Description
Broccoli Cheddar Beans with Crispy Cheddar Panko is a comforting, savory dish featuring tender broccoli and creamy white beans enveloped in a rich cheddar cheese sauce, topped with a golden, crispy cheddar panko crust. Perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings, it offers a delightful balance of creamy texture and crunchy topping, made with simple pantry staples and fresh ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Beans
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed (or 1.5 cups cooked white beans)
Cheese Sauce
- 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup whole milk or cream
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Crispy Topping
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Prepare the broccoli and beans: Steam or boil the broccoli florets just until tender but still bright green, then drain and set aside. Rinse and drain the white beans if using canned, ensuring they are ready to absorb all the cheese sauce flavors.
- Make the creamy cheddar sauce: In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and whisk in the milk or cream along with garlic powder and onion powder. Gradually add 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until smooth and velvety. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine ingredients: Gently fold the cooked broccoli and beans into the cheese sauce, making sure every bit is coated in that luscious cheddar goodness.
- Prepare the crispy panko topping: In a skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and toss in the panko breadcrumbs along with ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture turns a beautiful golden brown and crisp.
- Assemble and bake: Transfer the broccoli cheddar bean mixture into a baking dish. Sprinkle the crispy cheddar panko topping evenly over the surface. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese for better melting and flavor.
- Don’t overcook the broccoli; keep it slightly firm for texture contrast with the creamy sauce.
- Butter the breadcrumbs to achieve perfect crispiness and golden color.
- Use whole milk or cream for a richer sauce.
- Season gradually and taste as you go to avoid over-salting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg