Spinach Broccoli Cheese Casserole is a warm, creamy vegetable bake made with tender broccoli, spinach, a simple cheese sauce, and a golden topping. It is a great side dish when you want something comforting but still packed with vegetables.
This casserole works well for weeknight dinners, holiday meals, potlucks, or family gatherings. The broccoli adds texture, the spinach blends into the creamy filling, and the cheese brings everything together in a simple, satisfying way.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Easy to make: Simple ingredients and basic steps make this beginner-friendly.
Great for vegetables: It is a tasty way to serve broccoli and spinach.
Family-friendly: The creamy cheese sauce makes the vegetables more enjoyable.
Good for meal prep: You can assemble it ahead and bake it when needed.
Equipment Needed
9×13-inch baking dish
Large pot
Medium saucepan
Mixing spoon
Whisk
Colander
Measuring cups and spoons
Knife and cutting board
Oven mitts
Ingredients List
For the Casserole
4 cups broccoli florets, fresh or frozen
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1 small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Cheese Sauce
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup sour cream
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Topping
1/2 cup breadcrumbs or crushed buttery crackers
2 tablespoons melted butter
1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Timing & Servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6
How to Make Spinach Broccoli Cheese Casserole Step by Step
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
Step 2: Cook the broccoli
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the broccoli and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, just until slightly tender. Drain well and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the onion, garlic, and spinach
Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted. Season with salt and black pepper.
Step 4: Make the cheese sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
Step 5: Add the cheese
Turn the heat to low. Stir in the sour cream, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, paprika, and garlic powder. Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth.
Step 6: Combine the vegetables and sauce
Add the broccoli and spinach mixture to the baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce over the vegetables and gently stir until everything is coated.
Step 7: Add the topping
In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs or crushed crackers with melted butter. Sprinkle the mixture over the casserole. Add the extra cheddar cheese on top.
Step 8: Bake the casserole
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the casserole is hot and the topping is lightly golden. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips for the Best Spinach Broccoli Cheese Casserole
Drain the broccoli well so the casserole does not turn watery.
Do not overcook the broccoli before baking. It should be slightly tender, not mushy.
Use freshly shredded cheese if possible. It melts smoother than pre-shredded cheese.
Keep the heat low when adding cheese to the sauce so it stays creamy.
If using frozen spinach, thaw it first and squeeze out as much water as possible.
Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking so the sauce can settle.
Variations to Try
Add chicken: Stir in 2 cups cooked shredded chicken to make it a full meal.
Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a little cayenne to the cheese sauce.
Use different cheese: Try Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, Gruyere, or Parmesan.
Add rice: Mix in 1 1/2 cups cooked rice for a heartier casserole.
Make it low-carb: Skip the breadcrumb topping and use extra cheese on top.
Serving Suggestions
Spinach Broccoli Cheese Casserole is a great side dish for baked chicken, roasted turkey, grilled salmon, pork chops, or meatloaf. It also works well with simple main dishes because the casserole already has a creamy, rich texture.
To make it a complete vegetarian meal, serve it with rice, quinoa, roasted potatoes, or a fresh salad. You can also pair it with dinner rolls or garlic bread for a cozy family dinner.
Make-Ahead, Storage, and Reheating
You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours ahead. Cover it tightly and keep it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes, then bake as directed. You may need to add 5 extra minutes if it is still cold.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave until hot. For best texture, reheat larger portions in a 350°F oven for 15 to 20 minutes.
You can freeze this casserole, but the sauce may be slightly less creamy after thawing. For best results, freeze before baking without the topping. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, add the topping, and bake.
Nutritional Facts
Calories: 285
Fat: 19g
Carbs: 17g
Protein: 13g
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 480mg
Spinach Broccoli Cheese Casserole
Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Large pot
- Medium saucepan
- Mixing spoon
- Whisk
- Colander
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Oven mitts
Ingredients
For the Casserole
- 4 cups broccoli florets fresh or frozen
- 2 cups fresh spinach chopped
- 1 small onion finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Cheese Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Topping
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs or crushed buttery crackers
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
Step 2: Cook the broccoli
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the broccoli and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, just until slightly tender. Drain well and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the onion, garlic, and spinach
- Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted. Season with salt and black pepper.
Step 4: Make the cheese sauce
- In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
Step 5: Add the cheese
- Turn the heat to low. Stir in the sour cream, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, paprika, and garlic powder. Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth.
Step 6: Combine the vegetables and sauce
- Add the broccoli and spinach mixture to the baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce over the vegetables and gently stir until everything is coated.
Step 7: Add the topping
- In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs or crushed crackers with melted butter. Sprinkle the mixture over the casserole. Add the extra cheddar cheese on top.
Step 8: Bake the casserole
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the casserole is hot and the topping is lightly golden. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes. Thaw it first and drain it well. Too much water can make the casserole thin.
Can I make this casserole without sour cream?
Yes. You can use plain Greek yogurt or leave it out. The sauce will still be creamy.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh spinach?
Yes. Thaw it completely and squeeze out the extra liquid before adding it.
How do I keep the casserole from getting watery?
Drain the broccoli well, squeeze moisture from frozen spinach, and avoid overcooking the vegetables before baking.
Conclusion
Spinach Broccoli Cheese Casserole is a simple, comforting dish that makes vegetables feel hearty and satisfying. With a creamy cheese sauce, tender broccoli, spinach, and a crisp topping, it is an easy recipe to bring to the dinner table any night of the week.