Creating this comforting casserole is surprisingly straightforward. Follow these easy steps to bring this family favorite to your own table:

1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Broccoli: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the casserole bakes evenly and the cheese melts beautifully. If using fresh broccoli, wash it thoroughly and cut it into bite-sized florets. If using frozen broccoli, thaw it slightly and drain off any excess water. This prevents the casserole from becoming watery.
2. Cook the Broccoli (Optional but Recommended): While you can assemble the casserole with raw broccoli, pre-cooking it slightly ensures it’s tender and not crunchy in the final dish. There are several ways to do this:
   • Steaming: Steam the broccoli florets over boiling water for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are tender-crisp and bright green. This method retains the most nutrients and flavor.
   • Boiling: 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 rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and retain the vibrant green color.
   • Microwaving: Place the broccoli florets in a microwave-safe dish with a tablespoon of water. Cover and microwave on high for 3-5 minutes, or until tender-crisp. Check for doneness after 3 minutes and continue microwaving in 30-second intervals if needed.
   • Roasting (Adds Flavor!): Toss broccoli florets with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until slightly tender and lightly browned. Roasting brings out a deeper, more caramelized flavor in the broccoli.
3. Sauté Onion and Garlic: While the broccoli is cooking (or if you’re skipping pre-cooking), melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-5 minutes, or until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. Sautéing the onion and garlic upfront adds a depth of flavor to the sauce that is worth the extra step.
4. Prepare the Creamy Cheese Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and the sautéed onion and garlic mixture. Stir well to combine all ingredients and create a smooth sauce. This forms the creamy, flavorful base that coats the broccoli and binds the casserole together.
5. Combine Broccoli and Cheese Sauce: Add the cooked (or raw) broccoli florets and the shredded cheddar cheese to the bowl with the cream sauce. Gently toss everything together until the broccoli is evenly coated in the cheesy sauce. Ensure the cheese is well distributed throughout the mixture.
6. Assemble the Casserole: Pour the broccoli and cheese mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly in the dish for uniform baking.
7. Make the Breadcrumb Topping: In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs and the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter. If using, add paprika at this stage for color and flavor. Toss together until the bread crumbs are evenly coated with butter and paprika (if using).
8. Top the Casserole: Sprinkle the buttered bread crumbs evenly over the top of the broccoli and cheese mixture in the baking dish. This creates a delicious, crispy crust as the casserole bakes.
9. Bake the Casserole: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through, bubbly around the edges, and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown and crispy. The cheese should be melted and gooey, and the casserole should be heated throughout.
10. Let it Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly and makes it easier to serve. The aroma at this point will be incredibly tempting! Serve hot and enjoy the cheesy, comforting goodness of your homemade Cheddar Broccoli Casserole!