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

Scale

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

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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