Cheesy Broccoli Potato Casserole – Creamy, Comforting, and Crowd-Pleasing 🥔🧀

Hey there! If you’re craving something cozy, cheesy, and loaded with comfort, this Cheesy Broccoli Potato Casserole is exactly what you need. It’s the kind of dish that makes your home smell amazing and everyone rushes to the kitchen asking, “When’s dinner ready?” I love making this for family gatherings or lazy Sunday dinners because it’s easy, filling, and guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters.

Think tender potatoes, perfectly cooked broccoli, and a creamy, cheesy sauce baked until golden and bubbly. It’s pure comfort food — warm, gooey, and full of flavor — but with a little veggie goodness mixed in. Let’s get baking!

Nutritional Benefits

This casserole may be indulgent, but it’s got some great nutrition hiding in every bite. Broccoli is packed with fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants that boost your immune system. Potatoes add potassium and slow-burning carbs for lasting energy. And the cheese? A source of calcium and protein that brings everything together with that irresistible creamy richness. You can even make it lighter by using milk instead of cream or part-skim cheese — comfort food doesn’t have to mean heavy!

Adaptable Variations

• Healthier Swap: Use Greek yogurt or light sour cream instead of heavy cream for a lighter, tangy flavor.
• Add Protein: Toss in shredded rotisserie chicken, diced ham, or crumbled bacon for a heartier version.
• Vegan Option: Use plant-based cheese and a non-dairy milk (like oat or almond). A sprinkle of nutritional yeast adds a “cheesy” flavor too!
• Crunchy Topping: Add a layer of crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter for a golden, crispy top.

The Recipe

Ingredients

• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups milk (any type)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or Greek yogurt
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Optional: 1/4 cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for topping

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven: Set to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a medium casserole dish.
2. Cook the potatoes: Boil diced potatoes in salted water for 8–10 minutes until just tender (not mushy). Drain and set aside.
3. Steam the broccoli: Steam or blanch broccoli for 2–3 minutes until bright green. Drain well.
4. Make the cheese sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add milk while whisking until smooth. Stir in cream (or yogurt), garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Once thickened, stir in 1 cup of shredded cheese until melted and smooth.
5. Assemble the casserole: In the baking dish, combine cooked potatoes, broccoli, and the cheese sauce. Mix gently to coat everything evenly.
6. Top and bake: Sprinkle the remaining cheese (and breadcrumbs if using) over the top. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
7. Serve: Let it cool slightly before digging in — it’s creamy, melty, and totally irresistible!

Practical & Valuable Tips

• Pre-cook your veggies: Make sure your potatoes and broccoli are tender before baking — the oven just finishes everything off.
• Cheese choices: Sharp cheddar gives bold flavor, but you can mix in mozzarella or Monterey Jack for extra creaminess.
• Meal prep friendly: Assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready — just add an extra 10 minutes to the cooking time.
• Leftovers tip: This reheats beautifully! Store in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven or microwave with a splash of milk to keep it creamy.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen broccoli? Absolutely! Just thaw and drain it well before adding to prevent extra moisture.
2. Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes? Yes! It gives the dish a slightly sweet twist that pairs beautifully with the cheese sauce.
3. How do I make it gluten-free? Swap the flour for a gluten-free all-purpose blend or cornstarch when thickening the sauce.
4. Can I freeze this casserole? You can! Bake it first, let it cool completely, then freeze. Reheat in the oven until hot and bubbly.

Call to Action

Did this Cheesy Broccoli Potato Casserole bring that cozy homemade magic to your table? 🧀💛 I’d love to see how yours turned out — snap a picture and tag me on Pinterest! Don’t forget to save this recipe for when you need a comforting, family-friendly meal that always gets rave reviews. 🥔✨