Rachael Ray’s Broccoli Cheese Casserole: A Comfort Food Classic
Broccoli cheese casserole. Just the name conjures up images of cozy family dinners, holiday gatherings, and pure, unadulterated comfort food. And when it comes to delivering on that promise, Rachael Ray’s version truly shines. This isn’t your grandma’s bland, mushy broccoli casserole (unless your grandma was a culinary genius, in which case, kudos to her!). Rachael’s recipe elevates this classic dish with a creamy, flavorful sauce, perfectly cooked broccoli, and a delightfully crispy topping. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, easy to make, and endlessly customizable. So, grab your apron, preheat your oven, and let’s dive into the deliciousness that is Rachael Ray’s Broccoli Cheese Casserole.
Why This Recipe Works
Before we get to the nitty-gritty of the recipe, let’s talk about why this particular version is so successful. Several key elements contribute to its outstanding flavor and texture:
* **Properly Cooked Broccoli:** Soggy broccoli is the enemy of any good casserole. This recipe emphasizes blanching or lightly steaming the broccoli to achieve that perfect balance of tenderness and slight bite.
* **Flavorful Cheese Sauce:** The cheese sauce isn’t just a glue to hold everything together; it’s a flavor powerhouse. A combination of sharp cheddar and a touch of parmesan (optional, but highly recommended) creates a rich, savory foundation.
* **Creamy Base:** Sour cream adds tang and richness to the sauce, preventing it from becoming overly heavy. It also helps to create a beautifully smooth texture.
* **Crispy Topping:** The buttery, crunchy topping is the perfect textural counterpoint to the creamy casserole. Whether you prefer breadcrumbs, Ritz crackers, or something else entirely, it adds a delightful finish.
* **Simple Ingredients:** Despite its impressive flavor, this casserole uses readily available ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry and refrigerator.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to create this culinary masterpiece:
* **Broccoli:** 2 pounds fresh broccoli florets (or frozen, thawed and drained well)
* **Butter:** 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided (4 tablespoons for the sauce, 2 tablespoons for the topping)
* **All-Purpose Flour:** 4 tablespoons
* **Milk:** 3 cups whole milk
* **Sour Cream:** 1 cup
* **Sharp Cheddar Cheese:** 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided (2 cups for the sauce, 1 cup for topping)
* **Parmesan Cheese:** ½ cup grated parmesan cheese (optional, but adds a lovely depth of flavor)
* **Salt:** 1 teaspoon, or to taste
* **Black Pepper:** ½ teaspoon, or to taste
* **Garlic Powder:** ½ teaspoon (optional, but adds a subtle savory note)
* **Onion Powder:** ½ teaspoon (optional, complements the garlic powder)
* **Breadcrumbs or Ritz Crackers:** 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs (panko or regular) OR crushed Ritz crackers
Equipment Needed
* Large pot or steamer
* Large skillet or saucepan
* Whisk
* Measuring cups and spoons
* 9×13 inch baking dish
* Mixing bowl (for the topping)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now for the fun part: putting it all together! Follow these simple steps to create a broccoli cheese casserole that will have everyone asking for seconds.
**Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli**
* **Fresh Broccoli:** Wash and cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and blanch for 3-4 minutes, until they are tender-crisp. Immediately drain the broccoli and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Pat dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for preventing soggy broccoli in the final casserole.
* **Frozen Broccoli:** Thaw the frozen broccoli completely. Press out any excess water using paper towels. This prevents the casserole from becoming watery.
**Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce**
* In a large skillet or saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
* Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. This will help thicken the sauce.
* Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure to smooth out any lumps. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens and comes to a simmer. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
* Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the sour cream, 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, and parmesan cheese (if using). Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
* Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder (if using). Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Don’t be afraid to be generous with the seasoning – it makes a big difference!
**Step 3: Assemble the Casserole**
* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
* In a large bowl, combine the blanched (or thawed and drained) broccoli florets with the cheese sauce. Gently toss to coat evenly.
* Pour the broccoli mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
**Step 4: Prepare the Topping**
* In a small bowl, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter.
* Combine the melted butter with the breadcrumbs (or crushed Ritz crackers) and the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well.
* Sprinkle the topping evenly over the broccoli mixture in the baking dish.
**Step 5: Bake the Casserole**
* Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
* Let the casserole stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows it to set slightly and makes it easier to cut and serve.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Casserole
* **Don’t Overcook the Broccoli:** Overcooked broccoli will be mushy and unappetizing. Aim for tender-crisp.
* **Use Freshly Grated Cheese:** Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly. Grating your own cheese ensures a creamy, melty sauce.
* **Adjust the Cheese:** Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or even a smoked cheddar would be delicious additions.
* **Add Some Heat:** A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce can add a welcome kick to the casserole.
* **Make it Ahead:** You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add the topping just before baking.
* **Freeze it:** Baked Casserole can be frozen up to 2 months. Cool completely, wrap tightly and freeze. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
* **Vary the Topping:** Get creative with your topping! Try crushed potato chips, fried onions, or even a sprinkle of bacon bits.
* **Add Protein:** For a heartier casserole, add cooked chicken, ham, or sausage to the broccoli mixture.
* **Don’t be Afraid to Experiment:** This recipe is a great starting point, but feel free to customize it to your own tastes. Add your favorite vegetables, spices, or cheeses to create a unique and delicious dish.
Variations and Add-Ins
The beauty of broccoli cheese casserole lies in its versatility. Here are a few ideas to inspire your own culinary creations:
* **Mushroom Broccoli Cheese Casserole:** Sauté sliced mushrooms with the butter before making the cheese sauce. This adds an earthy, savory flavor.
* **Chicken Broccoli Cheese Casserole:** Add cooked, shredded chicken to the broccoli mixture for a complete meal.
* **Bacon Broccoli Cheese Casserole:** Cook bacon until crispy, crumble it, and add it to the broccoli mixture and the topping.
* **Spicy Broccoli Cheese Casserole:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
* **Vegetarian Broccoli Cheese Casserole:** Add other vegetables like cauliflower, carrots, or bell peppers to the broccoli mixture.
* **Gluten-Free Broccoli Cheese Casserole:** Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers for the topping. Make sure your flour is a gluten-free blend.
* **Vegan Broccoli Cheese Casserole:** Use plant-based butter, milk, and cheese alternatives. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor to the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Broccoli cheese casserole is a versatile dish that can be served as a side dish or a main course. Here are a few serving suggestions:
* **As a Side Dish:** Serve alongside roasted chicken, pork chops, or steak.
* **As a Main Course:** Serve with a side salad or crusty bread.
* **For Holidays:** Broccoli cheese casserole is a classic holiday dish that is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter.
* **Potlucks:** This casserole is easy to transport and is always a hit at potlucks.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
(Based on one serving – approximately 1/8 of the casserole)
* Calories: 350-450
* Fat: 25-35g
* Saturated Fat: 15-20g
* Cholesterol: 75-100mg
* Sodium: 500-700mg
* Carbohydrates: 15-20g
* Fiber: 3-5g
* Sugar: 5-7g
* Protein: 15-20g
*Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*
Conclusion
Rachael Ray’s Broccoli Cheese Casserole is a timeless comfort food classic that is sure to please everyone at your table. With its creamy cheese sauce, perfectly cooked broccoli, and crispy topping, this casserole is the perfect dish for any occasion. So, go ahead and give it a try – you won’t be disappointed!