This broccoli Parmesan casserole recipe transforms broccoli into a cozy, cheesy baked delight. The combination of earthy broccoli and nutty Parmesan is comfort food perfection. And let’s be honest: When cheese is involved, even picky eaters get excited to eat their veggies. Add a rich, creamy sauce and a crispy bread crumb topping, and you’ve got a decadent side dish that’s right at home on a Sunday dinner table or holiday spread.

Start by steaming broccoli florets until they’re crisp-tender. Then, whip up the cheesy sauce on the stovetop with butter, onion, garlic, flour, milk and Parmesan. Cover the broccoli with the sauce, top it with toasted bread crumbs, and bake the dish until golden and bubbly. This recipe makes enough to fill a standard 13×9-inch baking dish, but you can easily halve it or bake it in two smaller 8×8-inch casserole dishes. Our Parmesan broccoli casserole is also easy to make ahead, which makes it a go-to for busy weeknights or entertaining.

Ingredients for Broccoli Parmesan Casserole

• Broccoli: Use fresh broccoli florets for the best texture; frozen broccoli releases moisture when thawed, which can make the sauce watery.
• Butter: Melted butter adds richness and creates the base of the creamy sauce. If you use salted butter, you may want to decrease the amount of salt you add later.
• Onion and garlic: These aromatics add depth, a savory flavor and aroma to the sauce. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic for a smoother sauce.
• Flour: When combined with the melted butter, all-purpose flour forms a quick roux that thickens the sauce.
• Milk: Milk is the creamy body of the sauce. This recipe calls for 2%, but you can swap in whole milk for richer flavor or use an unsweetened dairy-free alternative if needed.
• Egg yolk: A single egg yolk helps the sauce set as it bakes so the casserole has a scoopable, custard-like texture. If you need an egg-free recipe, you can skip the yolk, but your final dish will have a looser, saucier texture.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grate a block of Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and meltability.
• Bread crumbs: Toasted seasoned bread crumbs deliver a crunch that contrasts with the creamy elements. Store-bought bread crumbs are a timesaver, but you can make homemade bread crumbs with stale or toasted bread and dried herbs.

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