Meta Description: This Cheddar Broccoli Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food! Get the easy potato casserole recipe with a rich, homemade cheese sauce and tender broccoli florets. Perfect for a make-ahead side dish.
The Unspoken Rule of Comfort: Always Bring a Casserole
There is a universal truth in home cooking: a creamy, cheesy casserole can solve almost any dinner dilemma. It’s the centerpiece of holiday tables, the star of any potluck, and the ultimate easy potato casserole for a cozy Sunday night. The pairing of sharp cheddar cheese and earthy broccoli is a classic, but when you introduce tender, sliced potatoes and bind it all with a luscious, from-scratch sauce, you create true magic.
I learned the power of this Cheddar Broccoli Potato Casserole firsthand during my first big family dinner. I needed a side dish that was both impressive and reliable. My initial attempt, relying on canned soup, tasted fine but lacked that homemade richness. The breakthrough was ditching the can for a simple, quick homemade cheese sauce built on a classic roux. This step takes just five extra minutes and elevates the dish from basic to absolutely unforgettable.
This recipe is the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy comfort and fresh vegetable goodness. It ensures every bite contains tender potato, crisp-tender broccoli florets, and a thick, rich sauce. It’s truly the best version of this classic dish, making it an ideal, hearty make-ahead side dish that everyone will ask for. Get ready to bake your way to maximum comfort! 🧀🥔
🍲 The Core Recipe: Cheddar Broccoli Potato Casserole
The secret to this easy potato casserole is ensuring the potatoes are tender before the final bake and building a smooth, creamy cheddar cheese sauce from scratch. This prevents the sauce from breaking or becoming gritty in the oven.
✅ Ingredients List
For maximum flavor and texture, use Yukon Gold potatoes and fresh, sharp cheddar cheese.
For the Potato & Broccoli Base
- 3 lbs Yukon Gold Potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
- 4 cups Fresh Broccoli Florets (about 1 large head), cut into small, even pieces
- 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt (for boiling)
For the Homemade Cheese Sauce
- 1/4 cup Unsalted Butter
- 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 3 cups Whole Milk (or half-and-half for extra richness)
- 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 2 1/2 cups Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese, divided
For the Crispy Topping (Optional)
- 1 cup Crushed Corn Flakes, Panko Breadcrumbs, or Crushed Potato Chips
- 2 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter, melted
⏱️ Prep Time & Cook Time Summary
| Metric | Time |
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Par-Boil Potatoes | 10 minutes |
| Bake Time | 30–35 minutes |
| Total Time | ~1 hour 5 minutes |
| Yield | 8 servings |
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
We start by partially cooking the potatoes, which is key to achieving a tender final texture without overbaking the casserole.
- Par-Boil Potatoes: Place the diced Yukon Gold potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold, salted water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for exactly 8–10 minutes, or until the potatoes are just fork-tender. Drain them thoroughly and set aside.
- Prep the Broccoli: In a large bowl, toss the broccoli florets with the olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Make the Roux Base: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a medium saucepan, melt the 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour until a smooth paste (roux) forms. Cook, stirring, for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
- Create the Sauce: Slowly whisk in the cold milk, a little at a time, until the sauce is smooth and lump-free. Bring to a gentle simmer, whisking constantly until it thickens slightly (it should lightly coat the back of a spoon). Remove from heat.
- Add Cheese and Seasoning: Stir in 2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese until completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Stir in the onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This is your rich, homemade cheese sauce.
- Assemble the Casserole: Gently combine the par-boiled potatoes and the oiled broccoli florets in a large mixing bowl. Pour the entire cheddar cheese sauce over the mixture. Gently stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Bake: Pour the mixture into a well-greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top. If using, mix the crispy topping (corn flakes or Panko) with the melted butter and sprinkle over the cheese.
- Final Bake: Bake uncovered at 375∘F (190∘C) for 30–35 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling throughout, the potatoes are completely tender, and the topping is golden brown. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
🌟 Pro Tips and Delicious Variations
This Cheddar Broccoli Potato Casserole is a classic make-ahead side dish. These tips help you customize the flavors and ensure the best texture when cooking for a crowd.
💡 Secrets to a Creamy, Non-Greasy Casserole
- Fresh Cheese is Key: For the creamiest, smoothest, homemade cheese sauce, you must shred the cheddar cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheese contains starches that prevent smooth melting and can lead to a grainy or oily sauce.
- Cold Milk, Hot Roux: This is the universal rule for a lump-free sauce! Adding cold milk to the hot roux base ensures the flour particles separate instantly and blend smoothly, creating a velvety sauce.
- Potato Choice: Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for this casserole. They are medium-starch, meaning they hold their shape during the par-boil and baking, yet still give the sauce a creamy richness.
- Make it Ahead: You can assemble the entire casserole (steps 1–7) and cover it tightly with foil. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add about 15 minutes to the total baking time if baking from cold.
🥓 Flavor & Ingredient Swaps
This easy potato casserole recipe is extremely flexible—think of it as a canvas for any comforting flavor combination.
- Add Meat: For a hearty main course, mix in 1 cup of cooked, crumbled bacon, diced ham, or shredded chicken. The salty meat is a perfect complement to the broccoli and cheese.
- Soup Substitute (Quick Fix): While the homemade sauce is superior, if you are pressed for time, you can replace the roux ingredients (butter, flour, milk) with 2 cans of condensed cream of chicken or mushroom soup mixed with 1/2 cup of sour cream and a splash of milk.
- Different Cheese Blend: Swap the cheddar for a blend of Smoked Gouda and Fontina cheese for a sophisticated, nutty flavor and an even stringier melt.
- Herbaceous Lift: For a brighter flavor, stir 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme or finely chopped fresh chives into the cheese sauce.
❓ Troubleshooting Common Questions & Storage
- Why are my potatoes still hard? You likely didn’t par-boil them long enough. They must be almost tender before going into the oven, as the oven bake is mainly for setting the sauce and melting the cheese.
- Can I use frozen hash browns? Yes! If using frozen hash browns, use approximately 30 ounces (about half a large bag). Do not thaw them. Toss them with the broccoli and the hot cheese sauce and proceed directly to baking.
- How do I freeze the casserole? This casserole is freezer-friendly! Assemble the casserole completely, but do not add the crispy topping. Cool it entirely, cover it tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, add the topping, and bake as directed, adding 15–20 minutes to the bake time.
- What about the crunch? If you skip the corn flakes or Panko, you can substitute crushed Ritz crackers or even crushed potato chips for a deliciously salty, savory crunch on top.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions & Perfect Pairings
This rich and comforting Cheddar Broccoli Potato Casserole works best when paired with simple, fresh, and lean flavors to create a balanced meal.
The Perfect Main Dish Partners
- Grilled or Baked Chicken: The ideal partner is a simple roasted chicken or a lean, baked chicken breast seasoned only with salt and pepper.
- Ham or Roast Beef: This casserole is a classic side for holiday baked ham or a simple Sunday roast beef.
- Fresh Green Salad: Always pair a rich casserole with an acidic side. A simple mixed green salad dressed with a tart lemon vinaigrette or a light apple cider dressing cuts through the cheesy richness perfectly.
Creative Garnishes
- Fresh Herbs: A final sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or finely snipped chives adds a pop of color and a fresh note.
- Drizzle of Heat: A small drizzle of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes over individual servings adds a fantastic contrast to the creamy sauce.
🥗 Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
This table provides estimated nutritional values for one serving, assuming the recipe yields 8 servings and uses whole milk, sharp cheddar, and the cornflake topping. Values can vary based on specific brands and additions.
| Component | Amount |
| Calories | 430 kcal |
| Protein | 17 g |
| Fat | 28 g |
| Saturated Fat | 17 g |
| Carbohydrates | 27 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 500 mg |
Your New Comfort Food Star Awaits!
You now have the definitive recipe for the most satisfying, delicious Cheddar Broccoli Potato Casserole. This easy potato casserole recipe is your secret weapon for comfort cooking, ensuring a thick, smooth, homemade cheese sauce and perfectly tender vegetables every time.
Remember the simple secrets: par-boil your potatoes, use cold milk for the sauce, and shred that cheddar cheese fresh! This hearty make-ahead side dish is guaranteed to be a hit.
Go ahead, start prepping your ingredients this weekend. Which crunchy topping will you use to finish your perfect casserole? 😋
