If you are on the lookout for a comforting dish that is both delicious and easy to make, this Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe is an absolute winner. It strikes the perfect balance between creamy, cheesy goodness and the fresh, vibrant flavor of broccoli, all wrapped up in a crispy, buttery cracker topping. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or bringing a dish to a potluck, this casserole promises to bring everyone to the table with smiles. The blend of sharp cheddar, savory mushroom soup, and tender broccoli never fails to satisfy and shine as a true crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that come together effortlessly to create a dish bursting with flavor and texture. Each element contributes its own magic, whether creamy, crunchy, or savory, making this casserole a standout comfort food.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: Acts as the creamy base that holds everything together while adding a savory depth.
- Mayonnaise: Adds richness and moisture, ensuring the casserole stays luscious and tender.
- Eggs: Help bind the ingredients, giving the casserole its perfect structure.
- Garlic Powder: Brings a subtle, aromatic kick that enhances every bite.
- Dried Minced Onion: Adds a mild onion flavor, balancing the creaminess with a gentle bite.
- Sharp White Cheddar Cheese: The star cheesy ingredient that offers a bold, tangy flavor and gooey texture.
- Broccoli (frozen or fresh): Provides vibrant color, nutrition, and that perfect vegetable bite.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to elevate all the flavors beautifully.
- Ritz Crackers: Crushed to create a crispy, buttery topping that adds a fantastic crunch.
- Melted Butter: Mixed with the crackers to give the topping its rich, golden finish.
How to Make Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C), the perfect temperature to encourage bubbling, melting, and browning. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish—this ensures your masterpiece won’t stick and will come out beautifully when serving.
Step 2: Cook the Broccoli
If you’re using frozen broccoli, simply follow the package instructions to cook it until tender, then drain and let it cool a bit. If fresh broccoli is your choice, bring a pot of boiling water to life and blanch the chopped broccoli for 3 to 4 minutes. Drain well to avoid excess moisture, which keeps the casserole from getting soggy.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Base
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, and eggs until completely blended. Sprinkle in garlic powder and dried minced onion, mixing well to build the savory depth that gives this casserole so much heart.
Step 4: Combine Cheese and Broccoli
Fold in 1 1/2 cups of the sharp white cheddar cheese along with your cooked broccoli. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, and gently stir to unify all these beautiful flavors and textures. This mixture will be rich, cheesy, and dotted with tender green florets.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer your broccoli and cheese mixture into the greased casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top—this creates a luscious cheese layer that melts into a bubbling crown.
Step 6: Make the Crunchy Topping
Mix crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter until combined. This buttery crumb topping spreads a delightful, golden crunch over the cheese layer that perfectly contrasts with the creamy casserole beneath.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop the casserole into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the topping is beautifully golden and bubbling. The aroma filling your kitchen at this point signals that a comforting feast is just moments away.
Step 8: Rest and Serve
After baking, give your Broccoli Cheese Casserole a few minutes to cool slightly so it sets perfectly for serving. This little pause makes scooping out each portion neat and lets the creamy layers settle just right.
How to Serve Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives add a vibrant pop of color and a mild freshness that complements the cheesy richness wonderfully. A light sprinkle of paprika can add a subtle smoky note as well as visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad to balance its creamy density, or serve alongside roasted chicken or grilled steak for a hearty meal. Light, steamed vegetables or even warm dinner rolls also make excellent companions.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the casserole in individual ramekins for a charming single-portion presentation, perfect for dinner parties. Alternatively, layer it in a clear glass casserole dish to showcase the vibrant green broccoli and cheesy layers for a stunning centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover your leftover Broccoli Cheese Casserole tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days. It keeps beautifully and can be enjoyed as a quick reheat for lunch or dinner, retaining much of its original flavor and texture.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole before baking by assembling it in a freezer-safe dish, wrapping it well, and storing for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
Reheating
For reheating, cover the casserole with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. Removing the foil in the last few minutes helps maintain the crispy topping’s delightful crunch.
FAQs
Can I use different cheeses in this Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! While sharp white cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment with cheeses like gouda, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella to create your own flavor twist. Just be mindful of melting qualities and overall taste balance.
Is it better to use fresh or frozen broccoli?
Both options work well. Fresh broccoli offers a slightly crisper texture and brighter appearance, while frozen broccoli is convenient and retains great flavor once cooked and drained properly.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian-friendly?
Yes! Simply ensure your cream of mushroom soup and other ingredients are vegetarian. This recipe naturally leans vegetarian, making it perfect for meat-free meals.
What can I substitute for Ritz crackers if I don’t have them?
Panko breadcrumbs or crushed saltine crackers make excellent substitutes and provide that satisfying crispy topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy casserole.
How can I make this Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and substitute the Ritz crackers with gluten-free crackers or gluten-free breadcrumbs to keep this dish safe and delicious for those avoiding gluten.
Final Thoughts
This Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s that perfect blend of comforting, cheesy indulgence and wholesome goodness. It’s straightforward, satisfying, and always welcomes friends and family to the table with warmth and smiles. I encourage you to try it soon—you might just find it becomes one of your favorite go-to dishes too!
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Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and creamy broccoli cheese casserole featuring tender broccoli mixed with sharp white cheddar, cream of mushroom soup, and a crunchy Ritz cracker topping. This easy, classic baked dish is perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
Base Mixture
- 10.5 ounces can cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 large eggs
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon dried minced onion
- 2 cups sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded (1½ cups for mixing + ½ cup for topping)
- 16 ounces frozen broccoli (or 1 pound fresh broccoli, chopped)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Topping
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
- ¼ cup melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking and prepare for baking.
- Prepare Broccoli: If using frozen broccoli, cook per package instructions, then drain and cool slightly. For fresh broccoli, boil in water for 3-4 minutes until tender, then drain and set aside.
- Mix Base Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, and eggs. Add garlic powder and dried minced onion, stirring until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Add Cheese and Broccoli: Fold 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese and the cooked broccoli into the soup mixture. Season with salt and black pepper and mix gently to combine.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the broccoli and cheese mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out to create an even layer.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the surface of the casserole.
- Prepare Cracker Topping: In a small bowl, mix crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter until well coated. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cheese layer for a crunchy topping.
- Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly and enhance flavors.
Notes
- Using fresh broccoli will yield a slightly fresher flavor, but frozen broccoli is a convenient and reliable alternative.
- You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or cream of celery soup if preferred.
- For a lighter version, consider using light mayonnaise or reducing the amount slightly.
- Crushed Ritz crackers can be replaced with panko breadcrumbs or crushed crackers of choice for the topping.
- This casserole pairs well with roasted meats or can be served as a hearty vegetarian main dish.
