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Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Casserole with Garlic Butter Pretzels Recipe

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4.1 from 75 reviews

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Casserole with Garlic Butter Pretzels is a comforting and flavorful side dish perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings. Tender broccoli florets are enveloped in a rich, cheesy sauce made with sharp cheddar, milk, and cream, then topped with crunchy garlic butter pretzels for an irresistible texture contrast. Baked until bubbly and golden, this casserole combines creamy, savory, and crunchy elements that make vegetables exciting and satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy & Butter

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter

Dry Ingredients & Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground mustard (optional)
  • 1 1/2 cups mini garlic butter pretzels, lightly crushed

Garnish

  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×9-inch or similar-sized baking dish to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick.
  2. Steam the broccoli: Steam or blanch the broccoli florets for 2 to 3 minutes until they are just tender but still bright green, then drain well and set aside; this prevents mushy texture later in the bake.
  3. Cook aromatics: In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release its aroma.
  4. Make the roux: Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook the mixture for 1 minute to form a roux, which will thicken the sauce.
  5. Prepare cheese sauce: Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream until smooth. Continue cooking and stirring frequently until the sauce thickens, about 3 to 5 minutes. Season with salt, black pepper, and optional ground mustard.
  6. Add cheese: Remove from heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  7. Combine broccoli and sauce: Add the steamed broccoli to the cheese sauce and stir gently to evenly coat all the florets.
  8. Assemble casserole: Pour the broccoli and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
  9. Prepare topping: In a small bowl, toss the lightly crushed garlic butter pretzels with melted butter to coat them well.
  10. Add finishing touches: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese over the broccoli casserole, then evenly distribute the pretzel mixture on top for a crunchy crust.
  11. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
  12. Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired before serving warm.

Notes

  • For added protein, stir in 1 cup of cooked shredded chicken or cooked quinoa before baking.
  • Use store-bought garlic butter pretzel bites or twist-style pretzels, lightly crushed for topping crunch.
  • Avoid overcooking the broccoli before baking to keep it from becoming mushy and maintain texture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

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Find it online: https://restaurantrecipesbook.com/creamy-broccoli-cheddar-casserole-with-garlic-butter-pretzels-recipe/