This fast and easy Potato Broccoli Casserole is the perfect side dish. Three layers of broccoli, potatoes, a creamy sauce with a sprinkling of parmesan will make this delicious bake a family favourite.

Hello Broccoli Season, we all know How Good Broccoli is for us but we also know that sometimes for some of us it is kind of hard to swallow. Personally I love the stuff.

I love it sautéed with a little olive oil, garlic and salt. I love Broccolette (Broccoli Rabe) tossed with Spaghetti, or even baked in the oven in a Cheesy White Sauce.

I also know how hard it can be to get the kids and even the grown ups to eat it. Well this side dish should fix that. A perfect combination of potatoes and broccoli in a creamy white sauce, a few spices and of course a sprinkling of Freshly grated Parmesan Cheese brings it all together.

Casseroles are the best cold weather food! They are easy to make from scratch, can utilize leftovers and are so satisfying. Other casserole recipes we love include leftover mashed potato casserole, easy leftover rice casserole and baked zucchini parmesan!

Recipe Ingredients

Potatoes – 1/4 inch slices
Parmesan cheese- freshly grated
Broccoli florets – cut into bite size pieces
Oregano or Thyme – fresh sprigs
Milk – whole or 2% milk
Butter –
Flour – all purpose flour
Salt & Pepper – salt more or less depending on if you use salted butter

It is best to use freshly grated parmesan cheese, as opposed to pre-shredded. The pre-shredded parmesan is often hard and dry and doesn’t melt well because there are additives mixed in.

How To Make A Broccoli Casserole

Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender but firm, remove to cool, then slice, in the same water add the broccoli florets and cook until very al dente. Drain well. While potatoes are cooling, make the white sauce.

Boiling the potatoes and broccoli in a pot.

In a medium pot over low heat melt the butter, whisk in the flour, salt and pepper, continue whisking until smooth. Slowly add the milk and continue whisking constantly until thickened and starts to boil. Remove from heat. Let cool slightly.

In a medium baking dish, spread a couple of spoonfuls of white sauce on the bottom, make 3 layers, starting with the sliced potatoes, a sprinkle of oregano or thyme.

White sauce on the pan and topped with potatoes.

White sauce, broccoli florets (if too large cut into smaller pieces) and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, continue for three layers.

Bake for approximately until tender and bubbling. Let cool 5 minutes before serving.

Variations

Additions you may wish to try in the broccoli potato casserole are cooked shredded rotisserie chicken, cooked cauliflower, cheddar cheese, mushrooms, peppers, onions, or cooked sausage.

Recipe Tips

Make ahead: Assemble the potato casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Either bring to room temperature before baking or increase cooking time by a few minutes.
Just tender: Make sure the potatoes and broccoli are cooked until just tender. Cooking them too long will make them soft and mushy, and cooking for too little of a time will keep them too firm and may be difficult to eat.
Sliced potatoes: A mandoline slicer can help you easily slice the potatoes so they are all an even thickness. They should be about 1/4 inch thick.
Be sure to cut the broccoli into bite size pieces before baking.
Salt lightly: Parmesan cheese can be salty, so add salt sparingly to avoid an overly salty cheesy potatoes casserole.
For a crispy top: Broil the last three minutes of baking, be careful the broccoli doesn’t burn.

What Are The Best Potatoes To Use

The most common potato used are Russets (aka Idaho), however Yukon Gold and Red potatoes can also be used.

How To Store And Reheat Potato Broccoli Casserole

To store leftover ham and potato casserole, cover the casserole dish with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheat in the oven at 350F/180C until warmed through or in the microwave until heated. Stir if needed while reheating.

You can also freeze leftovers. Cool completely then transfer to an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months, thaw in the refrigerator and then reheat. Texture may change slightly upon thawing but will still be delicious.

What To Serve With Broccoli Potato Casserole?

This savory casserole is so versatile! At dinner, serve it with dinner rolls and a salad. For a side dish it goes well with just about anything from breaded pork chops to pan fried chicken. At brunch serve it as a breakfast casserole with some simple eggs or try this oven baked frittata!

More Casserole Food Recipes

When you are looking for a delicious casserole for a special holiday or get together or just because, I hope you try this Creamy Potato Broccoli Casserole and be sure to let me know what you think. Buon Appetito!