Crock-Pot Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Is it better to use fresh or frozen broccoli in a casserole? ›

Fresh vegetables contain less water

Frozen vegetables release moisture as they cook and when they're used in a casserole that moisture has nowhere to go but into your dish. If you want your casserole to have the best texture, it's best to use fresh vegetables.

Cooking broccoli in a crock pot typically takes about 2 to 3 hours on high heat or 4 to 6 hours on low heat. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the broccoli florets and the desired tenderness. Should I add water or any liquid when cooking broccoli in a crock pot?

The ingredients? Broccoli of course, then bacon, flour, milk, cream, eggs, cheddar cheese, a little Dijon, salt, and lots of freshly cracked black pepper. The tricks to this broccoli cheese casserole are to: Pre-cook the broccoli florets a bit so they cook up tender in the casserole.

TWO HOURS is the MAXIMUM time perishable foods should be at room temperature (ONE HOUR at temperatures 90 degrees F and higher). This INCLUDES the time they're on the table during your meal. Just ONE bacterium, doubling every 20 minutes, can grow to over 2,097,152 bacteria in 7 hours!

The best part about casseroles is that they're easy to make and typically yield enough food for a few days, making meal prep a breeze. And a broccoli casserole is no different — the dish calls for frozen broccoli rather than fresh, so you can just pop open the bag and toss them straight into your baking dish.

You might not realise it, but those perfectly ripe, bursting-with-moisture-veggies that you're tossing into your casserole are most likely the culprits when it comes to a watery bake, which is why it's important to heed the recipe when it comes to prepping your vegetables and cooling your finished product.

It takes broccoli 45 minutes to 1 hour to steam in the crockpot on high.

If you have any frozen Tenderstem® broccoli, you can also cook this in your slow cooker. The cooking instructions are much the same as fresh Tenderstem® in a slow cooker – half an hour or so should be plenty time.

The natural nooks and crevices in broccoli and cauliflower are the perfect hiding spot for dirt, germs and even little bugs. Get your cruciferous veggies squeaky clean by filling a sink with cold water and then soaking them for a few minutes.

It's just different applications - for casseroles and soups frozen is fine, but if you want to have roast broccoli or steamed broccoli then fresh is the way to go.

Is cream of broccoli the same as broccoli cheese? ›

In summary, cream of broccoli soup is a creamy and smooth soup that is served warm, while cheese broccoli casserole is a baked dish that is made with cheese, breadcrumbs, and a creamy sauce and is served as a main or side dish.

The short answer is no, it's not safe to eat cooked vegetables that have been left out overnight. Vegetables are perishable items and need to be refrigerated within two hours of cooking. If they're left out at room temperature for longer than that, they can start to grow harmful bacteria that can cause food poisoning.

How long can hard cheese sit out at room temperature? Hard cheeses can sit out for longer than the standard two hours without becoming unsafe, but quality and taste may differ - it is not recommended to leave hard cheese unrefrigerated for longer than 4 hours.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) food and safety basics states cooked food can be left at room temperature up to two hours. If the temperature outside (or inside your house) is 90°F or above, you should cut that time in half.

Tip. Cooking broccoli before adding it to a casserole can cause it to become mushy and brown. And if you don't cook fresh broccoli for your casserole, it can come out undercooked in the final product. For best results, blanch fresh broccoli before adding it to casserole recipes.

You can sauté frozen broccoli just as you would fresh broccoli. Add oil to a skillet on medium-high heat. Add your frozen broccoli and season as desired.

Add the frozen broccoli to the baking sheet in a single layer, taking care not to overcrowd the pan. Place in the oven and roast for 10 minutes. This extra step assists in removing excess water, which will help your broccoli get nicely browned and crisp.

Buying frozen vegetables can be more convenient, more affordable and taste just as delicious as fresh. I love adding frozen broccoli to this Creamy Broccoli Pasta or to a homemade soup.