Holiday Broccoli & Cheese Bake

Every Christmas table needs that one cozy, creamy, irresistibly cheesy casserole that brings everyone together. The kind of dish that pairs with any holiday entrée, earns compliments from picky eaters, and makes cold winter nights feel warm and inviting. That dish is the Holiday Broccoli & Cheese Bake — a comforting, crowd-pleasing Christmas side that has earned a permanent spot on many families’ holiday menus.

This bake delivers everything you want from a festive side: tender broccoli, velvety cheese sauce, golden topping, and just the right balance of richness and comfort. It’s incredibly easy to prepare using simple ingredients, requires no pork or alcohol of any kind, and can be made ahead to simplify your Christmas cooking schedule.

Whether you’re hosting Christmas dinner, preparing for a winter gathering, or contributing to a holiday potluck, this broccoli and cheese bake is guaranteed to disappear fast.

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Why This Broccoli & Cheese Bake Is a Christmas Favorite

There are countless casseroles people enjoy during the holidays, but this one remains a star year after year because:

• It’s creamy, cheesy, and ultra comforting

• Uses simple, affordable ingredients

• Appeals to kids and adults alike

• Contains no pork, no bacon, and no alcohol

• Works for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, or winter potlucks

• Can be prepped ahead

• Feels nostalgic yet elevated

• Complements every main course

• Feeds a crowd with ease

The combination of tender broccoli and melty cheese wrapped in a silky sauce brings back memories of classic holiday meals — yet this version feels fresh, bright, and full of flavor.

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What Makes a Great Holiday Broccoli & Cheese Bake?

A truly memorable broccoli and cheese casserole needs the perfect balance of textures and flavors:

• Broccoli that’s tender but not mushy

• Sauce that’s thick, creamy, and smooth

• Cheese that melts beautifully

• Seasoning that enhances rather than overwhelms

• A golden, lightly crisp topping

• Consistency that scoops cleanly

• A comforting aroma that fills the kitchen

This recipe delivers all of the above with a simple stovetop cheese sauce and a quick bake in the oven to meld the flavors and create the iconic bubbling, golden casserole finish.

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Ingredients for Holiday Broccoli & Cheese Bake

These ingredients are easy to find year-round, making this casserole perfect for winter meals.

Broccoli

• 6 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
  Fresh broccoli offers the best texture, but frozen works beautifully in a pinch.

Cheese

• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional but adds depth)

Freshly shredded cheddar melts smoother and gives the creamiest results.

Sauce Base

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 1 ½ cups milk (whole milk recommended)

• ½ cup heavy cream

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ¼ teaspoon onion powder

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• Salt to taste

Topping

• ⅔ cup breadcrumbs or crushed butter crackers

• 2 tablespoons melted butter

• Optional: ¼ cup extra cheddar for topping

Optional Flavor Boosters

• A pinch of paprika

• A sprinkle of dried parsley

• Swiss or gouda cheese mixed into the sauce

• Chopped mushrooms sautéed before mixing (optional)

• A dash of nutmeg for a warmer holiday aroma

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Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make the Perfect Broccoli & Cheese Bake

Prep the Broccoli

If using fresh broccoli, chop into bite-size florets.
Blanch in boiling water for 2–3 minutes, then drain and cool.
If using frozen broccoli, thaw and drain well.

Make the Cheese Sauce

1. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.

2. Add the flour and whisk until smooth and slightly golden — about 1 minute.

3. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps.

4. Add the heavy cream and continue whisking until the sauce thickens.

5. Add garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and salt.

6. Stir in the cheddar cheese until melted and silky.

7. Optional: Add Parmesan for extra richness.

Combine Broccoli and Sauce

Place the broccoli in a large bowl or directly into a greased casserole dish.
Pour the cheese sauce over the broccoli and gently fold until well coated.

Prepare the Topping

Mix breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers) with melted butter.
Add extra cheddar if you want a cheesier crust.

Assemble the Bake

Spread the broccoli mixture evenly in a casserole dish.
Sprinkle the topping generously over the surface.

Bake

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 22–28 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.

Serve Warm

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving so it scoops beautifully.

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The Perfect Texture: Tender Broccoli Meets Silky Sauce

One challenge of broccoli casseroles is preventing the broccoli from becoming too soft. The key is pre-cooking it quickly and allowing it to finish cooking in the oven. This ensures:

• A tender exterior

• A firm bite

• No sogginess

• A vibrant green color

Meanwhile, the cheese sauce should be rich and smooth without becoming overly thick. The combination creates a casserole that feels indulgent but perfectly balanced.

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Variation Ideas to Make This Holiday Classic Your Own

Casseroles are one of the most flexible holiday dishes, and this broccoli & cheese bake adapts beautifully to different flavors and dietary preferences.

Extra Cheesy Holiday Bake

Add 1 extra cup of cheddar or mix in mozzarella for an ultra-gooey texture.

Broccoli & Cauliflower Cheese Bake

Use a mix of broccoli and cauliflower for a hearty, colorful combination.

Broccoli, Rice, & Cheese Casserole

Add cooked rice to the mixture before baking for a classic Southern-inspired twist.

Broccoli Cheese Bake with Herb Topping

Mix fresh thyme, parsley, or chives into the topping for added fragrance.

Gluten-Free Version

Use gluten-free flour (or cornstarch) for the sauce and gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Lightened-Up Version

Replace heavy cream with more milk and use reduced-fat cheese.

Gourmet Holiday Version

Include a mix of cheeses like Gruyère, Fontina, Asiago, or white cheddar.

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What to Serve with Broccoli & Cheese Bake for Christmas

This casserole complements countless Christmas dishes. Whether your holiday menu is traditional or modern, this cheesy bake fits right in.

Christmas Main Courses

• Roasted turkey with herbs

• Roasted or grilled chicken

• Garlic-herb beef roast

• Prime rib (without au jus containing alcohol)

• Baked salmon

• Vegetarian roasts or nut loaves

Popular Holiday Side Pairings

• Mashed or roasted potatoes

• Green bean casserole

• Dinner rolls or savory biscuits

• Stuffing alternatives (no pork)

• Sweet potato mash

• Cranberry dishes

• Roasted Brussels sprouts

Christmas Brunch Ideas

This bake also works surprisingly well for brunch, served alongside:

• Frittatas

• Egg casseroles

• Hash brown bakes

• Veggie scrambles

• Fresh fruit platters

• Savory muffins

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Make-Ahead and Meal Prep Tips for a Stress-Free Holiday

One of the greatest advantages of this casserole is that it adapts beautifully to busy schedules.

Make Ahead (1–2 Days)

Assemble the entire casserole but do not add the topping.
Refrigerate tightly covered.
When ready to bake, add the topping and bake as directed.

Freezer Instructions

Prepare and assemble the casserole completely except for the topping.
Freeze tightly wrapped for up to 2 months.
Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Add topping just before baking.

Reheating

Warm leftovers in a 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes.
You can microwave individual servings, but the topping will soften.

Keeping Warm

After baking, cover loosely with foil and keep warm for up to 30–45 minutes.

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Tips for the Best Holiday Broccoli & Cheese Bake

Perfecting a Christmas casserole is all about small details. Keep these in mind:

Use Fresh Cheese

Freshly shredded cheese melts cleaner and creamier than pre-shredded varieties.

Don’t Overcook Broccoli Before Baking

Slightly undercooked broccoli holds its texture better.

Let the Sauce Thicken Slowly

Rushing the stovetop sauce can cause lumps. Gentle heat works best.

Use Whole Milk

It creates a richer, smoother sauce.

Choose a Large, Shallow Casserole Dish

This helps the topping brown evenly and avoids soggy patches.

Don’t Skip the Resting Time

Allowing the casserole to rest helps it set and enhances the flavor.

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Nutrition Overview (Approximate Per Serving)

• Calories: ~250–310

• Fat: ~18g

• Carbohydrates: ~12–15g

• Protein: ~10g

• Fiber: ~3g

Actual nutrition varies based on cheese and topping choices.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes. Thaw it first and drain thoroughly to avoid excess water.

Can I make it without flour?

You can use cornstarch instead. Dissolve 1 ½ tablespoons of cornstarch in cold milk and add to the butter mixture.

What cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and offers strong flavor. Parmesan, Gruyère, or white cheddar also work well.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely. Try cauliflower, mushrooms, peas, or carrots.

Does this casserole contain pork or alcohol?

None at all. It is completely pork-free and alcohol-free.

Can I assemble it the night before?

Yes — assemble without the topping, refrigerate, then add topping and bake before serving.

How do I prevent watery casserole?

Drain broccoli well, avoid cooking it too long during the blanching stage, and allow the sauce to thicken before mixing.

Is this kid-friendly?

Yes! The creamy cheese sauce makes broccoli more appealing to picky eaters.

Can I double the recipe?

Definitely. Use a larger baking dish or two medium-sized dishes.

Can I make it vegan?

Use plant-based milk, vegan cheese, and plant-based butter. The texture will vary, but it’s still tasty.

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Why This Holiday Broccoli & Cheese Bake Is a Must for Christmas

This casserole embodies everything that makes Christmas food memorable: warmth, comfort, richness, nostalgia, and family appeal. It’s budget-friendly, easy to make, and fits effortlessly into any Christmas menu. Even better, it uses simple ingredients and contains no pork and no alcohol, making it inclusive for all guests.

From its bubbling cheese to its golden topping and tender broccoli, this dish looks beautiful on the table and tastes even better. Whether you’re hosting a grand Christmas gathering or a small cozy dinner, this holiday broccoli and cheese bake will be one of the first dishes to disappear.