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Baked Cheddar Broccoli Noodle Casserole

Few dishes are as comforting as a warm casserole bubbling straight from the oven. Baked Cheddar Broccoli Noodle Casserole combines tender noodles, fresh broccoli, creamy cheddar sauce, and a golden baked topping into one hearty meal the whole family can enjoy. It is simple enough for busy weeknights yet satisfying enough to serve at gatherings or potlucks.

This casserole balances creamy richness with the freshness of broccoli, while the baked cheese topping adds a delicious crispy finish. Whether served as a main course or a side dish, this recipe delivers classic comfort food flavor in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to prepare with simple pantry ingredients
Creamy, cheesy, and comforting
A great way to include vegetables in dinner
Perfect for leftovers and meal prep
Customizable with chicken, bacon, or extra vegetables

Ingredients

For the Casserole

12 ounces egg noodles
4 cups broccoli florets
2 tablespoons butter
1 small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika

For the Topping

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon melted butter

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

Begin by preheating the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a large casserole dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Having the dish ready ahead of time makes assembling the casserole much easier once the sauce and noodles are finished.

Step 2: Cook the Noodles

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook them until just tender according to the package instructions.

Avoid overcooking the noodles because they will continue cooking while baking in the oven. Drain the noodles and set them aside.

Step 3: Blanch the Broccoli

While the noodles are cooking, prepare the broccoli. Add the florets to boiling water for about 2 minutes until they turn bright green and slightly tender.

Immediately transfer the broccoli into cold water or rinse under cold running water. This keeps the broccoli vibrant and prevents it from becoming mushy in the casserole.

Drain well and set aside.