3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole

Name: 3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen); ¾ cup heavy whipping cream; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided); salt and pepper (to taste)

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Broccoli, Cheese & Heavy Cream... that's it! This 3 Ingredient broccoli casserole is a super simple side.

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I’m not gonna lie; this 3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese ‘Casserole‘ isn’t much to look at, but sometimes sides just aren’t pretty! That being said, it’s super easy to make, and the FLAVOR is on point (which is what really matters most, IMO). So, if you’re looking for an easy broccoli and cheese casserole and you don’t care about aesthetic – this 3 ingredient recipe is going hit the spot.

Overhead shot of various 3 ingredient broccoli cheese casserole in white ramekins on a wooden board, with fresh broccoli florets on the side

My kids are weird; they like raw broccoli but pretty much refuse to eat it cooked … unless I add cheese! And as all parents know, we are pretty much at their mercy when it comes to dinner time, so bring on the cheese! This is a simple broccoli cheese casserole with legit 3 ingredients (not counting a little S&P). It’s easy, it’s tasty, and it’s pretty much a guaranteed hit.

My 3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe At A Glance

Primary Cooking Method: Baking
Main Protein: Cheese
Number of Ingredients: 3 (minus salt and pepper)
Total Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Cook Time: 20 minutes
Level of Effort To Make: Easy Peasy
(Learn more about our recipe effort levels)

Why Add This Easy Broccoli Cheese Casserole To Your Meal Plan

Easy AF: Yeah, I said it. At the end of the day, I am dead, so opening a bag of pre-cut broccoli and doing a little mixing is right up my alley.
Healthy-ish: Some would argue cheese nor heavy cream is really healthy, but it does have protein.. and we all know that broccoli is the GOAT of green veggies (sorry, no sorry kale).
Kid Approved: If your kid will not eat this, then I don’t know what to tell you.. all hope of getting some broccoli in their bellies is just gone. High point is if you make it and they don’t eat it, you just used 3 ingredients, so not a huge waste!

Overhead shot of ingredients to make 3 ingredient broccoli cheese casserole on a marble surface beefore baking

3 Ingredients to Make Broccoli Casserole

Broccoli Florets: You can’t have a broccoli casserole without broccoli! I use fresh, pre-washed, cut, and bagged because I am lazy, but frozen is super convenient and works just as well (it just ends up more watery sometimes).
Heavy Whipping Cream: Or any full-fat substitute. I’ve tried making this casserole using Greek yogurt instead of cream, and while it does change the flavor profile a bit, it tastes good and still adds creaminess.
Cheddar Cheese: I know it’s a pain in the ass, but shredding your own cheese is better here. Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents and keeps it from melting properly.

Make This Recipe Yours With Ingredient Substitutions & Additions

Cheese Variations: Swap out half of the cheddar for some smoky Gouda or Monterey Jack. Or, for an extra cheesy crust, sprinkle some Parmesan on top at the end, then broil.
Cream Alternatives: If heavy whipping cream isn’t your thing or you’re looking for something different, try using sour cream or Greek yogurt.
Tasty Toppings: Want to add a bit of crunch and extra flavor? Sprinkle crushed Ritz crackers or a handful of crispy bacon bits on top before you pop it in the oven.
Seasoning Boost: Sometimes I just feel like adding a little zing, so I will go in with onion powder, garlic powder, and smoked paprika – I just eyeball it!

How to Make this Easy Broccoli Cheese Casserole

For detailed step-by-step instructions, be sure to check out the full recipe in the recipe card at the bottom of the page.

If using fresh broccoli, wash it thoroughly. If using frozen broccoli, ensure it’s thawed and drained of excess water.

Trim off the stems, and chop the florets into bite-sized pieces.

Microwave the broccoli in a large bowl until slightly tender but still crisp.

Stir in the heavy whipping cream and sprinkle with half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Toss the mixture to coat the broccoli well.

Distribute the broccoli mixture evenly among the prepared ramekins, filling up to the top edge.

Top each ramekin with the remaining cheddar cheese.

Bake until the cheese is melted and golden brown on top.

Serve warm and enjoy!

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3 ingredient broccoli cheese casserole in a white ramekin on a plate with a fork piercing a portion of broccoli. In the background, there are more ramekins with broccoli

My Best Cooking Tips for Making Broccoli Cheese Casserole

Don’t Use Wet Broccoli: Whether you’re using fresh or frozen broccoli, make sure it’s not too wet when it goes into the mix. If you’re using fresh, give it a good shake after washing. For frozen, let it thaw with a sprinkle of salt and then pat down with a paper towel. This helps avoid any unwanted sogginess in your casserole.
Fresh Cheese Is Best: For the best melt and flavor, stay away from pre-shredded cheese. It might take an extra minute, but shredding your own cheese right off the block ensures a smoother melt and a fresher taste.
Distribute the Mix Evenly: When you’re distributing the broccoli mixture into the ramekins, aim for an even spread. This helps every bite cook uniformly.
Watch that Casserole: Keep a close eye on your casserole in those last few minutes of baking. You’re looking for that perfect golden brown on top—it’s the sweet spot!

A fork piercing a portion of 3 ingredient broccoli cheese casserole with ramekins with broccoli casserole in the background

How to Store & Reheat Broccoli Casserole

If you’ve got leftovers, just cover your ramekins with some cling film or transfer the casserole to an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

To reheat, a quick zap in the microwave will do the trick. Just cover the casserole with a microwave-safe lid and heat it on medium power until it’s warm throughout. If you’re not in a rush, you can also reheat it in the oven at 350°F until it’s nicely warmed up—it’ll help keep that cheesy top nice and crispy!

Quick Recipe Help and Common Questions

Can I Make This Recipe In A Casserole Dish?

Absolutely! If you don’t have ramekins or prefer a family-style serving, you can spread the broccoli mixture in a standard casserole dish. Just remember to adjust the baking time slightly, as a larger dish might take a bit longer for the cheese to turn golden and bubbly.

What’s The Best Way To Thaw Frozen Broccoli?

The best way is to leave it in the fridge overnight. You can also thaw it in the microwave if you’re in a rush. Use the defrost setting or run it on low power in short bursts, checking frequently.

How Can I Tell When The Casserole Is Cooked?

You’ll know your casserole is ready when the cheese on top is melted, beautifully golden, and slightly crispy around the edges. The broccoli had most of it’s cooking done in the microwave so you shouldn’t need to worry about it.

Overhead shot of various 3 ingredient broccoli cheese casserole in white ramekins on a marble surface

This 3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole is super easy to make! It only needs simple ingredients you’ve probably got in your kitchen right now, and the result is a healthy-ish, comforting, and cheesy side. Now that’s my kind of cooking, y’all!

I want to hear from you!

If you try this easy 3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole recipe or any other of my recipes on Meal Planning blueprints, then don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave a comment below! I read all the comments and respond!

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