Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe
There’s something irresistible about a bubbling, golden Broccoli Cheese Casserole that can turn even the most devoted veggie skeptic into a believer. This classic comfort dish is creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender broccoli, all topped with a buttery, crunchy crust that brings everyone back for seconds. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday gathering, a cozy family dinner, or simply craving a hearty side, this recipe always delivers warmth and nostalgia in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Broccoli Cheese Casserole comes together with simple, familiar ingredients that each play a starring role in flavor, texture, and color. You’ll find that every item on this list adds its own bit of magic—so don’t skip a thing!
- Fresh broccoli florets: The star of the show, providing a bright green color and crisp-tender bite that holds up to the creamy sauce.
- Olive oil: Just a splash to sauté the onions, adding a subtle richness to the base.
- Onion: Finely chopped for sweetness and depth—don’t underestimate the flavor boost!
- Garlic: A hint of garlic brings a savory aroma that ties everything together.
- Condensed cream of mushroom or chicken soup: This classic shortcut creates the luscious, velvety backbone of the casserole.
- Sour cream: Adds tang and extra creaminess for that indulgent, comforting feel.
- Mayonnaise: It may sound surprising, but mayo helps the sauce emulsify and adds subtle richness.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: The irresistible cheese pull! Use sharp cheddar for bold flavor, and don’t be shy about piling it on.
- Black pepper: Just a pinch for balance and mild heat.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out all the other flavors in the dish.
- Paprika (optional): Adds a gentle smokiness and a pop of color on top.
- Crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs: For that signature crunchy topping—Ritz crackers give a buttery finish, while breadcrumbs add a rustic touch.
- Melted butter: Mixed with the topping to guarantee golden, crispy perfection.
How to Make Broccoli Cheese Casserole
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready to go when your casserole is assembled. Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish (or something similar in size) with a little butter or nonstick spray. This helps prevent sticking and makes for easy serving later.
Step 2: Prepare the Broccoli
Steam or blanch your broccoli florets just until they’re crisp-tender—about 2 to 3 minutes if you’re using fresh broccoli. If you’re starting with frozen florets, make sure they’re thawed and well drained. The key here is to avoid mushy broccoli; you want it to hold its shape and add a satisfying bite to your Broccoli Cheese Casserole.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add the chopped onion. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until the onion turns soft and translucent. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds more—just enough to release its savory aroma without burning.
Step 4: Mix Up the Creamy Sauce
In a large bowl, combine the condensed soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, sautéed onion and garlic, 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, and paprika if you’re using it. Stir until everything is well blended. This rich, creamy mixture is what sets Broccoli Cheese Casserole apart from the rest.
Step 5: Fold in the Broccoli
Gently add the steamed or blanched broccoli to your sauce, folding it in until every floret is coated. Take your time here; the goal is to distribute the creamy mixture evenly so every bite is packed with flavor.
Step 6: Assemble the Casserole
Spoon the broccoli mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese over the top for that perfect melty finish.
Step 7: Add the Crunchy Topping
Mix the crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs with the melted butter in a small bowl. Sprinkle this buttery topping evenly over the casserole, making sure every inch is covered for maximum crunch and golden color.
Step 8: Bake and Rest
Pop the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, until the casserole is bubbling around the edges and the top is beautifully golden. Let it rest for at least 5 minutes before serving so the sauce sets slightly, making it easier to scoop and enjoy.
How to Serve Broccoli Cheese Casserole
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives adds a burst of color and a hint of freshness that cuts through the richness of the casserole. If you love a little kick, try a pinch of extra paprika or a dusting of black pepper on top.
Side Dishes
Broccoli Cheese Casserole is a superstar at any table, pairing beautifully with classic mains like roasted chicken, turkey, or ham. It also shines next to mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or a crisp green salad for a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For potlucks or parties, scoop the casserole into individual ramekins for easy serving. You can also use the leftovers as a filling for baked potatoes or as a hearty layer in a veggie-packed grain bowl—Broccoli Cheese Casserole is as versatile as it is delicious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover any leftover Broccoli Cheese Casserole tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic make-ahead side or quick lunch option.
Freezing
To freeze, simply assemble the casserole but hold off on baking. Wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes until hot and bubbly.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and place it in a 350°F oven until warmed through—about 15 to 20 minutes. For single servings, a quick zap in the microwave works well, but the oven is best for reviving that crispy topping.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain frozen broccoli well to avoid extra moisture in your Broccoli Cheese Casserole. The convenience is great, and the flavor is still fantastic.
What’s the best way to make this vegetarian?
Choose condensed cream of mushroom soup instead of chicken, and double-check that your crackers or breadcrumbs are vegetarian-friendly. The casserole is hearty and satisfying even without meat.
Can I add protein to Broccoli Cheese Casserole?
Definitely! Stir in some cooked, diced chicken or turkey for a heartier dish, or try mixing in cooked quinoa or rice for extra texture and nutrition.
Is it okay to make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, Broccoli Cheese Casserole is a dream for advance prep. Assemble it up to a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. When it’s time to bake, just pop it in the oven and add 5 to 10 minutes to the bake time if it’s cold from the fridge.
What can I use instead of Ritz crackers for the topping?
Panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs, or even crushed cornflakes all make great substitutes for Ritz crackers. Each one gives a slightly different crunch and flavor, so use whatever you prefer or have on hand.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that’s equal parts comforting, crowd-pleasing, and easy to make, Broccoli Cheese Casserole is your answer. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself reaching for on busy weeknights and special occasions alike—so go ahead, give it a try, and watch it become a cherished staple at your table!
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Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Broccoli Cheese Casserole is a creamy, cheesy side dish perfect for holidays or any cozy family dinner. Featuring tender broccoli florets enveloped in a savory blend of cream soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, and sharp cheddar cheese, topped with buttery crushed crackers for a delightful crunch, this casserole is both comforting and flavorful.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (or frozen, thawed and drained)
- ½ medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Wet Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
Dairy
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Seasonings
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
Topping
- ½ cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×9-inch or similar-sized baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Broccoli: Steam or blanch the broccoli florets until just crisp-tender, about 2–3 minutes for fresh broccoli. Drain well and set aside to remove excess moisture.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds to release its aroma.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom or chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, sautéed onion and garlic, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, and paprika if using. Stir well to blend all ingredients smoothly.
- Combine with Broccoli: Fold the cooked broccoli into the creamy mixture, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the broccoli mixture into the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs with the melted butter until well combined. Sprinkle this buttery topping evenly over the cheese layer.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown and crisp.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the dish set slightly for easier serving and improved flavor.
Notes
- For added flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mixture for a subtle spicy kick.
- You can mix in a handful of cooked rice or quinoa to increase the heartiness of the dish.
- To save time, prepare the casserole a day ahead, cover it, and refrigerate. Add 5–10 extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
