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
Scale
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
