Cheesy Potato Broccoli Casserole (Printable)
Tender potatoes and broccoli baked with rich cheese sauce, topped with crispy breadcrumbs for a golden finish.
# What You'll Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 1.5 lbs Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
02 - 3 cups broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
03 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Cheese Sauce
05 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
06 - 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
07 - 1.5 cups whole milk
08 - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
09 - 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
10 - 1/2 tsp salt
11 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
12 - 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
13 - 1/4 tsp ground mustard (optional)
→ Topping
14 - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
15 - 1/2 cup panko or regular breadcrumbs
16 - 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
02 - Boil a large pot of salted water. Add potatoes and cook for 7 minutes. Add broccoli and cook 3 more minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.
03 - In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute more.
04 - Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute continuously. Gradually add milk, whisking to prevent lumps. Cook, stirring, 3 to 5 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and incorporate cheddar, mozzarella, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and mustard.
05 - In a large bowl, mix cooked potatoes, broccoli, and cheese sauce until evenly coated. Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish.
06 - Combine shredded cheddar, breadcrumbs, and melted butter in a small bowl. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
07 - Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top. Allow to rest 5 minutes before serving.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- This casserole feels like a secret cozy hug in every bite, perfect for sharing with friends who need a little comfort food.
- The blend of creamy cheese sauce with tender potatoes and fresh broccoli is a combination that sneaks vegetables into meals without anyone noticing.
02 -
- Don't overcook the potatoes and broccoli in the boiling step; they will finish cooking in the oven and you want to avoid mushy veggies.
- Adding a pinch of smoked paprika made me realize how a small twist in seasoning can deepen flavor in unexpected but wonderful ways.
03 -
- Whisk the flour into butter thoroughly before adding milk to avoid lumps in the sauce.
- Resting the casserole after baking lets the sauce thicken and slicing cleaner pieces that hold their shape better.