Spinach Broccoli Cheese Casserole
Spinach Broccoli Cheese Casserole is a warm and comforting side dish made with tender broccoli, spinach, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce baked until golden and bubbly. This easy casserole is perfect for holiday dinners, potlucks, or a cozy family meal.
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.