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Creamy cheesy baked broccoli with a garlic Parmesan sauce and crunchy Ritz cracker topping. This easy side dish combines fresh broccoli steamed to perfection with a rich, smooth cheese sauce, baked until golden brown. Perfect for quick dinners, holiday meals, or adding more vegetables to your menu with a flavorful twist.

Ingredients

Broccoli:

4 cups fresh broccoli florets

Garlic Parmesan Sauce:

2 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons flour
¾ cup milk
1 cup half and half
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup freshly grated Romano cheese

Topping:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
8 Ritz crackers, crushed

Instructions

Steam the broccoli florets for 4–5 minutes until tender-crisp. Set aside.
Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
Finely grate the Parmesan and Romano cheeses and set aside.
Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Whisk in the flour until smooth and fully combined.
Gradually pour in the milk and half and half while whisking continuously.
Increase heat to medium-high and continue whisking until the sauce starts to bubble lightly.
Reduce heat to low and slowly add the Parmesan and Romano cheeses, whisking constantly until smooth.
Remove from heat; the sauce will thicken as it cools.
Prepare the Broccoli Bake:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, gently fold the steamed broccoli into the warm garlic Parmesan sauce until well coated.
Transfer the mixture to a lightly greased 1.5-quart baking dish.
Cover and bake for 20 minutes.
Add the Topping:
Combine melted butter and crushed Ritz crackers. Sprinkle evenly over the broccoli bake.
Return to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the topping turns golden brown.
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy, cheesy sauce with a subtle garlic kick complements tender broccoli perfectly.
Crispy cracker topping adds a satisfying crunch.
Simple, wholesome ingredients come together for a quick and delicious side dish.
Perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday meals.

Tips

Steam broccoli just until tender-crisp to avoid mushy texture after baking.
Use freshly grated cheeses for better flavor and smooth sauce.
Whisk sauce continuously to prevent lumps.
Crushing Ritz crackers finely ensures an even, crunchy topping.

Variations and Substitutions

Swap half and half for heavy cream for a richer sauce.
Use gluten-free flour and crackers for a gluten-free version.
Add cooked bacon bits or sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor.
Substitute Parmesan and Romano with cheddar or mozzarella cheeses.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen broccoli?
A: Yes, thaw and drain frozen broccoli well before steaming briefly and baking.

Q: How can I make this dish ahead?
A: Prepare through step 3, cover, refrigerate, and bake when ready. Add topping before final baking.

Q: Can I reheat leftovers?
A: Yes, reheat in the oven to maintain topping crispness.

Serving and Suggestions

Serve as a side dish with roasted chicken, steak, or fish.
Add to a vegetarian dinner spread for a creamy vegetable option.
Pair with rice or quinoa to complete a balanced meal.
Leftovers can be packed for lunches or reheated for easy dinners.