cheese could introduce a delightful heat to the dish.

Baking and Serving Suggestions

When baking your Cheesy Broccoli Bake, keep an eye on it to ensure it achieves that signature bubbly and golden top. Baking for 25-30 minutes at 375°F (190°C) usually does the trick, but oven variances can affect the timing. Look for slightly crisp edges and a bubbly cheese sauce as indicators that it's ready to come out. If it's not browning enough for your liking, consider broiling it for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end, but watch it closely to avoid burning.

Serving this dish alongside roasted meats or a light salad can round out your meal perfectly. It also makes for excellent leftovers! Store any uneaten portions in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For reheating, pop it back in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warm, which will help maintain that cheesy texture.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you will need to prepare this delightful dish:

Ingredients

4 cups fresh broccoli florets
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup bread crumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste

Gather these ingredients and get ready to make a cheesy masterpiece!

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create your Sunday Cheesy Broccoli Bake:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Prepare the Broccoli

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and blanch the broccoli for 3-4 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Drain and set aside.

Make the Cheese Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine heavy cream, garlic, and half of the cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the mixture is smooth.

Combine and Bake

In a large baking dish, mix the blanched broccoli with the cheese sauce. Top with remaining cheddar cheese, bread crumbs, and Parmesan cheese. Drizzle with olive oil.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until slightly golden and bubbly.

Let it cool for a few minutes before serving to enjoy this cheesy delight!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, feel free to add red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're short on time, frozen broccoli florets can be a convenient alternative to fresh broccoli. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before using to avoid excess moisture, which can make your bake watery. Additionally, you could swap out the heavy cream for a combination of milk and a bit of cream cheese to create a lighter version of the cheese sauce while still preserving that rich flavor.

For those with dietary restrictions, gluten-free breadcrumbs can easily replace regular ones. You can even turn this dish vegan by using plant-based cheese and preparing a vegan cream sauce with blended cashews and nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor. This way, everyone can enjoy the dish without compromising on taste.

Make-Ahead Tips

This Sunday Cheesy Broccoli Bake is an excellent candidate for make-ahead meals. You can prepare the entire dish, including the cheese sauce, and store it in the refrigerator overnight before baking. Just be sure to cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or foil to prevent it from drying out. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully as it sits.

If you want to freeze it, prepare and assemble the bake but do not bake it. Instead, cover it tightly and store it in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as instructed, adding a few extra minutes to ensure it's heated through.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you find that your broth or cheese sauce seems too thin, this can often be corrected by cooking the mixture a little longer to reduce it down. You want it to be glossy and velvety when it's combined with the broccoli. If it’s still not thickening as desired, whisk in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water) and let it simmer until thickened.

Sometimes cheese can separate when reheated or overcooked. To avoid this, make sure to monitor your bake carefully in the oven and remove it as soon as the cheese is bubbly and begins to brown. If you do encounter a grainy texture, a quick stir while it's still warm can help bring it back together prior to serving.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, frozen broccoli can be used, but be sure to thaw and drain it well before adding to the dish.

→ What other cheese can I use?

Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gouda for varied flavors.

→ Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, you can prepare it ahead of time and just bake it when you're ready to serve.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.