Paula Deen Broccoli Bake Recipe for Cheesy Comfort

Creamy broccoli bake emerges as a culinary superstar that transforms mundane vegetables into an electrifying dinner sensation.

Packed with wholesome ingredients, this dish whispers comfort while shouting gourmet sophistication.

Layers of smooth cheese and tender broccoli create a symphony of flavors that dances across your taste buds.

Southern cooking wisdom infuses every bite with warmth and depth, turning simple produce into something magical.

Crunchy golden breadcrumbs crown this masterpiece, adding a delightful textural contrast to the silky interior.

Each forkful promises a nutritious adventure that elevates green vegetables from ordinary to extraordinary.

Hungry diners will be captivated by this irresistible side dish that guarantees clean plates and enthusiastic requests for more.

What to Serve with Paula’s Broccoli Bake

• Pair with Protein Powerhouses: Grilled chicken breast or seared salmon complement the creamy broccoli bake perfectly, adding lean protein to balance the rich cheese sauce.
• Create Delightful Dinner Combos: Serve alongside roasted garlic mashed potatoes or a light quinoa salad to transform this dish into a complete and satisfying meal that everyone will love.
• Add Zesty Finishing Touches: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives on top for a burst of color and a hint of fresh herbs that elevate the overall flavor profile of the cheesy broccoli bake.
• Customize with Personal Flair: Experiment by adding crispy bacon bits, sliced almonds, or a dash of hot sauce to make this recipe uniquely yours and surprise your taste buds with exciting variations.

Storing and Reheating Broccoli Bake

• Meal Planning & Storage Advice
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Blanch broccoli and make cheese sauce up to 24 hours in advance, storing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for convenient assembly later.
• Portion and Freeze: Divide cooled broccoli bake into individual serving portions, wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers, and store for up to 3 months for quick future meals.
• Reheat with Care: Thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent excessive browning and maintain sauce's creamy texture.
• Freshness Tip: Consume refrigerated leftovers within 3-4 days, always reheating until the internal temperature reaches 165°F to ensure food safety and maintain optimal flavor and texture.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 204 kcal

Servings: 5

What’s in Paula Deen’s Broccoli Bake

• Panko Breadcrumbs: Seek out extra-crunchy Japanese-style breadcrumbs for maximum texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Select freshly grated, aged cheese for robust, nutty flavor.

• Broccoli Florets: Choose bright green, firm heads with tight, compact clusters.
• Butter: Opt for high-quality unsalted butter for pure, clean taste.
• Milk: Select whole milk for richer, creamier sauce consistency.
• Cheddar Cheese: Pick sharp or extra-sharp variety for bold, intense cheese profile.

• Garlic Powder: Use premium, granulated powder for consistent flavor distribution.
• Salt: Select fine sea salt for smooth, balanced seasoning.
• Dry Mustard: Choose finely ground powder for subtle tangy undertone.
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground provides more vibrant, aromatic kick.
• Cayenne Pepper: Add sparingly for gentle warmth and subtle heat.
• Flour: Use all-purpose flour to create smooth, velvety sauce base.

Kitchen Gear for Paula Deen’s Broccoli Casserole

• Cast Iron Skillet: Essential for melting butter and baking the dish with even heat distribution.
• Large Pot: Perfect for boiling water and blanching broccoli quickly.
• Small Bowl: Ideal for mixing breadcrumb topping ingredients.
• Whisk: Key for smooth sauce preparation and preventing lumps.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure spices and seasonings.
• Colander: Necessary for draining blanched broccoli completely.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients.
• Oven: Required for baking and achieving golden, crispy topping.

How to Make a Broccoli Bake the Paula Way

• Preheat and Prep Kitchen Space

Get your oven warmed up to 200°C. Grab a large cast iron skillet and prepare your cooking area with all necessary tools.

• Create Crunchy Topping

Mix panko breadcrumbs with parmesan in a small bowl, creating a texture-rich coating that will deliver amazing crunch to your broccoli dish.

• Blanch Green Goodness

Boil water in a pot and quickly cook broccoli for a few minutes until it reaches perfect crisp-tender texture. Drain and set aside, preserving its vibrant color and nutrients.

• Craft Silky Sauce Foundation

Melt butter in the skillet and whisk in flour, stirring constantly until the mixture turns golden and releases a nutty fragrance. This step builds incredible depth of flavor.

• Build Flavor-Packed Sauce

Gradually pour milk into the skillet, whisking smoothly to prevent any lumps. Season with garlic powder, salt, dry mustard, and a hint of black pepper to elevate the sauce’s complexity.

• Combine and Bake

Fold cheddar cheese into the sauce until creamy, then mix in broccoli. Sprinkle the prepared breadcrumb topping and bake until the surface turns beautifully golden and crispy.

• Serve and Savor

Let the dish rest for a few minutes, allowing flavors to meld. Serve hot and enjoy a mouthwatering broccoli experience that combines creamy, crunchy, and utterly delicious elements.

Tips for a Creamier Broccoli Bake

Experiment with gruyère, fontina, or gouda for unique flavor profiles that transform the classic dish.

Fold in cooked diced chicken, crispy bacon bits, or ham cubes to elevate the nutritional value and add satisfying texture.

Boost heat by increasing cayenne pepper, adding red pepper flakes, or incorporating diced jalapeños for those who love a spicy kick.

Replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or crushed almond crackers to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising crunch.

Cheesy Paula Deen Broccoli Bake Recipe

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4.7 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Creamy cheese and broccoli come together in Paula Deen’s irresistible broccoli bake, a comforting Southern-style casserole. Generous layers of tender vegetables blend with rich, melted cheese to create a satisfying side dish you’ll crave at every gathering.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 5 cups (1.25 lbs/567 g) broccoli florets
• 1 ¾ cups non-fat milk
• ½ cup freshly grated extra sharp cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup white whole wheat flour
• 3 tbsps (45 ml) unsalted butter, divided
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp kosher salt
• ¼ tsp dry mustard
• ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

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Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Preheat the oven to 200°C / 400°F and melt butter in a cast iron skillet. Combine melted butter with Panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, setting the mixture aside for topping.
2. Broccoli Preparation: Blanch broccoli in boiling water for 3 minutes until crisp-tender, then drain completely. This step ensures optimal texture and removes excess moisture.
3. Sauce Foundation: In the same skillet, create a roux by melting butter and whisking in flour until golden and fragrant. Gradually stream milk while continuously whisking to develop a smooth, lump-free sauce. Season with garlic powder, salt, dry mustard, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to build complex flavor layers.
4. Cheese Integration: Remove sauce from heat and fold in cheddar cheese until the mixture becomes velvety and uniform. Gently incorporate blanched broccoli, ensuring each floret is thoroughly coated with the rich cheese sauce.
5. Baking Process: Transfer the broccoli and cheese mixture to the skillet, spreading evenly. Sprinkle the reserved breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture across the top for a crisp, golden crust. Bake for 20-25 minutes until heated through, with an optional brief broiler finish for enhanced crispness.
6. Serving Preparation: Rest the broccoli bake for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and sauce to slightly set before serving, ensuring the most enjoyable culinary experience.

Notes

• Optimize Broccoli Texture: Precisely cook broccoli for 3 minutes to achieve a crisp-tender consistency, preventing mushiness and maintaining nutritional integrity.
• Master Sauce Technique: Whisk flour and butter continuously for one minute to develop a golden roux, eliminating raw flour taste and creating a rich, nutty foundation.
• Control Cheese Melting: Remove skillet from heat when incorporating cheddar to prevent sauce separation and ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
• Perfect Crispy Topping: Monitor broiler closely when achieving golden-brown crust, rotating skillet if needed to prevent uneven browning or burning.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 204
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 291 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 22 mg