Now that you have all your ingredients gathered, let’s walk through the simple steps to create this comforting and flavorful Creamed Broccoli Casserole. Follow these instructions carefully to ensure casserole success every time!

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Your Baking Dish

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the oven is at the right temperature when you place the casserole in to bake, allowing for even cooking and browning. While the oven is preheating, lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This will prevent the casserole from sticking to the dish and make serving and cleanup easier.

Step 2: Cook the Broccoli

The next crucial step is to cook the broccoli florets until they are tender-crisp. You have a few options for cooking the broccoli:

• Steaming: Steaming is a healthy and effective method. Place the broccoli florets in a steamer basket over boiling water and steam for about 5-7 minutes, or until tender-crisp. They should be easily pierced with a fork but still retain a slight bite.
• Boiling: Boiling is another quick option. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until tender-crisp. Drain immediately and thoroughly.
• Microwaving: For a super-fast method, place the broccoli florets in a microwave-safe dish with a couple of tablespoons of water. Cover and microwave on high for 3-5 minutes, checking for tenderness after 3 minutes.

Whichever method you choose, avoid overcooking the broccoli, as it will become mushy in the casserole. We want it to retain some texture and bite. Once cooked, set the broccoli aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Onion

While the broccoli is cooking, prepare the onion. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until softened and translucent. Sautéing the onion in butter releases its flavor and sweetness, creating a delicious aromatic base for the casserole. Don’t rush this step; properly sautéed onions make a significant difference in the final taste.

Step 4: Combine the Casserole Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir well to ensure everything is smoothly combined and the cheese is starting to melt into the warm soup mixture. Add the sautéed onions, cooked broccoli florets, garlic powder (if using), salt, and black pepper to the bowl. Gently toss everything together until the broccoli is evenly coated in the creamy cheese sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. This is your chance to make sure the flavor is just right before baking.

Step 5: Transfer to Baking Dish and Top

Pour the broccoli mixture into the prepared 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. You can optionally melt a tablespoon or two of butter and toss it with the breadcrumb mixture for an even crispier and richer topping. Sprinkle the breadcrumb and cheese mixture evenly over the top of the casserole. This topping will bake into a golden brown, crunchy crust that adds a wonderful textural element.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the topping is golden brown and crisp. The cheese should be melted and gooey, and the sauce should be heated through and simmering. Keep an eye on the casserole during the last few minutes of baking to prevent the topping from burning.

Step 7: Let it Rest and Serve

Once baked, remove the Creamed Broccoli Casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly and cool down a bit, making it easier to serve and preventing it from being too runny. The aroma at this point will be absolutely irresistible! Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, cheesy, comforting goodness of your homemade Creamed Broccoli Casserole.