Savory Broccoli & Herb Casserole Recipe: The Two-in-One Side

The Two-in-One Veggie Recipe: This brilliant broccoli casserole can double as your dinner veggie AND your starchy, satisfying, crispy side dish.

Our Savory Broccoli & Herb Casserole doesn’t need creamy soup, heavy cream, or other liquids. Just a crispy, cheesy, breadcrumb topping over perfectly tender broccoli, melded together with Italian-style breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese. The ultimate healthy side dish!

Double Duty Dinner Dish

How many times have you stood at the stove, counting burners? You’ve got your main protein, your starch, a sauce or gravy, and… oh right, you also need a vegetable. What if you could check two, or even three, of those boxes with one unforgettable dish?

Introducing our Savory Broccoli & Herb Casserole—the side dish that does double duty. This brilliant recipe is designed to be both your nourishing vegetable and your satisfying, starchy side, all in one delicious bake. With the hearty satisfaction of the broccoli and breadcrumbs and the crispy, carb-like comfort of the herbed breadcrumb topping, this casserole effortlessly serves as both. It’s the ultimate shortcut to a complete, balanced plate without sacrificing an ounce of flavor or resorting to a multi-pot juggling act.

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A Different Kind of Broccoli Casserole

We set out to create a simple, healthy broccoli casserole that lets the natural flavor of the broccoli shine through, complemented by full-bodied starch and savory accents—not drowned in sauce.

• No Canned Soup or Heavy Cream in Sight: Unlike many traditional recipes, ours forgoes the creamy base. Instead, we use a light binding of egg and Parmesan cheese to let the broccoli be the star.
• Crispy, Not Saucy: The magic is in the topping. A generous layer of Italian-style herbed breadcrumbs and more Parmesan cheese bakes into a golden, crunchy crust that provides the perfect contrast to the tender broccoli beneath.
• Zero Waste, Maximum Flavor: We use the entire broccoli, including the stems! Once peeled and diced, the stems add a wonderful, hearty texture with ultimate flavor and ensure nothing goes to waste.

The Secret to Easier Dinners for Busy Cooks

This recipe was born in a busy home kitchen, and we designed it for real life.

• Two Birds, One Stone: The tender, flavorful broccoli fulfills your veggie quotient, while the golden, savory breadcrumb topping provides that carb-like comfort you crave. Serve it alongside a simple grilled chicken breast or baked fish, and your meal is complete.
• A Standout Vegetarian Option: For a meatless meal, this casserole is substantial and flavorful enough to be the co-star of your plate.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you need a standout dish for a holiday table or a reliable partner for a weeknight roast, this casserole delivers. It’s naturally vegetarian, easily adaptable, and a great make-ahead dish.

Perfect Centerpiece for Simpler Meals or Side Dish for Any Occasion

This casserole isn’t just a side. It’s substantial enough to be the co-star of your plate.

• Pair with a Simple Protein: It’s the perfect partner for a quick seared pork chop, baked chicken thighs, or pan-fried fish fillets.
• A Standout Vegetarian Option: For a meatless meal, this casserole is satisfying and flavorful all on its own.

Whether you need a standout dish for a holiday table, a reliable partner for your weeknight roasted chicken, or a vegetable side that’s substantial enough to please a crowd, this casserole delivers. It’s:

• Naturally Vegetarian
• Easily adaptable (see our Chef’s Notes!)
• A great make-ahead dish

We created this Savory Broccoli & Herb Casserole for everyone who wants to eat their vegetables but doesn’t want to sacrifice tummy real estate for their starchy, cheesy side. This is hearty, packed with savory flavor, and has an irresistible crispy top that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ditch the dinner-time dilemma. This one dish delivers on texture, flavor, and nutrition, simplifying your routine and delighting everyone at the table. If you’re looking for an easy broccoli casserole that breaks the mold and brings robust flavor and satisfying texture to your table, your search is over.

Savory Broccoli & Herb Casserole Recipe

Diced broccoli and stems are mixed with Parmesan cheese and herbed breadcrumbs, creating a satisfying texture that's baked until golden brown and perfectly crisp on top. It's the ultimate vegetable side that even picky eaters will love.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Resting Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 6

Course: Veggie

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 large heads of broccoli about 2 pounds
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion
• 3 cloves garlic
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup Italian-style herbed breadcrumbs divided
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese divided
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
• Cooking spray or extra olive oil for greasing

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch or similar-sized baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
2. Thoroughly wash the broccoli heads. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the florets away from the main stem. Do not discard the stem! Peel the tough outer skin from the stem with a vegetable peeler or knife. Now, dice both the florets and the peeled stem into small, bite-sized pieces. You should have about 6 cups of diced broccoli.
3. In a large skillet, heat the 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes, until it becomes soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant. Remove the skillet from the heat.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced raw broccoli, the sautéed onion and garlic, the lightly beaten eggs, 3/4 cup of the Italian-style breadcrumbs, 3/4 cup of the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Mix everything together until the broccoli is evenly coated and the mixture is well combined. It will be somewhat dry and crumbly, which is correct for this style of casserole.
5. Transfer the broccoli mixture to your prepared baking dish. Press it down gently into an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese evenly over the entire casserole.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is deep golden brown and the broccoli is tender-crisp.
7. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

• For a Crispier Top: For the last 2-3 minutes of baking, switch the oven to a high broil. Watch it closely to prevent burning!

• Make it Your Own: Feel free to add a pinch of lemon zest to the mixture or swap the Parmesan for sharp cheddar or Asiago cheese.
• Testing for Doneness: The casserole is done when a knife can easily be inserted into the center, and the broccoli is cooked to your desired level of tenderness.