Easy & Creamy Broccoli Cheese Casserole

This broccoli cheese casserole is the ultimate comfort food, bringing warmth and flavor to any table. It’s a classic side dish that perfectly complements any meal, whether for a holiday feast or a simple weeknight dinner. With its irresistible cheesy, creamy texture and a delightful crunchy topping, this dish is simple to prepare using everyday ingredients. Get ready to enjoy a family favorite that is sure to please everyone. Jump to the recipe for quick cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Cheese Casserole

You’ll quickly fall in love with this incredible broccoli cheese casserole for so many reasons. It makes baking simple for busy parents and beginners!

• Quick 5-Minute Prep: You can get this delicious casserole ready for the oven in hardly any time at all.
• Perfect Creamy & Cheesy: Every bite delivers a rich, smooth, and deeply satisfying cheesy experience.
• Crispy, Savory Topping: The crushed cracker topping adds a wonderful texture contrast and extra flavor.
• Extremely Versatile Side: This dish pairs perfectly with a wide range of main courses, from poultry to beef.
• Easily Made Ahead: Prepare it in advance for ultimate convenience when entertaining or on busy days.
• Guaranteed Family Favorite: Expect requests for this amazing broccoli cheese casserole time and time again!

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your luscious broccoli cheese casserole:

• 6 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 2 bunches), cut into bite-sized pieces. Beyond its delicious taste, this cruciferous vegetable offers a range of important nutrients. Discover the comprehensive health benefits of broccoli.
• 10.5 ounce can condensed cream of mushroom soup (or homemade for a fresh touch).
• 1 cup mayonnaise, full-fat for the best rich and creamy texture.
• 2 large eggs, to bind the casserole beautifully.
• 2 Tablespoons dried minced onion, for a savory depth of flavor.
• 1 cup freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese, choose a good quality block for superior melt and taste.
• 1 cup cheese crackers, crushed finely for the perfect crispy topping.

Notes & Substitutions

You can easily adapt this delightful broccoli cheese casserole recipe to suit your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Broccoli: Feel free to use frozen broccoli florets; just thaw and drain them very well before use to avoid a watery casserole.
• Cheese: While sharp cheddar is fantastic, Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of cheeses also works wonderfully.
• Cream of Soup: If mushroom isn’t your preference, cream of chicken soup or cream of celery soup are excellent substitutes.
• Mayonnaise: Substitute with an equal amount of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt for a slightly tangier flavor.
• Onion: For a fresh alternative, use 1/4 cup of finely diced yellow onion instead of dried minced onion.
• Cracker Topping: Ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs make excellent crunchy alternatives for the topping.

Equipment

You don’t need fancy tools to make this easy broccoli cheese casserole.

• Large pot: Essential for quickly blanching your fresh broccoli florets.
• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining all the creamy casserole ingredients.
• 2-quart casserole dish: An 8×8 inch square dish works perfectly for this recipe.
• Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure accurate ingredient amounts every time.
• Whisk: Great for blending the soup and mayonnaise base until smooth.

Instructions

Follow these easy, step-by-step instructions to create your perfect broccoli cheese casserole:

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease your 2-quart casserole dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Blanch Broccoli: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the fresh broccoli florets and cook for exactly 2 minutes. This brief blanching ensures they are tender-crisp, not mushy.
3. Drain Thoroughly: Promptly drain the broccoli using a colander. It is crucial to drain it very well, shaking gently to remove as much excess water as possible. Pat dry with paper towels if needed.
4. Make the Creamy Base: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup and mayonnaise until smooth and well combined.
5. Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the large eggs, dried minced onion, and freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese to the soup mixture. Mix everything until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. This forms the delicious base for your broccoli cheese casserole.
6. Combine with Broccoli: Gently fold the blanched and drained broccoli florets into the cheesy soup mixture. Make sure the broccoli is thoroughly coated without mashing it.
7. Assemble Casserole: Pour the entire mixture evenly into your prepared casserole dish.
8. Add Cracker Topping: Sprinkle the crushed cheese crackers uniformly over the top of the casserole mixture. This will create a delightful golden and crispy crust.
9. Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. To ensure your casserole is safely cooked and free from harmful bacteria, always confirm it reaches the recommended internal temperature. Consult the USDA’s safe minimum internal temperature chart for casseroles. The broccoli cheese casserole is ready when it is bubbly around the edges and the topping is golden brown and crispy.
10. Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows it to set slightly, making it easier to serve.

Pro Tips for the Best Broccoli Cheese Casserole

Elevate your broccoli cheese casserole with these expert tips and tricks.

• Prevent Soggy Broccoli: Blanch your broccoli for only two minutes. This keeps it perfectly tender-crisp and prevents it from becoming waterlogged.
• Drain Broccoli Well: Excess water is the enemy of a creamy casserole. Thoroughly drain and even pat dry your blanched broccoli.
• Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that hinder smooth melting. Grate your own for superior flavor and texture in your cheesy broccoli casserole.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow your mayonnaise and eggs to come to room temperature. They will incorporate much more easily into the creamy sauce.
• Prevent Over-Browning: If your cracker topping starts browning too quickly, loosely tent the casserole with aluminum foil for the remaining baking time.
• Add Garlic Powder: Enhance the savory notes of your cheesy casserole by adding ½ teaspoon of garlic powder to the soup mixture.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste the base mixture before adding the broccoli. Add a pinch of salt and black pepper if desired.

Serving Suggestions, Storage & Variations

This versatile broccoli cheese casserole fits into many meals and can be adapted to your needs.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy broccoli cheese casserole makes a fantastic side dish for so many entrees.

• It is a perfect side for tender roasted chicken or a juicy rotisserie chicken.
• Complements holiday ham or a festive turkey dinner beautifully.
• Serve it alongside a perfectly grilled steak or savory pork chops.
• Pairs wonderfully with simple baked potatoes or mashed potatoes.
• Enjoy it next to a simple, crisp green salad for a balanced meal.

Storage & Reheating

Proper storage ensures you can enjoy your delicious broccoli cheese casserole for days.

• Storage: Refrigerate any leftover casserole in an airtight container within two hours of baking. It keeps fresh for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating (Oven): To reheat, cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until thoroughly warmed through, about 20-25 minutes.
• Reheating (Microwave): For individual servings, microwave on high in 30-second bursts until hot, stirring occasionally.

Make Ahead & Freezing

This make-ahead friendly recipe is perfect for busy schedules.

• Make Ahead: Assemble the entire broccoli cheese casserole mixture, but hold off on adding the crushed crackers. Store it covered in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. Add the crackers just before baking. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking for even heating.
• Freezing (Baked): Allow the baked casserole to cool completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Reheat covered in the oven as described above.

Recipe Variations

Get creative with your broccoli cheese casserole by trying these delicious twists.

• Additions: Fold in cooked, shredded chicken, diced ham, or crispy bacon bits to make it a heartier main dish.
• Other Vegetables: Introduce diced carrots, corn, or colorful bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Healthier Options: Opt for low-fat mayonnaise, a homemade cream soup base, or swap mayo for Greek yogurt to lighten it up.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle kick.
• Cheesy Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gruyere, Swiss, or a blend for new flavor profiles.
• Crispy Topping Alternatives: Crushed Ritz crackers, seasoned Panko breadcrumbs, or even cornflakes offer diverse textures.

Nutrition

Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown for your tasty broccoli cheese casserole. These values provide a general idea of the calories, fat, protein, and carbohydrates you’ll find per serving. Please note that exact nutritional information can vary based on specific brands used, portion sizes, and any substitutions made in the recipe. This table is for informational purposes only.

FAQ

Got questions about making this fantastic broccoli cheese casserole? We have answers!

• Can I use frozen broccoli for this casserole?
  Yes, absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it completely and drain it very thoroughly to prevent a watery casserole.
• What kind of cheese crackers work best?
  Classic Cheez-Its or a similar savory, buttery cracker like Ritz crackers work wonderfully for a crispy, flavorful topping.
• Can I substitute the cream of mushroom soup?
  You certainly can. Cream of chicken soup or cream of celery soup are excellent alternatives that yield a similarly creamy result for your casserole.
• How do I make this casserole healthier?
  Try using low-fat mayonnaise, making your own cream soup from scratch, or swapping some mayo for plain Greek yogurt.
• Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
  Yes, you can easily double this recipe. Use a larger 9×13 inch casserole dish and increase the baking time by about 10-15 minutes.
• Why is my broccoli cheese casserole watery?
  The most common reason for a watery casserole is under-drained broccoli. Always ensure you remove as much moisture as possible after blanching.

Conclusion

This easy and creamy broccoli cheese casserole is a true delight and the ultimate comfort food side dish. Its rich flavors, wonderful texture, and simple preparation make it perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to festive gatherings. We encourage you to try this incredibly versatile recipe and share the joy with your loved ones. Enjoy this family favorite and make delicious memories!