Creamy Cheesy Broccoli Mornay

Why You’ll Love this Creamy Cheesy Broccoli Mornay

Who could resist the supreme comfort food that combines tender broccoli, creamy cheese sauce, and a golden breadcrumb topping?

This classic casserole transforms ordinary frozen broccoli into a decadent side dish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

You’ll appreciate how easily it comes together—just mix, bake, and serve!

The contrast between the crispy breadcrumb topping and the velvety cheese sauce underneath creates the perfect textural balance.

The water chestnuts add an unexpected crunch, while the blend of Swiss and Parmesan cheeses delivers rich, nutty depth.

That hint of hot sauce? It’s the secret weapon that enhances every bite.

Recipe Information for Creamy Cheesy Broccoli Mornay

Broccoli Mornay is a classic French-inspired casserole dish that transforms everyday ingredients into a luxurious side through the signature Mornay technique of combining cheese with a creamy base sauce.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French-American
• Yield: 6-8 servings

What Ingredients are in Creamy Cheesy Broccoli Mornay?

Broccoli Mornay combines the earthy flavor of broccoli with a rich, creamy cheese sauce to create a comforting side dish that pairs well with almost any protein. The combination of cream cheese and Swiss or Gruyere cheese creates the signature Mornay sauce, while water chestnuts add a surprising textural element that contrasts beautifully with the soft, creamy components.

• 2 (10 ounce) packages frozen chopped broccoli
• 1 (10 3/4 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 (3 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 dash hot pepper sauce (such as Tabasco)
• 1 (5 ounce) can sliced water chestnuts, drained
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup grated Swiss cheese or Gruyere cheese
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup soft breadcrumbs

When selecting ingredients for this dish, quality matters. Choose good Swiss or Gruyere cheese for the most authentic Mornay flavor. While the recipe calls for frozen broccoli for convenience, fresh broccoli florets can be substituted if preferred—just blanch them until barely tender before adding to the casserole. The breadcrumbs provide a necessary textural contrast, so don’t skip this finishing touch for the perfect golden-brown crust.

How to Make this Creamy Cheesy Broccoli Mornay

This Broccoli Mornay casserole comes together quickly and delivers exceptional flavor with minimal effort. The key to success lies in properly cooking the broccoli to maintain some texture while allowing the creamy cheese sauce to coat every piece.

The contrasting crunch from water chestnuts and the golden breadcrumb topping enhances this dish from simple side to memorable accompaniment.

1. Cook 2 packages (10 ounces each) of frozen chopped broccoli until almost tender, then drain thoroughly.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 can (10¾ ounces) of condensed cream of mushroom soup with 1 package (3 ounces) of softened cream cheese and a hint of hot pepper sauce until smooth.
3. Add 1 can (5 ounces) of drained sliced water chestnuts, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ cup grated Swiss or Gruyere cheese, and 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese to the soup mixture.
4. Fold in the drained broccoli and mix everything well to guarantee even distribution.
5. Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish and sprinkle ½ cup of soft breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
6. Bake at 350°F for 35-40 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling around the edges and the breadcrumb topping has turned a light golden brown.

Once your Broccoli Mornay is perfectly baked with its golden crust and bubbling cheese sauce, it’s time to serve it in a way that showcases its creamy, luxurious appeal.

For a refreshing complement to this rich dish, consider fresh-squeezed citrus juice made with a premium citrus juicer that extracts maximum flavor and nutrients.

How to Plate this Creamy Cheesy Broccoli Mornay Like a Chef

After putting all that loving effort into creating your Broccoli Mornay casserole, presentation truly elevates it from a simple home-cooked dish to restaurant-quality dining.

For a professional touch, serve your Mornay in pre-warmed, shallow bowls or on elegant white plates where the golden-brown crust can shine.

Utilize a proper serving spoon to maintain the casserole’s structure, creating a neat portion. Garnish with fresh microgreens, a light sprinkle of Gruyère, or a delicate drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

The vibrant green broccoli peeking through the creamy, bubbly cheese sauce creates a stunning contrast that’s worthy of your dinner guests’ admiration.

Creamy Cheesy Broccoli Mornay Substitutions and Variations

One of the most beautiful aspects of cooking lies in its flexibility, allowing everyone to modify recipes to their taste preferences or pantry limitations.

You can easily swap fresh broccoli for the frozen – just blanch it first until crisp-tender.

Don’t have Swiss? Cheddar creates a similarly delicious, albeit different flavor profile.

For dairy-free versions, try cashew cream instead of cream cheese and nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor.

Water chestnuts provide that delightful crunch, but toasted almonds or even crispy bacon bits work beautifully too.

Gluten-free? Utilize gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers for that golden topping.

What to Serve with Creamy Cheesy Broccoli Mornay

While this rich and decadent Creamy Cheesy Broccoli Mornay can certainly stand on its own as a vegetarian main course, pairing it with complementary dishes improves your entire meal experience.

For a complete dinner, serve alongside a simple roasted chicken or grilled salmon that won’t compete with the creamy flavors.

A crisp green salad with vinaigrette provides refreshing contrast to the casserole’s richness.

Crusty French bread or garlic toast makes an excellent vehicle for scooping up any remaining cheese sauce.

For wine lovers, a chilled Chardonnay or light Pinot Grigio cuts through the creaminess beautifully, balancing each decadent bite.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Cheesy Broccoli Mornay has become a treasured recipe in countless kitchens for good reason. It transforms humble broccoli into a sophisticated dish that’ll impress even picky eaters.

The combination of creamy cheese sauce, crunchy water chestnuts, and golden breadcrumb topping creates an alluring texture contrast that keeps you coming back for more.

You’ll find it’s versatile enough for both weeknight family dinners and special occasions. The make-ahead potential makes entertaining stress-free.

Whether served alongside a roast chicken or as a vegetarian main, this comforting casserole delivers warmth, flavor, and a touch of elegance to any table.