Introduction to Broccoli Cheddar Biscuit Casserole
Welcome to the comforting world of home-cooked meals! If you’re a busy mom or a professional juggling a thousand tasks, the Broccoli Cheddar Biscuit Casserole is your new best friend. Imagine a dish that effortlessly combines flavor and nutrition, making even picky eaters clamoring for seconds. It’s perfect for those hectic weeknights when time is of the essence, yet you still want to impress your loved ones with a heartwarming meal. Trust me, this casserole is like a cozy hug on a plate, bringing warmth and satisfaction to your dinner table!
Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Cheddar Biscuit Casserole
This Broccoli Cheddar Biscuit Casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s quick to prepare, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more with your family. Plus, the creamy texture and rich flavors will have everyone asking for more. It’s like a warm embrace of comfort food, blending healthy ingredients with a delicious twist. Honestly, it’s the type of dish that proves you can enjoy both ease and taste!
Ingredients for Broccoli Cheddar Biscuit Casserole
Now let’s gather our culinary treasures for this delightful Broccoli Cheddar Biscuit Casserole. Each ingredient plays a starring role in creating a dish that’s not only tasty but also fulfilling. You’ll want to keep these essentials handy:
- Unsalted butter: The base of our creamy sauce; it adds richness and flavor.
- Yellow onion: This finely diced gem brings sweetness and depth to the dish.
- Garlic: Freshly minced, it sets the mood with its aromatic presence.
- All-purpose flour: A thickener that helps us achieve that luscious consistency.
- Chicken broth: The savory liquid that infuses everything with flavor. Choose low-sodium for more control.
- Whole milk: It adds creaminess; opt for a lower-fat version or non-dairy milk for alternatives.
- Fresh broccoli florets: Bright green and nutrient-packed, they bring a crunch and vibrant color.
- Rotisserie chicken: A time-saver, this tender chicken gives us a hearty element without the fuss of cooking.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: The star of the show, providing that rich, cheesy goodness everyone loves!
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance flavors.
- Cayenne pepper: A pinch of heat! Adjust to your family’s taste if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Refrigerated buttermilk biscuits: These are the golden topping that completes the casserole; feel free to swap for homemade biscuits if you’re up for it!
- Additional butter, garlic, and parsley: These create the savory garlic butter brush for a finishing touch that elevates the biscuit topping!
For specific measurements, fear not! You’ll find the detailed quantities at the bottom of the article for easy printing. Now, let’s roll up our sleeves and prepare to create a delicious dinner masterpiece!
How to Make Broccoli Cheddar Biscuit Casserole
Making the Broccoli Cheddar Biscuit Casserole is a delightful journey that brings kitchen aromas alive. Follow these simple yet effective steps, and soon you’ll have a warm, cheesy masterpiece ready to serve!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. This ensures that our casserole gets perfectly bubbly and golden brown right from the first moment it enters the oven. While it’s warming up, you can get all your other ingredients lined up!
Step 2: Sauté the Onions
In a large skillet, melt the 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Toss in the finely diced yellow onion and sauté them for about 8 minutes. You want them to become soft and translucent like a golden sunrise.
Step 3: Introduce Garlic and Flour
Next, add the minced garlic to the skillet and let it dance around for a minute until fragrant. Then, sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the mix. Whisk it constantly for about a minute until it turns a light golden brown, creating a beautiful base for your sauce.
Step 4: Create the Sauce
Slowly pour in the chicken broth and the whole milk, whisking as you go to avoid those pesky lumps. Keep whisking until your mixture is smooth and starts to thicken. It should look like a cozy cloud forming in your skillet!
Step 5: Cook the Broccoli
Add the fresh broccoli florets, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to the mix. Bring everything to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the broccoli to become tender, vibrant, and perfect for our casserole.
Step 6: Combine with Chicken and Cheese
Now, it’s time for the stars of this dish! Add the shredded rotisserie chicken and the sharp cheddar cheese to your skillet. Stir everything until the cheese melts and the mixture becomes creamy, combining the flavors beautifully.
Step 7: Assemble the Casserole
Remove the skillet from heat and carefully transfer the cheesy chicken and broccoli mixture into your prepared 13×9-inch baking dish. Lay the six refrigerated buttermilk biscuits evenly on top, leaving a little space between them to breathe.
Step 8: Bake
Pop your casserole into the oven and bake for about 15 minutes. Keep an eye on those biscuits! They’ll turn golden brown and your casserole should be bubbling around the edges, inviting you to take a peek!
Step 9: Brush with Garlic Butter
Once the casserole is out of the oven, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, and parsley in a small bowl. Brush this delicious garlic butter over the tops of the biscuits for that extra flavor boost. Give it a 5-minute rest before serving! You’ll be greeted with warm, cheesy bites that your loved ones won’t forget!
Tips for Success
- Prep your ingredients beforehand to streamline the cooking process. Measuring out everything creates a smoother experience!
- Opt for fresh, high-quality ingredients whenever possible. They truly make a difference in taste!
- Adjust seasonings to suit your family’s tastes. Experimenting with herbs can add a fun twist!
- Don’t overbake the biscuits! Keep an eye on them to achieve that perfect golden-brown color.
Equipment Needed
- Large skillet: A non-stick option works well to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
- Whisk: Essential for mixing your sauce and preventing lumps.
- Baking dish: Use a 13×9-inch glass dish or any oven-safe dish of similar size.
- Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring and combining ingredients thoroughly.
Variations
- Vegetarian option: Swap the rotisserie chicken for cooked quinoa or chickpeas for a protein-packed, meat-free version.
- Different veggies: Add in other vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or carrots for added color and nutrition!
- Cheese alternatives: Experiment with different cheeses, like mozzarella or pepper jack, for unique flavors or a spicier kick.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free biscuits and substitute the all-purpose flour in the sauce with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Spicy twist: Add jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat that packs a flavorful punch!
Serving Suggestions for Broccoli Cheddar Biscuit Casserole
- Pair with a crisp garden salad for a refreshing contrast.
- Serve with a side of roasted vegetables for added flavor and nutrition.
- A glass of chilled white wine complements the richness beautifully.
- Garnish with extra parsley for a pop of color!
FAQs about Broccoli Cheddar Biscuit Casserole
Let’s clear up some common questions you may have about this delicious Broccoli Cheddar Biscuit Casserole. These answers will help you navigate the recipe with confidence!
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just replace the rotisserie chicken with cooked quinoa or chickpeas for a satisfying vegetarian option that still packs a protein punch!
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli works just fine. Thaw and drain it well before adding it to the sauce to avoid excess moisture.
How long will the leftovers last?
Your Broccoli Cheddar Biscuit Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it in the microwave or oven for a quick meal!
Can I add more cheese to this casserole?
Of course! Who doesn’t love more cheese? Feel free to sprinkle additional cheddar or mix in a variety of cheeses for an extra cheesy delight!
Is this casserole freezer-friendly?
Yes! You can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Just cover it tightly and store it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and follow the baking instructions.
Final Thoughts
Cooking the Broccoli Cheddar Biscuit Casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience that brings joy and connection to the dinner table. Picture the smiles as your loved ones dive into their plates, savoring each creamy, cheesy bite. It’s a dish that transforms hectic days into memory-making moments. Whether you’re preparing it for a casual family dinner or a gathering with friends, this casserole will warm your heart. So, roll up your sleeves and indulge in the delight that cooking can bring; this hearty meal is about nourishing both body and soul!
Print
Broccoli Cheddar Biscuit Casserole: Your New Favorite Dinner!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A delicious and hearty Broccoli Cheddar Biscuit Casserole topped with buttery biscuits, perfect for dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 large yellow onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
- 4 teaspoons fresh garlic, minced
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups whole milk, at room temperature
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 2 cups rotisserie chicken, finely shredded
- 2½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 can refrigerated buttermilk biscuits (6 count) or homemade biscuits
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons fresh garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, minced
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly butter a 13×9-inch baking dish. Set aside while you prepare the filling.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the 4 tablespoons of butter. Add the diced onion and cook for about 8 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Sprinkle the flour over everything and whisk constantly for about 1 minute until lightly browned.
- Slowly pour in the chicken broth and milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken.
- Add the broccoli florets, salt, pepper, and cayenne to the sauce. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is tender.
- Add the shredded chicken and cheddar cheese to the skillet. Stir everything together until the cheese is completely melted and the mixture is creamy.
- Remove from heat and transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish. Arrange 6 biscuits on top of the casserole, spacing them evenly.
- Bake for 15 minutes or until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through. The casserole should be bubbly around the edges.
- While the casserole bakes, mix together the melted butter, salt, minced garlic, and parsley in a small bowl.
- Once out of the oven, immediately brush the tops of the biscuits with the garlic butter. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your taste.
- You can use frozen broccoli florets if fresh is unavailable.
- If making homemade biscuits, ensure they are baked before adding them to the casserole.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
