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
Scale
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.
