Easy Ina Garten Broccoli Casserole Recipe for Perfect Dinners

Broccoli casseroles revolutionize comfort food with their rich, creamy textures and irresistible warmth.

Green vegetable magic transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary and deeply satisfying.

Cheese-laden and decadent, this classic dish brings families together around steaming platters of pure deliciousness.

Robust flavors meld beautifully, creating a symphony of taste that elevates simple vegetables into gourmet territory.

Nutrition meets indulgence in this versatile side that works perfectly for weeknight dinners or elegant gatherings.

Simple techniques combine wholesome ingredients into a crowd-pleasing masterpiece that feels simultaneously familiar and special.

Comfort food doesn’t get more delightful than these golden, bubbling creations that promise to tantalize taste buds: come hungry and leave happy!

Why Ina Garten’s Broccoli Casserole Is a Comfort Classic

• Create Creamy Comfort: This broccoli casserole delivers a luxurious, velvety texture that wraps you in warm, cheesy goodness. The white sauce transforms simple broccoli into a decadent side dish that feels like a culinary hug.
• Elevate Everyday Vegetables: Forget boring steamed broccoli – this recipe turns humble vegetables into a star-studded dish. Each bite combines crisp-tender broccoli with a rich, creamy sauce and a crunchy bread crumb topping that makes vegetables irresistibly delicious.
• Quick Gourmet Magic: In just one hour, you'll create a restaurant-worthy side dish that looks and tastes incredibly impressive. The simple cooking method means even novice cooks can whip up a sophisticated casserole that will wow family and dinner guests alike.
• Nutritious Indulgence: Pack in vegetable goodness without sacrificing flavor. The recipe balances healthy broccoli with just enough cheese and butter to make it feel like a treat, proving that nutritious food can be absolutely mouthwatering.

Key Ingredients for Ina Garten Broccoli Casserole

• Broccoli Florets: Fresh green vegetable that forms the base of the casserole, look for bright green and firm florets with tight clusters.
• Butter: Rich, creamy ingredient that adds flavor and helps create a smooth texture, use high-quality unsalted butter for best results.
• Milk: Provides liquid base for white sauce and adds creaminess, whole milk gives the best richness.
• Cheese: Sharp or mild cheese that melts well and adds depth to the casserole, choose a good quality grated cheese.

• Flour: Helps thicken the white sauce and create a smooth consistency, all-purpose flour works best.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor of the dish, use kosher or sea salt for better taste.
• Nutmeg: Adds warm, subtle spice to the white sauce, freshly grated nutmeg has the most intense flavor.

• Bread Crumbs: Provides a crunchy golden topping, use fresh or dried bread crumbs for a crispy finish.

Method to Make Ina Garten Broccoli Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Oven

Heat the oven to 450°F (232°C). Grease an 8-by-8-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Creamy Sauce

• Salt
• Nutmeg

Continuously stir the sauce until it thickens and becomes velvety, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Cook Broccoli

Fill a separate pot with 1 inch of water. Bring to a boil and add broccoli florets. Steam for 5 minutes until they turn bright green and remain slightly crisp.

Step 4: Layer Casserole

Transfer steamed broccoli to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the cheese over the broccoli. Pour the warm white sauce evenly across the top.

Step 5: Add Crunchy Topping

Melt of butter and mix thoroughly with bread crumbs. Sprinkle this buttery crumb mixture over the casserole.

Step 6: Bake and Serve

Place the casserole in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the edges bubble with cheesy goodness. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Expert Tips for an Outstanding Ina Garten Broccoli Casserole

• Melt Butter Masterfully: Bring butter to room temperature to ensure smooth blending and effortless sauce creation.
• Whisk Wisely: Gently combine flour and butter to eliminate potential lumps, achieving a silky white sauce base.
• Select Premium Milk: Opt for whole milk to create a luxuriously creamy texture that transforms the casserole.
• Grate Nutmeg Freshly: Sprinkle freshly grated nutmeg to introduce a warm, sophisticated flavor dimension.
• Broccoli Brilliance: Pick vibrant green broccoli with compact florets for maximum taste and crisp-tender perfection.

Storing Ina Garten Broccoli Casserole

• Refrigerator Strategy: Create strategic layers when storing broccoli casserole. Transfer cooled dish into glass containers with tight-sealing lids, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain individual portion integrity.
• Reheating Technique: Revive casserole's original deliciousness by preheating oven to 350°F. Sprinkle fresh breadcrumbs on top before warming to restore crispy texture and prevent moisture buildup. Cover loosely with aluminum foil during initial 10 minutes to prevent excessive drying.
• Quality Preservation: Monitor refrigerated casserole closely within 3-4 day window. Check for any unusual odors or color changes before consuming. Discard immediately if any signs of spoilage appear, prioritizing food safety over potential leftovers.

Fresh Variations on Ina Garten Broccoli Casserole

• Cheesy Broccoli Mediterranean: Replace half the white sauce with crumbled feta cheese and add chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Broccoli Bake: Incorporate diced jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, and replace bread crumbs with crushed tortilla chips for a zesty southwestern kick.
• Lean Green Protein Casserole: Substitute white sauce with Greek yogurt, add diced grilled chicken breast, and sprinkle nutritional yeast instead of traditional cheese for a protein-packed version.
• Vegan Herbal Green Casserole: Use cashew cream instead of white sauce, replace cheese with nutritional yeast, add fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary, and top with gluten-free panko breadcrumbs for a plant-based alternative.

Summation of Ina Garten Broccoli Casserole

Comfort culinary magic emerges through Ina Garten’s broccoli casserole, blending creamy textures with nutmeg-kissed sophistication.

Gourmet simplicity shines in this classic dish, transforming humble ingredients into an elegant side.

Nutritious broccoli meets rich white sauce, creating harmonious flavors that dance across palates.

Cheese melts provocatively, embracing each floret with warm, luxurious depth.

Professional kitchen techniques become accessible, inviting home cooks to craft restaurant-quality experiences.

Passionate epicureans will savor this recipe’s delightful balance – share its charm with friends, comment on its remarkable simplicity, and spread culinary joy through social media connections.

Ina Garten Broccoli Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Ina Garten’s broccoli casserole brings comfort and elegance to classic vegetable side dishes. Creamy cheese sauce, tender broccoli, and buttery breadcrumbs create a rich, satisfying experience you’ll crave at family dinners.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) broccoli, cut into small florets (about 8 cups)
• 1 cup (120 grams) grated sharp Cheddar (about 4 ounces)
• 1 ½ cups (360 milliliters) whole milk

Thickening and Seasoning Ingredients:

• ¼ cup (57 grams) unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing the baking dish
• 3 tablespoons (23 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt, plus extra as needed
• 1 pinch freshly grated nutmeg
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Topping Ingredient:

• ½ cup (60 grams) fresh bread crumbs

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 450°F (232°C) and thoroughly coat an 8-by-8-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the creamy white sauce by gently melting 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, ensuring it doesn’t brown.
3. Gradually whisk all-purpose flour into the melted butter, creating a smooth, pale roux that will thicken the sauce without lumps.
4. Slowly pour cold whole milk into the roux, continuously whisking to incorporate fully and prevent any potential scorching on the bottom of the pan.
5. Season the developing sauce with fine sea salt and a delicate pinch of freshly grated nutmeg, stirring constantly until the mixture transforms into a velvety, thick consistency that coats the back of a spoon.
6. In a separate cooking vessel, steam fresh broccoli florets for approximately 4-5 minutes, maintaining their vibrant green color and crisp-tender texture.
7. Arrange the steamed broccoli evenly across the prepared baking dish, creating a uniform base for the gratin.
8. Sprinkle half of the grated cheese over the broccoli, ensuring even distribution.
9. Carefully pour the luxurious white sauce over the broccoli and cheese, allowing it to seep between the vegetable pieces.
10. Melt an additional tablespoon of butter and combine it with breadcrumbs to create a golden, crispy topping.
11. Evenly scatter the buttered breadcrumbs across the surface of the gratin, providing a crunchy contrast to the creamy underneath.
12. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, watching for a bubbling exterior and a light golden-brown topping that signals perfect doneness.

Notes

• Prep this casserole in advance for stress-free entertaining, allowing more time to enjoy with family and friends.
• Toasting bread crumbs in butter transforms an ordinary topping into a golden, crispy masterpiece that elevates the entire dish.
• Steaming broccoli beforehand locks in nutrients and ensures a vibrant green color that looks as amazing as it tastes.
• Nutmeg’s hidden magic brings warmth and unexpected depth to the creamy white sauce, creating a flavor profile that surprises and delights.
• Freshly grated cheese melts like silk, delivering a more robust flavor that pre-shredded cheese simply can’t match.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 244
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 398 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 46 mg