Broccoli casserole is a classic dish that can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or even a potluck gathering. It’s creamy, cheesy, and comforting—the perfect comfort food for any occasion.
But if you really want to take it up a notch, there are some amazing side dishes that will perfectly complement your broccoli casserole.
So, Don’t waste your time; let’s dive in and explore with me the best side dishes to serve with this classic dish to make your next get-together a memorable one.
A Quick solution for what to serve with Broccoli Casserole - Baked Potatoes, Garlic Bread, Sauteed Veggies, Salad, Fruit Bowl, Roasted Potatoes, Garden Salad, Vegetables, Wonton Soup with Sesame Chili Oil, Rice, Chicken Breast, Ritz Crackers, Egg, Ground Turkey, Cream of Chicken soup, Bacon-wrapped Shrimps, Velveeta, Cheese Whiz, Cauliflower,
What is Broccoli Casserole? what does broccoli casserole taste like?
Broccoli casserole is a simple and delicious favorite dish in many American households. It’s a combination of cooked broccoli, cheese, buttery cracker crumb topping, and mayonnaise or some other creamy sauce to bind everything together.
Many recipes make this comforting casserole in an oven-safe casserole dish, but there are plenty of variations that may alter the cooking process or ingredients.
Other common ingredients might include bacon, garlic, mushrooms, onions, nuts, seasonings, or sauces such as teriyaki Sauce or Alfredo Sauce.
The dish delivers flavor from the creamy mayonnaise providing the perfect base for a light yet delicious vegetable casserole.
The steamed broccoli provides a crunchy texture that pairs perfectly with the soft cheese pieces that are draped over the top.
When stored overnight, the flavors settle in and combine to create an even richer flavor profile.
Broccoli casserole has a unique taste that many find comforting, making it a favorite casserole at family gatherings and holiday celebrations.
However, always remember Broccoli casserole tastes best when prepared with fresh vegetables to create a robust flavor that only gets better over time when stored safely in the refrigerator.
Serve it with some crusty breads and a salad for a wholesome meal everyone will love!
Do you really need side dishes to pair up with broccoli casserole?
Broccoli casserole can certainly stand alone and make an excellent dish, but when you’re looking for more of a meal, it’s wise to pair it with side dishes to round out the selection.
An easy option is adding a crunchy salad with some light dressing – something like a simple Caesar or lettuce mix.
You could also try incorporating roasted potatoes or even some steamed rice. If you’re looking for something healthier, quinoa is both high in protein and gluten-free.
Moreover, A fresh loaf of bread would add some extra carbs to your plate and pull everything together nicely.
No matter what you decide, side dishes are great for adding variety and making sure everyone has something they enjoy!
Things to remember while choosing side dishes for broccoli casserole
When it comes to complimenting the flavor of any casserole, selecting the perfect side dishes is key.
When it comes to broccoli casserole, there are a few tips you’ll want to remember while making your decisions.
First, choose starches such as wheat pasta, grains, mashed potatoes, or fries that can blend in with the cheese sauce and act as an extra layer of texture.
Secondly, try adding some bright green vegetables like roasted kale or steamed Brussels sprouts for balance in contrast to the cheesy dish.
Finally, many recipes call for bread crumbs on top of the casserole; why not get creative with your favorite kind of nuts or panko crumbs instead?
With these expert tips taken into consideration, you’re sure to have a delicious and balanced meal everyone will enjoy!
Sides for Broccoli Casserole
When choosing side dishes for your broccoli casserole, think about pairing ingredients that complement each other in taste and texture.
Here are some great sides to consider serving with your casserole:
1. Baked Potatoes
Baked potatoes provide you a fluffy textural contrast to the creamy and cheesy goodness of the broccoli casserole.
You can also top them off with butter, sour cream, cheese, bacon bits, or any combination of these toppings for extra flavor.
2. Garlic Bread
Garlic bread is always my favorite when it comes to side dishes. It adds just the right amount of crunchy texture plus the added bonus of garlic flavors that pair well with creamy dishes like broccoli casserole.
Moreover, It’s also incredibly easy to make!
You can start by slicing Italian bread into slices about 1 inch thick each. Spread softened butter onto each slice of bread before sprinkling garlic powder over the top (as much as you’d like).
Next, place the slices on a baking tray lined with parchment paper (or aluminum foil) before baking in an oven preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-10 minutes until golden brown and crispy around the edges.
3. Sauteed Veggies
Sauteed veggies such as mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions are also excellent accompaniments for broccoli casserole.
Plus, they add color and nutrition to your plate!
4. Salad
A simple salad is always great if you want something light on the side of your hearty main dish.
You can make a basic green salad or get creative by adding fresh fruits like pears or apples or crunchy nuts like almonds or walnuts for texture contrast.
5. Fruit Bowl
Those who don’t like salads but still want something light on their plate can opt for a fruit bowl instead!
Fruits like oranges, melons, grapes, and berries are all excellent options to enjoy alongside your cheesy broccoli casserole meal!
5. Roasted Potatoes
To really make your broccoli casserole shine, try serving it with roasted potatoes. Roasted potatoes are easy to make, and they pair perfectly with the cheesy goodness of a good broccoli casserole.
To make them, simply peel your potatoes and cut them into cubes.
Toss them with salt, olive oil, and pepper, then spread them onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Next, bake them in a preheated oven at 375 degrees F for a minimum of 25 to 30 minutes or till golden brown and crispy on the outside.
6. Garden Salad
A garden salad is a great way to lighten up the richness of broccoli casserole while adding a bright pop of color to your plate!
For a classic garden salad, you can combine lettuce mix, tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, radishes, or whatever other vegetables you have on hand.
However, top it off with an easy vinaigrette made from olive oil, vinegar (white wine or apple cider), mustard (Dijon or honey mustard works well), salt, and pepper.
7. Vegetables
Broccoli casserole is a classic dish of cooked broccoli and cheese, sometimes with extra ingredients like breadcrumbs or bacon.
It’s delicious as either a side or main course, and the flavors are especially good when paired with cooked vegetable dishes.
With roasted veggies like carrots and onions, boiled potatoes and peas, or any other cooked vegetables of your choosing, you can make a complete meal that is sure to please your family or dinner guests.
Alternately, you can also top the casserole with crunchy salad ingredients like cucumber or bell peppers for an added layer of crispness.
Serve up a vegetable-filled broccoli casserole today, and enjoy!
8. Wonton Soup with Sesame Chili Oil
One of my favorite Wonton soups is a classic Asian dish that combines deep-fried, deliciously crisp wontons with aromatic broth, making it a great appetizer or light meal option.
For an extra flavor kick, you can serve this soup with a generous drizzle of aromatic sesame chili oil. Make it a complete meal by pairing the dish with a comforting broccoli casserole side dish.
The crunchy touches of crispy fried onions perfectly complement the flavorful broth of the Wonton soup, and the creamy texture brings a welcomed contrast to balance out the flavors.
Enjoy!
9. Rice
Serving up rice with a broccoli casserole is a tasty and healthy way to enjoy your favorite meal.
Not only does using brown rice as your base provide an extra boost of nutrition, but pairing it with the crunchy green vegetable boosts its flavor as well.
Additionally, broccoli casserole is a great side dish that can be cooked quickly in one skillet and goes perfectly with traditional or wild rice.
For the perfect dinner combination, add some grilled chicken, and you won’t regret the nutritious and enjoyable meal you created!
10. Chicken Breast
Serve up a delicious and healthy family meal with Chicken Breast and Broccoli Casserole.
You can start by preheating the oven to 375 degrees and prepare the sides by cutting fresh broccoli, slicing onions, and grating cheese.
Next, season both sides of the chicken breast generously with salt and pepper before lightly frying it in butter until it’s lightly browned around the edges.
Finally, place the chicken in an oven-proof casserole dish and cover it with a layer of broccoli, onions, cheese, and your favorite spices.
Bake it for 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly for a warm, comforting dish that everyone can enjoy.
11. Ritz Crackers
Looking for a delicious side dish for your next meal? Consider serving Ritz Crackers with broccoli casserole.
Not only are these two staples affordable and easy to prepare, but they also combine in the oven to create a crunchy, flavorful topping perfect for any occasion.
Whether served as an accompaniment to your main course or simply snacked on during the game, Ritz Crackers and broccoli casserole make an unbeatable combination of tastes and textures that won’t soon be forgotten.
So why wait? Gather up some Ritz Crackers and broccoli casserole today, and give them both a try!
12. Egg
If you’re looking for a flavorful meal that’s easy to make, then why not try a scrumptious egg and broccoli casserole?
Start off by preheating the oven and lightly greasing a baking dish.
Then, whisk together some eggs, herbs, garlic, and cheese in one bowl until they are well combined.
Next, chop up the broccoli florets into small pieces and spread them evenly over the base of the dish.
Pour the egg mix over top of the broccoli and place it in the oven to bake.
You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are golden brown, and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
Serve this delicious egg and broccoli casserole with a side of toast or salad for an appetizing dinner that is sure to be enjoyed by all!
13. Ground Turkey
Serve up my favorite ground turkey with broccoli casserole!
Start by browning the ground turkey in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once cooked, add spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and Italian seasoning.
When combined with cooked broccoli florets and creamy cheese sauce, you’ll have an amazing, comforting dish that everyone will love.
Best of all, you can make the casserole one night and enjoy leftovers throughout the week!
14. Cream of Chicken soup
A warm bowl of Cream of Chicken soup served with a crunchy broccoli casserole makes a great meal for your family and friends alike!
For those feeling adventurous, adding some freshly grated cheddar cheese or toasted breadcrumbs on top of the casserole for an extra flavorful experience is sure to please.
If you need a health-conscious option, skip the cream in the soup for a lower-fat version. No matter how you decide to make it, this dish will be sure to tantalize your taste buds.
15. Bacon-wrapped Shrimp
Bacon-wrapped Shrimp and broccoli casserole makes for an incredibly delicious and easy meal. The savory shrimp, when combined with bacon, provide you an added layer of flavor that brings the whole dish together.
The salty notes from the bacon combine with the crunchiness of the broccoli in a way that you can’t find in many other pairings.
You don’t need to feel overwhelmed by cooking either; if you purchase pre-cooked bacon slices, this dish can come together in 25 minutes or less.
Serve it hot and enjoy a tasty meal that you can be proud of!
16. Velveeta
Serving up Velveeta with broccoli casserole can make your perfect weeknight meal. With just 10 minutes of prep time, this classic dish is quick and easy to cook.
Aside from Velveeta, you can also use regular cheese or Cheddar and Mozzarella to add additional flavor and texture.
Don’t forget onions, garlic, and any other seasonings you’d like to add for a unique spin on this crowd-pleasing meal.
For an even easier twist, skip the stovetop instructions and bake the casserole in the oven for about 25 minutes for a perfectly browned top layer that your family will love.
Serve it immediately so your kids can enjoy this satisfying dish before getting back to their homework. Bon appétit!
17. Cheese Whiz
Combining Cheese Whiz with broccoli casserole is a delicious and easy way to give this classic vegetable dish an extra special kick.
Not only can Cheese Whiz be added on the top of the casserole in typical fashion, but it can also be melted and stirred into the rest of the ingredients to give each bite a gooey, cheesy texture.
Additionally, when you add some fried bacon and diced peppers also helps to enhance the flavors of this tantalizing dish!
Bon Appétit!
18. Cauliflower
Serving cauliflower dishes with broccoli casserole is a helpful tip for those looking to add more plant-based recipes to their meals.
Cauliflower offers you a range of flexibility when it comes to cooking – you can bake, roast, steam, or sauté it for any number of delicious dishes.
Pairing cauliflower with other vegetables, like the classic broccoli casserole, creates an exciting and nutritious combination.
While it’s easy to get stuck in a routine with the same meals, adding colorful and flavorsome food into your diet will ensure that your creativity in the kitchen never runs dry!
What are the best flavors to go with broccoli casserole?
Broccoli casserole is a delicious dish that can be enjoyed for any meal or as a side dish.
When it comes to the best flavors to go with broccoli casserole, some classic favorites include ingredients like onion, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.
A combination of these spices will help to further enhance the flavor of the broccoli in the casserole.
For added flavor, adding a dash of sage, thyme, oregano, or rosemary can be very pleasing as well.
If you’re looking for a tasty twist on this traditional favorite, try adding some bacon to your broccoli casserole!
Moreover, the salty smokiness of the bacon pairs perfectly with the natural flavors of the vegetables for an unbeatable combination.
Experiment with different ingredients and see what works best for you and your family — after all, that’s half of the fun when it comes to cooking!
What is the best way to serve broccoli casserole on any occasion?
The best way to serve broccoli casserole on any occasion is entirely up to the individual’s taste and what works well with the other dishes being served.
Depending on the occasion, making a few different tweaks to the recipe can be quite effective.
For instance, adding extra herbs and spices gives it a bit of a kick without overwhelming the dish, or cheese added after cooking will give it a smooth and creamy texture.
Additionally, for those who prefer some crunchy texture in their dish, panko bread crumbs make an excellent topping.
There is also no set timetable as to when broccoli casserole should be served; breakfast, lunch, or dinner – whatever suits your needs.
With its easy preparation process combined with its great flavor profile, broccoli casserole is sure to please anyone at your event.
FAQs on what to serve with broccoli casserole
Q1. Should I steam broccoli before casserole?
Broccoli is such a versatile vegetable; it can be sautéed, stir-fried, roasted in the oven, and even steamed. When it comes to adding broccoli to a casserole dish, it really depends on when during the cooking process you would like to add your broccoli.
If you steam your broccoli first, this helps ensure that it will retain its’ beautiful green color when heated again later with the rest of the dish’s ingredients. Steaming also allows for a more even texture throughout your finished casserole, giving a nice bite to each bite.
However, if you choose not to steam your broccoli beforehand, the cooking time of your casserole may need adjustment so that it cooks fully without burning or drying out.
Whichever option you choose, make sure all vegetables are cooked before serving your casserole, as that’ll be key to determining its success.
Q2. How long is broccoli casserole good for in the fridge?
When storing broccoli casserole in your refrigerator, it’s important to note that the dish should be eaten within three to four days of preparation. Beyond four days, you risk ingesting food-borne illness if you consume the casserole.
To be on the safe side, it is most suitable to consume any leftovers no later than two days after preparation. If your casserole contains cheese or dairy products, always check for discolorations or mold before deciding to eat it.
By following these steps and eating leftovers within their optimal shelf life, anyone can enjoy a delicious serving of broccoli casserole at any time!