Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Casserole with Garlic Butter Pretzels

Is there anything more comforting than a cheesy casserole bubbling away in the oven, filling the house with irresistible scents? This Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Casserole with Garlic Butter Pretzels is the perfect combination of gooey, cheesy goodness with a satisfying crunch. Picture creamy, melt-in-your-mouth cheddar cheese coating crisp-tender broccoli, all topped off with golden, garlic-buttered pretzels for a salty crunch that makes every bite a flavor-packed moment. Trust me, this one’s a game-changer! Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or serving it at a gathering, this dish is sure to steal the spotlight.

Why You’ll Love Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Casserole with Garlic Butter Pretzels

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating a hearty, indulgent dish that everyone will rave about. Here’s why you’re going to love it:

Versatile: Perfect for a weeknight meal or as a crowd-pleasing side at a get-together. Imagine coming home after a busy day and knowing you can whip up a dish that everyone will love in no time.

Budget-Friendly: You’ll find most of these ingredients already in your kitchen, making it an affordable yet hearty dish that feels indulgent without breaking the bank.

Quick and Easy: This recipe is designed with simplicity in mind. With straightforward steps, even beginners can follow along, making it a breeze to prepare.

Customizable: Whether you love extra garlic, or prefer a different veggie, feel free to adjust the recipe to fit your taste. The garlic butter pretzel topping is especially easy to tweak, so you can make it as garlicky as you like.

Crowd-Pleasing: There’s no way around it—cheese and pretzels just work together! The creamy casserole base pairs so perfectly with the crispy pretzel topping, making it a guaranteed hit at any table.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious casserole:

Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets are the backbone of this dish, offering a perfect balance of texture and flavor. Their mildness pairs wonderfully with the cheesy sauce, giving you that veggie goodness in every bite.

Cheddar Cheese: The star of the show—sharp cheddar melts beautifully and brings that rich, tangy flavor to the casserole. If you want extra creaminess, you can add some mozzarella or cream cheese as well.

Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce its silky texture and richness, ensuring each bite of broccoli is coated in cheesy goodness.

Garlic: The garlic adds a flavorful kick to the dish, and when mixed with butter for the pretzel topping, it really steals the show.

Butter: Rich and creamy butter ties the sauce together and is also used for the pretzel topping, creating that golden, crispy texture we all crave.

Pretzels: Crunchy, salty pretzels make the perfect topping. They add a satisfying texture to the casserole and complement the creamy, cheesy filling.

Parmesan Cheese: For that extra depth of flavor, grated Parmesan is added to the casserole and sprinkled on top of the pretzels, giving the dish even more savory goodness.

Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and a touch of garlic powder bring all the flavors together, enhancing the cheesy and garlicky elements in the dish.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Here’s how to make this creamy, cheesy casserole:

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures everything cooks evenly and the casserole gets that golden, bubbly finish.

Prepare the Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli and blanch for about 2-3 minutes, or until the broccoli is bright green and just tender. Drain and set aside.

Make the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Gradually add the cheddar cheese and Parmesan, stirring until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste.

Assemble the Casserole: In a large baking dish, layer the blanched broccoli and pour the cheese sauce over it, making sure everything is well-coated. Set aside while you prepare the pretzel topping.

Prepare the Pretzel Topping: In a small bowl, melt the butter and stir in the garlic. Crush the pretzels and toss them in the garlic butter mixture until well-coated. Spread the pretzel mixture evenly over the top of the casserole, pressing down gently to help it adhere.

Bake to Perfection: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the pretzels are golden brown. If you like your topping extra crispy, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.

Serve and Enjoy: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Scoop out a hearty portion and enjoy the delicious combination of cheesy broccoli and crunchy pretzels!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 350

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

How to Serve Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Casserole with Garlic Butter Pretzels

This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but here are a few ideas to round out your meal:

Fresh Salad: Pair it with a light, refreshing salad to balance the richness of the casserole. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette would be perfect.

Garlic Bread: More garlic, more flavor! Serve with some crispy garlic bread to soak up all the cheesy goodness.

Roasted Veggies: For a nutrient boost, add some roasted vegetables on the side—carrots, Brussels sprouts, or zucchini would all work well with the flavors of the casserole.

As a Standalone: Sometimes, you don’t need anything else! This casserole is filling and satisfying on its own, especially with that crunchy pretzel topping.

Presentation Tip: Sprinkle some freshly chopped herbs, like parsley or chives, on top just before serving for a burst of color and a touch of freshness.

Additional Tips

Want to make the most out of this recipe? Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Prep Ahead: To save time on a busy day, blanch the broccoli and make the cheese sauce in advance. Store them separately in the fridge, and then just assemble and bake when you’re ready.

Spice It Up: For a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce. It’ll give the dish a subtle kick that’s absolutely delicious!

Dietary Adjustments: If you’re looking for a lighter version, try swapping the heavy cream for half-and-half or milk. You can also use a dairy-free cheese to make it plant-based.

Storage Tips: Leftovers? No problem! Store the casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, and if it’s too dry, add a splash of milk or cream before reheating.

Double the Batch: This casserole freezes beautifully! Make a double batch and freeze one for a future meal. Just bake as usual, let it cool, then cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen broccoli?
A1: Yes, frozen broccoli works fine! Just be sure to thaw it completely and drain off any excess water before using it in the casserole.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can prepare everything the night before and store it in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake!

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave with a little added cream or milk.

Q4: Can I freeze this casserole?
A4: Yes! Allow the casserole to cool completely, then wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as usual.

Q5: How do I make the pretzel topping extra crunchy?
A5: For an extra crunchy topping, broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Just be sure to keep an eye on it to avoid burning.

Q6: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A6: Absolutely! You can experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère, mozzarella, or even gouda for a unique twist.

Q7: Is this dish vegetarian?
A7: Yes! It’s a hearty vegetarian dish packed with flavor and comfort.

Q8: Can I use regular bread crumbs instead of pretzels?
A8: Sure! If you prefer breadcrumbs, just toast them in butter and garlic, and sprinkle them on top instead of the crushed pretzels.

Q9: Can I add meat to the casserole?
A9: Yes! Cooked chicken or bacon would make a great addition if you’re craving some extra protein.

Q10: How can I make the casserole spicier?
A10: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for a little heat.

Conclusion

This Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Casserole with Garlic Butter Pretzels is the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy comfort and crispy, garlicky crunch. It’s easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and sure to be a hit with anyone at your table. Whether you’re enjoying it as a cozy dinner or bringing it to a party, this dish is guaranteed to impress. So, get cooking and indulge in this cheesy, crispy delight—you won’t regret it!

Print