Cozy up to the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Bacon & Broccoli Casserole. This hearty, crowd-pleasing dish is the perfect way to bring people together on chilly nights. Loaded with melty cheese, crispy bacon, and tender broccoli florets, every bite is a flavor explosion that will leave you feeling satisfied and warm. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting a cozy gathering, this casserole is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Bacon & Broccoli Casserole for Cozy Nights
This Cheesy Bacon & Broccoli Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to make and sure to satisfy. The combination of gooey, melty cheeses, crispy bacon, and fresh broccoli creates a delightful balance of flavors and textures that will have your taste buds dancing. Plus, the simple, straightforward steps make it a breeze to prepare, even on the busiest of weeknights. Whether you’re craving a hearty, soul-warming dish or looking to impress guests, this casserole delivers big comfort and bold flavors that will leave everyone coming back for seconds. Get ready to dive into a cozy, indulgent dish that’s sure to become a new family favorite.
Ingredients
To make this Cheesy Bacon & Broccoli Casserole, you’ll need a few simple ingredients: broccoli florets, crispy bacon, a blend of shredded cheeses (such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan), cream cheese, heavy cream, garlic, salt, and pepper. These classic flavors come together to create a casserole that’s both comforting and satisfying.
- 5 cups – Fresh broccoli florets, blanched
- 8 slices – Crispy bacon, crumbled
- 2 cups – Shredded cheese blend (cheddar, Monterey Jack, Parmesan)
- 4 oz – Cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup – Heavy cream
- 2 cloves – Garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredient Substitutions
- Broccoli: You can use frozen broccoli florets instead of fresh. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well before adding to the casserole.
- Bacon: For a vegetarian option, you can omit the bacon or use a plant-based bacon alternative.
How to Make Cheesy Bacon & Broccoli Casserole for Cozy Nights
Begin by preheating your oven and preparing the broccoli. Trim the florets from the stem and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Blanch the broccoli in boiling water for a few minutes to partially cook it, then drain and set aside.
Step 1: Prep Work
In a large skillet, cook the bacon until it’s crispy. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, then crumble or chop it into small pieces. In the same skillet, sauté the garlic until fragrant. Add the cream cheese and heavy cream, stirring until the cheese is melted and the mixture is smooth. Fold in the shredded cheeses, broccoli, and crumbled bacon, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Grease a baking dish and transfer the cheesy broccoli mixture to it, spreading it out evenly. Top with any additional shredded cheese, if desired. Bake the casserole until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are lightly golden.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Once the casserole is out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set and the flavors to meld. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color and freshness.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Protein Boost: For a heartier version, add diced cooked chicken or turkey to the casserole.
- Veggie Swap: Swap out the broccoli for other veggies, like cauliflower or Brussels sprouts, for a different flavor profile.
- Cheese Blend: Experiment with different cheese blends, such as adding in sharp cheddar, smoked Gouda, or even a sprinkle of crumbled feta.
- Crispy Topping: Make the dish even more indulgent by topping it with a crispy breadcrumb or crushed cracker topping before baking.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: a fresh salad or crusty bread.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat: The casserole can be reheated in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Make-Ahead: This dish can be assembled ahead of time, covered, and refrigerated for up to 2 days before baking.
Nutrition Information
This Cheesy Bacon & Broccoli Casserole is a hearty and satisfying dish that provides a balance of nutrients. Each serving contains a good source of protein from the bacon and cheese, as well as fiber and vitamins from the broccoli. While it’s a comforting and indulgent dish, the inclusion of nutrient-dense vegetables helps to make it a more well-rounded meal. As with any dish, it’s best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the casserole
- Calories: 470 kcal
- Protein: 22 g
- Carbs: 12 g
- Fat: 36 g
- Sodium: 830 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! This Cheesy Bacon & Broccoli Casserole is a great make-ahead dish. You can assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. When ready to serve, simply bake it as directed.
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli florets instead of fresh. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well before adding them to the casserole.
Can I substitute the bacon with something else?
If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, you can omit the bacon or use a plant-based bacon alternative. You can also try swapping in crumbled Italian sausage or diced ham for a different flavor.
Can I add any other vegetables to this casserole?
Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile. You can add in other veggies like cauliflower, spinach, or diced bell peppers to customize it to your liking.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, this Cheesy Bacon & Broccoli Casserole freezes beautifully. Bake the casserole as directed, let it cool completely, then cover and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it in the oven until heated through.
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Cheesy Bacon & Broccoli Casserole for Cozy Nights
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: 🍲 Comfort Classics & Casseroles
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Warm up your cozy nights with this delicious Cheesy Bacon & Broccoli Casserole! This comforting dish combines crispy bacon, fresh broccoli, and gooey cheese in a hearty casserole that is perfect for family gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
1 lb (450 g) fresh broccoli florets
1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
2 cups (200 g) shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup (100 g) cooked bacon, chopped
1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup (100 g) breadcrumbs
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and blanch the broccoli for 3 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine heavy cream, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
4. Add the cooked bacon and blanched broccoli to the cheese mixture and stir until well combined.
5. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) casserole dish.
6. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan and breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
8. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, you can add some crushed red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture.
Feel free to substitute the broccoli with other vegetables like cauliflower or Brussels sprouts.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: casserole, cheese, broccoli, bacon