Let me introduce you to the cozy, crowd-pleasing Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Casserole with Garlic Butter Pretzels—a vibrant, bubbling bake that turns an everyday favorite into something truly unforgettable. Imagine tender broccoli cloaked in a velvety cheddar-Parmesan sauce, all crowned with golden, buttery pretzel cubes laced with garlic. This comfort-food masterpiece delivers a fantastic balance of flavors and textures: creamy, cheesy, and topped with irresistible crunch. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, gathering friends for a weekend dinner, or simply craving a warm, veggie-studded main dish, this casserole promises to wow every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about making Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Casserole with Garlic Butter Pretzels is how simple and satisfying each ingredient is. Every component has a role to play—contributing luscious creaminess, robust cheesiness, or savory crunch to create the perfect comfort food dish.
- Broccoli florets: Provides a fresh, juicy base and beautiful bright green color—chop into bite-size pieces so every forkful is just right.
- Olive oil: Used for sautéing onions, this adds depth and helps bring out natural sweetness in the aromatics.
- Yellow onion: Gives the casserole savory undertones and a little extra heartiness.
- Garlic: Two cloves go into the sauce for warmth and aroma, plus more gets added to the pretzel topping for a garlicky punch.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce to creamy, spoon-coating perfection.
- Whole milk: Lends a creamy yet light texture to the cheesy base.
- Heavy cream: Adds ultimate richness for a decadent finish.
- Dijon mustard: Just a teaspoon brings subtle tang and sharpness to balance all that cheese.
- Smoked paprika: Gives gentle warmth and a hint of smokiness for deeper flavor.
- Black pepper: Brightens and sharpens every bite.
- Salt: Essential to boost flavor from every ingredient.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Choose high-quality, freshly shredded cheese for the creamiest melt and most robust cheddar flavor.
- Parmesan cheese: Just a touch for salty, nutty complexity in the sauce.
- Pretzel cubes: Use day-old soft pretzels—these crisp up perfectly in the oven and soak up just enough butter and garlic.
- Unsalted butter: Melted and mixed with the pretzels for a rich, flavorful topping.
- Fresh parsley: Optional, but it adds a pop of green and freshness as garnish before serving.
How to Make Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Casserole with Garlic Butter Pretzels
Step 1: Blanch the Broccoli
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Toss in your fresh broccoli florets and let them cook for just 2 minutes—the goal is to brighten their color and give them a head start on tenderness without making them mushy. Drain immediately and set aside. This blanching step locks in the broccoli’s vibrant color and ensures they’ll be just-right in the final dish.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Onions and garlic turn magical when sautéed, and they set the flavorful foundation of this casserole. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium and cook the diced onion until soft and translucent, about 4 to 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds, just until fragrant—don’t let it brown!
Step 3: Build the Cheese Sauce
Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring constantly for about a minute to cook off that raw flour taste. Now, slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking as you go to avoid any lumps. Add the Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Keep stirring and simmering for 5 to 6 minutes until the sauce thickens into a creamy, velvety texture. Stir in 2 cups of the shredded cheddar and all the Parmesan—keep going until it’s completely smooth and gooey.
Step 4: Combine and Transfer
Now for the fun part: gently fold the blanched broccoli into your glorious cheese sauce so that every floret is coated. Pour this mixture into a lightly greased 9×13-inch casserole dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Already, the Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Casserole with Garlic Butter Pretzels is taking shape!
Step 5: Prepare the Pretzel Topping
In a medium bowl, toss those rustic pretzel cubes with the melted butter and grated garlic until every piece is glistening and fragrant. These cubes will soak up a bit of buttery goodness and crisp up delightfully during baking, turning into a crunchy, flavorful lid. Scatter them evenly over the casserole, then sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese right on top.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the casserole in a preheated 375°F oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the sauce is bubbling around the edges and the pretzel topping is deeply golden. The smell will be absolutely irresistible, so let it cool for just five minutes before garnishing with fresh parsley and digging in!
How to Serve Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Casserole with Garlic Butter Pretzels
Garnishes
Just before serving, a quick shower of chopped fresh parsley adds color and a whisper of herbaceous brightness. If you’re feeling bold, a little extra grated Parmesan or a sprinkle of smoked paprika on top can elevate the look and flavor of the Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Casserole with Garlic Butter Pretzels even more.
Side Dishes
Since this casserole is deeply filling and hearty, I love to pair it with something light and zippy on the side—think a crisp apple and arugula salad or a basic vinaigrette-dressed green salad for a refreshing contrast. If you want to go all out, serve with roasted carrots or a tangy coleslaw to create a balanced, eye-catching spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful, party-ready twist, try baking the Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Casserole with Garlic Butter Pretzels in individual ramekins for single-servings—perfect at buffets or potlucks. Or, pile spoonfuls into hollowed mini bread bowls for a wow-worthy presentation that doubles as both dish and side.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The casserole will keep its creamy texture and crunchy topping for up to 3 days, making it just as tempting the next day!
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Casserole with Garlic Butter Pretzels before baking—just assemble but hold off on adding the pretzel topping until ready to cook. Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When the craving strikes, thaw overnight in the fridge, add fresh pretzels, and bake as directed.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until hot throughout, about 15 minutes. For an extra-crispy top, uncover for the last 5 minutes. Microwave reheating works too, though the pretzel cubes may lose a little crunch.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! If you don’t have fresh broccoli, thaw frozen florets and pat them dry before using. There’s no need to blanch frozen broccoli—simply fold right into the cheese sauce and continue with the recipe.
What can I substitute for pretzels in the topping?
If soft pretzels aren’t available, try using homemade or store-bought garlic butter crackers crushed into chunks. Even hearty, day-old bread torn into rustic cubes will work in a pinch—just make sure you toss them in butter and garlic for that signature flavor.
Can I make Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Casserole with Garlic Butter Pretzels ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the broccoli and cheese mixture up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Add the pretzel topping right before baking for the freshest texture and crunch.
How spicy is this casserole?
The smoked paprika and black pepper add warmth and a gentle kick, not fiery heat. If you love extra spice, a dash of cayenne or chopped fresh chiles can be added to the sauce.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Definitely! The creamy cheese sauce and crunchy garlic butter pretzels make Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Casserole with Garlic Butter Pretzels a fun, approachable way to get veggies on the table—even picky eaters find it irresistible.
Final Thoughts
There’s something irresistible about the combination of melty cheese, tender broccoli, and a flavorful pretzel topping—every bite is comforting, satisfying, and just a little bit special. If you’re searching for a dish to warm hearts and bring folks together, don’t wait to try Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Casserole with Garlic Butter Pretzels. It’s one of those recipes you’ll want to make again and again!
Print
Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Casserole with Garlic Butter Pretzels Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this comforting Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Casserole topped with savory Garlic Butter Pretzels. A vegetarian delight that combines cheesy goodness with a crispy pretzel topping, perfect for a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped into bite-size pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded and divided
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Pretzel Topping:
- 4 cups soft pretzels, cubed (day-old or slightly stale works best)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 clove garlic, grated or finely minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- Prepare the Broccoli: Blanch the broccoli in boiling salted water for 2 minutes, then drain.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: In a skillet, cook onion in olive oil until soft, then add garlic.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in flour, then gradually add milk and cream. Season with mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until thickened.
- Add Cheese and Broccoli: Mix in cheddar and Parmesan. Fold in blanched broccoli and transfer to casserole dish.
- Prepare Pretzel Topping: Coat pretzel cubes with butter and garlic. Sprinkle over casserole along with remaining cheddar.
- Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve: Let cool for 5 minutes, garnish with parsley if desired, and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra richness, add 1/2 cup sour cream or cream cheese to the cheddar sauce.
- Frozen broccoli or crushed garlic butter crackers can be substituted as needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 690 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 17 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
