This easy broccoli cheese casserole is the ultimate comforting side dish, a true classic for any meal. It brings together tender broccoli with a rich, creamy, and undeniably cheesy sauce, all topped with a delightful crunch. Perfect for weeknights or special occasions, this recipe promises a simple yet incredibly delicious experience. Get ready to bake a family favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Cheese Casserole
You will adore this delightful broccoli cheese casserole for so many reasons. It makes meal prep a breeze and delivers incredible flavor without fuss.
- Effortlessly Easy: Simple steps mean anyone can master this classic casserole.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a holiday feast.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: Even picky eaters love the creamy, cheesy goodness of this bake.
- Customizable: Easily adapt ingredients to fit your dietary needs or preferences.
- Delicious Make-Ahead: Prepare it in advance for a stress-free meal when you need it.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your luscious broccoli cheese casserole:
- 6 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 2 bunches)
- 10.5 ounce can condensed 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
- Broccoli: Fresh florets work best, but you can certainly use a 16-ounce bag of frozen broccoli, thawed and well-drained.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: A store-bought can keeps it simple, or make a rich homemade version for extra depth.
- Mayonnaise: Feel free to swap this with plain Greek yogurt for a lighter casserole.
- Onion: If you prefer, use 1/4 cup of finely diced fresh yellow onion instead of dried.
- Cheese: Always grate your own sharp cheddar cheese from a block for the best melt and flavor.
- Crackers: Ritz, Club crackers, or even seasoned breadcrumbs make excellent alternatives for the topping.
Equipment
You likely have all the essential tools for this recipe already in your kitchen.
- Large pot for boiling broccoli
- Large mixing bowl for combining ingredients
- 9×13 inch casserole dish (approximately 2 qt size, or 8×8 if halving)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or spatula for mixing
- Cheese grater (if using block cheese)
Instructions
Creating this delightful broccoli cheese casserole is straightforward with these easy-to-follow steps. Follow along to bake a perfectly creamy and cheesy dish.
- Prepare Broccoli: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add your fresh broccoli florets to the boiling water. Boil them for exactly 2 minutes to tender-crisp them. Immediately drain the broccoli thoroughly in a colander, removing as much water as possible, then set it aside.
- Make Creamy Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup and the mayonnaise. Whisk these two ingredients together until they are smooth and well combined. Next, crack in the two large eggs and stir in the dried minced onion. Finally, fold in the freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese. Mix everything well until you have a thick, consistent sauce.
- Combine & Assemble: Add the well-drained, tender broccoli florets directly into the large bowl with your creamy cheese mixture. Gently toss the broccoli to ensure every floret is evenly coated with the rich sauce. Once combined, pour the entire mixture into your greased 9×13 inch casserole dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
- Bake Casserole: Evenly sprinkle the crushed cheese crackers over the top of the broccoli mixture in the casserole dish. This will create a wonderfully golden and crispy crust. Place the dish into a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C). Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the cracker topping is beautifully golden brown. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieve the perfect broccoli cheese casserole every time with these helpful hints.
- Prevent Watery Casserole: Always ensure your broccoli is thoroughly drained after boiling. Excess water makes the casserole runny.
- Crispy Topping: For an extra crispy cracker topping, avoid covering the casserole during the final baking stage.
- Even Cooking: Spread the ingredients uniformly in the casserole dish to promote consistent cooking throughout.
- Best Cheese Melt: Grate a block of sharp cheddar cheese yourself; pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that affect melting. Culinary experts often recommend grating cheese from a block for superior melting, as pre-shredded varieties can contain anti-caking agents.
- Flavor Boost: Sauté fresh diced onion in a little butter until translucent before adding it to the sauce mixture.
Serving, Storage & Variations
This broccoli cheese casserole is incredibly versatile and easy to adapt.
- Serving Suggestions: This creamy casserole pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, baked ham, or a juicy steak. It’s also an absolute must-have side dish for any holiday dinner spread.
- Storage Instructions: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For comprehensive guidelines on safe food handling and storage of leftovers like casseroles, consult official food safety resources. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or place the entire dish back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
- Make Ahead Instructions: Assemble the entire casserole (without the cracker topping) up to 2 days in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate. Keep the crushed cracker topping separate. When ready to bake, let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes, then add the topping and bake as directed. You might need a few extra minutes in the oven.
- Variations:
- Healthy Version: Use low-fat cream of mushroom soup and mayonnaise. Consider skipping the cracker topping or using whole-wheat breadcrumbs.
- Add Meat: Stir in 1-2 cups of cooked, diced ham, chicken, or even crumbled bacon for a heartier meal.
- Extra Veggies: Boost the nutrition by mixing in a cup of thawed corn, peas, or finely diced carrots.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle kick.
Nutrition
Here are the approximate nutritional values per serving for this creamy broccoli cheese casserole. These figures are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280-320 kcal |
| Total Fat | 24-28 g |
| Saturated Fat | 8-10 g |
| Cholesterol | 40-50 mg |
| Sodium | 500-600 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 10-14 g |
| Fiber | 2-3 g |
| Sugars | 3-5 g |
| Protein | 8-10 g |
Please note: Nutritional information is an estimate calculated automatically and may vary depending on specific ingredients and serving sizes.
FAQ
Got questions about making the perfect broccoli cheese casserole? We’ve got answers!
- Can I use frozen broccoli? Yes, absolutely! Thaw the frozen broccoli completely and drain it very well before using it in this casserole recipe.
- Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time? You can definitely assemble the casserole, excluding the cracker topping, up to two days in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator.
- What kind of cheese is best for broccoli cheese casserole? Sharp cheddar cheese offers the best flavor, but mild cheddar, Colby Jack, or a blend will also work wonderfully in your cheesy broccoli bake.
- How do I prevent my casserole from being watery? The key is to thoroughly drain your broccoli after boiling. Squeeze out any excess moisture for a perfectly firm casserole.
- Can I freeze leftover broccoli cheese casserole? While possible, freezing can sometimes alter the texture of the creamy sauce and broccoli, making it a bit softer upon reheating.
- What are good substitutions for cream of mushroom soup? You can make a homemade béchamel sauce or use cream of chicken soup as a direct substitute in your broccoli casserole.
Conclusion
This easy broccoli cheese casserole truly delivers on comfort, flavor, and simplicity. It’s a reliable recipe that tastes like a warm hug, perfect for any occasion and skilled by even the most novice cooks. We hope you enjoy making this creamy, cheesy classic as much as we do. Please share your experience and don’t forget to leave a rating and comment below!