There are lots of perfect pairs out there. But one of the best has to be broccoli and cheese. Cheesy Broccoli Delight Casserole knows that and makes the dynamic duo the star of this side show! Those tender greens get soaked in a creamy, cheesy sauce that are then topped with buttery crackers for a smooth-and-crunchy combo you’re going to be craving, constantly! It’s the best when things just go together, and this is proof that Cheesy Broccoli Delight Casserole is simply meant to be!
Ingredients
- 2 (32-ounce) packages fresh broccoli florets
- 1/4 cup water
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1 cup yellow onion, chopped
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 1/2 cups rectangle-shaped buttery crackers, crushed
- 2 tablespoons fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
Directions
Step 1 –Grease a 13×9-inch broiler-proof baking dish.
Step 2 –In a large microwave-safe bowl, add the broccoli and the water.
Step 3 –Cover the bowl loosely with a microwave-safe lid and heat the broccoli in the microwave on high heat until tender, about 8 minutes.
Step 4 –While the broccoli is heating in the microwave, in a large saucepan over medium-high heat, melt 3 tablespoons of the butter.
Step 5 –Add the onions to the melted butter and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are softened, about 5 minutes.
Step 6 –Add the garlic to the onions, stirring occasionally and reducing the heat as needed to prevent burning, about 1 minute.
Step 7 –Evenly sprinkle the flour over the onion-garlic mixture and cook, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute.
Step 8 –Gradually whisk the milk into the onion mixture and bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring constantly with a whisk, until it has thickened, about 2 minutes.
Step 9 –Reduce the heat to medium and whisk the mayonnaise, the Dijon mustard, the salt, and the pepper into the sauce mixture until it is smooth.
Step 10 –Add the cheese to the sauce mixture and stir until it has melted and is smooth.
Step 11 –Add the broccoli to the cheese sauce and stir to coat.
Step 12 –Pour the broccoli casserole into the prepared baking dish and let it rest until it has cooled to room temperature, about 30 minutes.
Step 13 –Cover the baking dish with foil and chill the broccoli casserole in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
Step 14 –Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Step 15 –While the oven preheats, transfer the baking dish from the refrigerator and let the broccoli casserole rest at room temperature.
Step 16 –Bake the broccoli casserole, covered, until it is hot and bubbly, about 45 minutes.
Step 17 –In a medium microwave-safe bowl, add the remaining butter and microwave on high heat until it has melted, about 15 seconds.
Step 18 –Add the crackers and the parsley to the melted butter and stir to combine.
Step 19 –Discard the foil from the baking dish and evenly sprinkle the broccoli casserole with the cracker mixture.
Step 20 –Switch the oven setting to broil on high and broil the broccoli casserole until the top is golden-brown, about 2 minutes.
Step 21 –Transfer the baking dish to a wire rack and let the broccoli casserole stand, about 10 minutes.
Step 22 –Serve.
