Introduction
Oh, the holidays are here, and with them comes that familiar craving for comfort food. You know the one – the dish that wraps you up like a warm hug and brings back all those cherished memories of family gatherings and cozy evenings. For me, that dish is often a bubbling, cheesy casserole. And today, I’m so excited to share a recipe that’s become an absolute staple in my kitchen: Crockpot Broccoli Cheese Casserole. It’s unbelievably easy, ridiculously delicious, and perfect for those nights when you want something amazing without spending hours in the kitchen. Seriously, it’s a game-changer!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast: Minimal prep means you can get dinner going in minutes!
- Easy: Dump it in and let your slow cooker do all the work.
- Giftable: Imagine showing up to a potluck with this crowd-pleaser!
- Crowd-pleasing: Even the pickiest eaters will be asking for seconds.
Ingredients
Let’s gather our goodies! The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity, and you probably already have most of these on hand.
- 4 cups broccoli florets: Fresh is best here, but you can totally use frozen if you’re in a pinch. Just make sure they’re thawed and drained.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Use a good sharp cheddar for the most flavor! I love shredding my own from a block – it melts so much better.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: This adds a lovely salty, nutty depth.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: This is what makes our casserole wonderfully creamy and rich.
- 4 oz cream cheese, cubed: This is the secret ingredient for that extra gooey, cheesy goodness. Let it soften up a bit on the counter before you start.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic adds such a fantastic aromatic punch.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Seasoning is key to bringing all those flavors together!
How to Make It
Alright, let’s get this cozy casserole cooking! It’s so simple, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it sooner.
- Toss it all in: Grab your slow cooker. Add your beautiful broccoli florets, that yummy shredded cheddar cheese, the grated Parmesan, the rich heavy cream, those delightful cubes of cream cheese, and your minced garlic.
- Season with love: Sprinkle in your salt and pepper. Start with a little, you can always add more later if needed!
- Stir it up: Give everything a good stir to make sure all those delicious ingredients are nicely combined.
- Let the magic happen: Pop the lid on your slow cooker, set it to LOW, and let it cook for 2 to 3 hours. You’re looking for the broccoli to be perfectly tender and the cheese to be all melted and wonderfully bubbly.
- Final Flourish: Before you serve, give it one last good stir. This helps ensure everything is perfectly combined and extra creamy.
Substitutions & Additions
This recipe is fantastic as is, but if you’re feeling adventurous, here are a few ideas to make it your own!
- Cheese Please: Swap out some of the cheddar for Monterey Jack or a Colby blend for a different cheesy vibe. A touch of Gruyère would be divine!
- Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice little kick if you like a bit of heat.
- Add Some Veggies: While it’s called broccoli casserole, you could toss in some frozen corn or peas along with the broccoli for extra color and texture.
- Make it a Meal: For a heartier dish, stir in some cooked, shredded chicken or a can of drained, rinsed white beans in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Tips for Success
A few little tips from my kitchen to yours to ensure your casserole turns out perfectly every time.
- Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on it, especially during that last hour. You want tender-crisp broccoli, not mushy!
- Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Letting your cream cheese sit out for a bit before cubing and adding it will help it melt more smoothly into the sauce.
- Prep Ahead: You can absolutely measure out and combine all your dry ingredients (broccoli, cheeses, garlic) in a freezer-safe bag. Then, when you’re ready to cook, just dump the bag into the slow cooker and add the cream, salt, and pepper.
- Fresh vs. Frozen Broccoli: If using frozen, make sure to drain it very well after thawing to avoid a watery casserole.
How to Store It
Leftovers are a beautiful thing, especially with this casserole!
Once cooled, store any leftover Crockpot Broccoli Cheese Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay delicious for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can pop individual servings in the microwave or reheat a larger portion in a covered oven-safe dish at around 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You might need to add a splash of milk or cream to loosen it up a bit after refrigeration.
FAQs
Got questions? I’ve got answers!
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! You can assemble the ingredients in your slow cooker the night before (minus the cream if you prefer) and refrigerate. Just turn it on in the morning.
- What can I serve with this casserole? This is a fantastic side dish for grilled chicken, roasted pork, or even steak. It’s also hearty enough to be a main course with a simple side salad and some crusty bread.
- Can I freeze this casserole? While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it. Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as directed. The texture might be slightly different, but it’ll still be tasty!
Crockpot Broccoli Cheese Casserole
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 4 cups broccoli florets Fresh is best, but thawed and drained frozen is acceptable.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Sharp cheddar recommended. Shredding from a block is preferred.
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz cream cheese Cubed and softened.
- 2 cloves garlic Minced.
- salt To taste.
- pepper To taste.
Instructions
- Grab your slow cooker. Add your beautiful broccoli florets, that yummy shredded cheddar cheese, the grated Parmesan, the rich heavy cream, those delightful cubes of cream cheese, and your minced garlic.
- Sprinkle in your salt and pepper. Start with a little, you can always add more later if needed!
- Give everything a good stir to make sure all those delicious ingredients are nicely combined.
- Pop the lid on your slow cooker, set it to LOW, and let it cook for 2 to 3 hours. You're looking for the broccoli to be perfectly tender and the cheese to be all melted and wonderfully bubbly.
- Before you serve, give it one last good stir. This helps ensure everything is perfectly combined and extra creamy.