Broccoli Cheddar Cornflake Casserole (Print Version)

Creamy broccoli and cheddar baked with a crispy cornflake topping for a cozy, crowd-pleasing comfort food.

# Components:

→ Vegetables

01 - 6 cups fresh broccoli florets (approximately 2 large heads, chopped)
02 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Dairy

04 - 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
05 - 1 cup sour cream
06 - 1/2 cup whole milk
07 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
08 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter for topping

→ Pantry

09 - 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
10 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
11 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
12 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Topping

13 - 2 cups cornflakes, lightly crushed
14 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
02 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add broccoli florets and blanch for 2 to 3 minutes, until vivid green and just tender. Drain immediately and set aside.
03 - Melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute longer.
04 - In a large mixing bowl, combine sautéed onion, garlic, blanched broccoli, cheddar cheese, sour cream, whole milk, condensed cream of mushroom soup, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until ingredients are evenly incorporated.
05 - Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread evenly to ensure a consistent bake.
06 - In a separate bowl, blend crushed cornflakes with 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter. Sprinkle the mixture uniformly across the surface.
07 - Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden and crisp.
08 - Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before portioning and serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Quick prep with common grocery store items
  • Bakes in less than an hour
  • Crowd-pleaser kids and adults love it
  • Great way to make vegetables the star
  • Perfect for holidays potlucks and cozy weeknights
02 -
  • Rich in protein and vitamin C
  • Freezes and reheats beautifully
  • Simple enough for weeknights but festive enough for guests
03 -
  • For vibrant green broccoli do not overcook during blanching It should still have a slight bite otherwise it will get soft during baking
  • Use block cheese instead of pre-shredded for better melting and flavor Also do not skimp on the butter with the cornflakes since it helps them crisp up golden brown