What To Serve With Broccoli Casserole (19 BEST Side Dishes!)
Typically made by baking fresh broccoli florets in a creamy, cheesy sauce, with a crispy, crunchy breadcrumb topping, broccoli casserole is surely the ultimate way to get some more green veggies into your diet!
Also sometimes known as broccoli gratin, it’s comfort food at its absolute best, and it can be served as either a side dish or as the main event.
As it can be prepared in advance, it’s one of my go-to choices for family gatherings and special occasions like a weekend roast dinner or even a Christmas or Thanksgiving spread.
Though I’d happily eat a plate of this creamy, cheesy, crunchy broccoli all on its own, you can turn it into a balanced meal by adding a selection of sides and accompaniments.
Want the quick answer?
The best choices for what to serve with broccoli casserole include garlic bread, roasted veggies, Caesar salad, grilled chicken breast, baked salmon fillet, buttered noodles, mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, quinoa salad, and stuffed peppers.
Let’s take a look at these sides and more, in greater depth…
Essential Sides
To perfectly complement your broccoli casserole, certain side dishes enhance the meal.
They’re not only delicious but balance the flavours and textures on your plate!
Garlic Bread
Indulge in the crispy, buttery delight of garlic bread.
It’s an ideal choice to sop up any creamy sauce from the casserole, and its robust flavour pairs wonderfully with the mild taste of broccoli.
- Preparation: Spread butter on sliced baguette halves, sprinkle with minced garlic and parsley, then bake until golden.
- Tip: Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an extra savoury note.
If you want to buy a readymade variety, take a look at my guide to improving store bought garlic bread!
Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables bring a caramelised edge to your meal, enhancing the natural sweetness while adding a colourful variety to your plate.
- Selection: Choose root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and beets for a hearty mix.
- Method: Toss them with olive oil, season, and roast until tender and slightly charred.
Caesar Salad
A Caesar salad adds a fresh, crisp element with its creamy dressing, crunchy croutons, and sharp Parmesan shavings.
- Dressing: Whisk together mayonnaise, anchovy paste, lemon juice, and garlic for authentic Caesar flavour.
- Assembly: Toss Romaine lettuce with the dressing, croutons, and cheese shavings right before serving to maintain freshness.
Protein Pairings
When planning what to serve with broccoli casserole, selecting a complementary protein can turn the side dish into a hearty meal.
Consider these flavourful and satisfying options.
Grilled Chicken Breast
You can’t go wrong with a classic grilled chicken breast.
Seasoning the chicken with herbs such as thyme or rosemary can complement the creamy taste of the broccoli casserole.
- Ingredients: Chicken breast, olive oil, thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper
- Method: Grill until thoroughly cooked and juices run clear
Baked Salmon Fillets
Offering a rich source of Omega-3, baked salmon fillets are both healthful and delicious.
A simple marinade of lemon and dill highlights the fish’s natural flavours without overwhelming the casserole.
- Ingredients: Salmon fillets, lemon juice, dill, salt, olive oil
- Method: Bake at 200°C until the flesh flakes easily with a fork
Stir-Fried Tofu
For a plant-based protein, stir-fried tofu provides a fantastic texture and is excellent at absorbing flavours.
Marinate in soy sauce and garlic for an umami kick that balances well with the casserole’s richness.
- Ingredients: Firm tofu, soy sauce, garlic, vegetable oil, cornflour
- Method: Fry until golden brown and crispy on the outside
Starches to Serve
Pairing your broccoli casserole with the right starch can balance your meal beautifully, enhancing both flavour and satisfaction.
Buttered Noodles
You’ll find that buttered noodles, simply seasoned with a pinch of salt and pepper, provide a lovely, mild bed for the more pronounced flavours of your casserole.
A sprinkle of chopped parsley can add a touch of freshness.
Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic choice, and they meld seamlessly with the creamy texture of broccoli casserole.
For an extra indulgence, stir some grated cheddar cheese into your potatoes before serving.
Rice Pilaf
A delicately spiced rice pilaf can offer a fragrant and slightly nutty complement to the casserole.
Using stock instead of water to cook the rice will impart additional depth of flavour.
(Love this idea? Check out what to eat with rice pilaf for more ideas).
Creative Complements
Pair your broccoli casserole with one of these refreshing side dishes to take your meal to the next level.
Fruit Salads
Enhance your meal with the sweet and tangy flavours of a fruit salad.
There are countless combinations, but you might like to try:
- Diced apple, grapes, and sliced strawberries mixed with a hint of lemon juice for freshness.
- Chunks of pineapple, mandarin oranges, and kiwi, tossed with a sprinkle of chopped fresh mint.
Quinoa Salad
Quinoa salad, a high-protein, gluten-free option, is ideal for a nutritious side.
Here are a couple of variations:
- Classic Quinoa Salad: Combine cooked quinoa, diced cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, and sliced spring onions. Dress with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Mediterranean Quinoa: Mix quinoa with crumbled feta, pitted olives, chopped red pepper, and a garlicky lemon dressing.
Stuffed Peppers
Stuffed peppers can be both a delicious and visually appealing side dish for broccoli casserole.
Consider these fillings:
- Mix brown rice, black beans, corn, and a generous amount of cheddar, spiced with cumin and chilli powder.
- Try a vegetarian option with couscous, diced tomatoes, and roasted aubergines, seasoned with basil and oregano.
Beverage Suggestions
Let’s not forget drinks when considering what to serve with broccoli casserole!
Below you’ll find a few beverage options that complement the dish well.
White Wine
When choosing a white wine to accompany your broccoli casserole, opt for those on the lighter side which won’t overpower the flavours of your dish.
A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio with their herbaceous and citrus notes would make refreshing pairings.
- Sauvignon Blanc: Zesty and crisp; pairs well with green vegetables
- Pinot Grigio: Light and refreshing; a versatile choice
Sparkling Water
For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water is an excellent choice.
It is refreshing and can cleanse the palate between bites.
To enhance the experience, add a slice of lemon or lime for a zesty twist.
- With Lemon: Adds a bright, citrusy note
- With Lime: Offers a slightly more tart finish
Herbal Tea
A warm cup of herbal tea can be soothing and may complement the creaminess of broccoli casserole.
Opt for teas like chamomile or peppermint which are known for their gentle, digestive properties.
- Chamomile Tea: Mild and calming; can aid in digestion
- Peppermint Tea: Offers a refreshing taste and aids in digestion
What’s your favourite choice from this list of ideas of what to serve with broccoli casserole?
Share your thoughts in the comments section below – I love hearing about what you’ve been up to in the kitchen!
