Welcome to your new favorite side dish! This classic, comforting broccoli casserole brings together tender broccoli florets with a rich, creamy, and undeniably cheesy sauce. It’s incredibly easy to make with minimal prep, and the crunchy, golden topping adds the perfect texture contrast. Whether you are looking for a simple weeknight meal enhancer or a reliable holiday side, this recipe delivers deliciousness every time.
Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Casserole
You will adore this delightful cheesy broccoli bake for so many reasons. It’s truly a keeper for busy families and new cooks alike.
- Quick and Simple: With minimal prep, you can have this dish ready for the oven in minutes.
- Pantry Staples: Uses common ingredients you likely already have on hand.
- Versatile Side: This easy side dish pairs perfectly with almost any main course.
- Irresistible Flavor: Enjoy a rich, creamy, and extra cheesy taste in every bite.
- Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters often love this comforting vegetable casserole.
- Customizable: Easily adapt ingredients to fit various dietary needs or preferences.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your scrumptious broccoli casserole:
- 6 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 2 bunches)
- 10.5 ounce can cream of mushroom soup (or homemade)
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 large eggs
- 2 Tablespoons dried minced onion
- 1 cup freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cheese crackers, crushed
Notes & Substitutions
You have flexibility with your ingredients, making this broccoli casserole recipe adaptable. Fresh broccoli offers a brighter flavor, but frozen broccoli (thawed and well-drained) works wonderfully too. For the best melt and flavor, always opt for freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese instead of pre-shredded. Its texture helps the sauce remain smooth. If you prefer, a homemade cream of mushroom soup can elevate the flavor and reduce sodium. You can also use 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh onion instead of dried minced onion for a more robust flavor. For the topping, Ritz crackers, Club crackers, or even plain breadcrumbs mixed with a little melted butter make excellent alternatives to cheese crackers.
Equipment
You only need a few basic kitchen tools to prepare this fantastic cheesy broccoli casserole:
- Large pot for boiling broccoli
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk or spatula
- 2-quart casserole dish (or an 8×8 inch baking dish)
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
Creating this comforting broccoli casserole is straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a perfect outcome.
First, bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add your fresh broccoli florets to the boiling water and cook them for just 2 minutes. This par-cooking ensures the broccoli is tender but still has a slight bite after baking. Carefully drain the broccoli very well, shaking off excess water, then set it aside.
Next, in a large mixing bowl, combine the can of cream of mushroom soup, creamy mayonnaise, two large eggs, and the dried minced onions. Whisk these ingredients together until they are smooth and well-incorporated. Stir in the freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese, mixing until everything is evenly distributed. This forms the luscious, cheesy base for your broccoli casserole.
Pour the prepared creamy sauce over the drained broccoli florets in the mixing bowl. Gently toss the mixture until all the broccoli is thoroughly coated with the delicious sauce. Make sure not to mash the broccoli as you mix.
Lightly grease your 2-quart casserole dish or 8×8 inch baking dish. Transfer the combined broccoli and sauce mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Finally, sprinkle the crushed cheese crackers uniformly over the top of the broccoli mixture. This cracker layer will bake into a wonderfully crisp, golden crust.
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Bake the broccoli casserole for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the cracker topping is beautifully golden brown. The internal temperature should be hot and steaming.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieve the perfect creamy broccoli casserole every time with these helpful hints. Don’t overcook your broccoli initially; it should be tender-crisp as it will continue cooking in the oven. Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly and prevents a greasy texture. For a perfectly golden and crisp topping, keep an eye on it during the last 10-15 minutes of baking. You can loosely tent the dish with foil if the topping browns too quickly. Always taste the sauce before adding the broccoli and adjust seasonings like salt and pepper as needed. To prevent a watery casserole, ensure your broccoli is thoroughly drained after boiling; excess moisture is the main culprit. If the topping starts to burn, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
This versatile broccoli casserole makes a wonderful addition to any meal. Serve it warm directly from the oven for the best experience. It pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, baked ham, grilled steak, or a simple weeknight roast pork.
Storing Instructions
For comprehensive guidance on safe food storage, consult official resources like Health Canada’s food safety tips for handling leftovers.
Allow any leftover broccoli casserole to cool completely before storing. Transfer the cooled casserole into an airtight container. Refrigerate it promptly for up to 4 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave for individual portions or cover and bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.
Make Ahead Instructions
You can assemble this cheesy broccoli casserole a day or two in advance. Prepare the broccoli and mix it with the sauce as directed. Pour the mixture into your casserole dish, but do not add the crushed cracker topping yet. Store the crushed crackers separately in an airtight bag or container. Cover the casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for 1-2 days. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before sprinkling with crackers and baking as usual. This ensures even cooking.
Variations
- Healthier Options: Use a lighter mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for some of the mayo. Opt for low-sodium cream of mushroom soup (or homemade). Reduce the amount of cheese or omit the cracker topping for a lower-carb version.
- Add-ins: Make it a main dish by adding 1-2 cups of cooked, shredded chicken, diced ham, or crispy crumbled bacon to the broccoli mixture before baking.
- Different Veggies: Feel free to incorporate other vegetables like cooked corn, peas, or diced carrots for added color and nutrients.
- Cheese Blends: Experiment with different cheeses! Colby Jack, Gruyère, or a Monterey Jack blend can all add unique flavors to your easy broccoli casserole.
Nutrition
A single serving of this delicious broccoli casserole contains approximately 320 calories. A detailed review highlights the extensive health benefits and comprehensive nutritional profile of broccoli. It provides a good balance of macronutrients, with roughly 20g carbohydrates, 10g protein, and 25g fat. You’ll also benefit from dietary fiber and some essential vitamins and minerals from the broccoli. Please note that these values are approximations and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 10g |
| Fat | 25g |
| Carbs | 20g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 650mg |
FAQ
- Can I use frozen broccoli in this recipe? Yes, absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the frozen broccoli completely and drain it very well to prevent a watery broccoli casserole.
- Can I make this casserole gluten-free? You certainly can. Look for gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and use a gluten-free cracker alternative or plain gluten-free breadcrumbs for the topping.
- Why is my casserole watery? The most common reason for a watery casserole is excess moisture from the broccoli. Ensure you drain the boiled broccoli thoroughly before mixing it with the sauce.
- Can I omit the mayonnaise? While mayonnaise contributes to the creamy texture and richness, you can substitute part of it with sour cream or Greek yogurt for a slightly tangier flavor and lighter profile.
- How do I achieve a crispier topping? For an extra crispy topping, you can toast the crushed crackers in a dry pan for a few minutes before sprinkling them on top, or add them during the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
Conclusion
This Easy Cheesy Broccoli Casserole truly embodies simplicity without sacrificing flavor. It’s a testament to how comforting, delicious meals can come together with minimal effort and common ingredients. Perfect for busy weeknights, holiday feasts, or just whenever a craving for cheesy goodness strikes, this recipe is sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen. We encourage you to try this fantastic broccoli casserole recipe soon and experience its delightful creaminess and satisfying crunch. Enjoy, and feel free to share your thoughts and variations with us!