If you are craving a warm, comforting dish filled with cheesy goodness and vibrant green broccoli, this Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines tender broccoli florets enveloped in a creamy, cheesy sauce topped with a buttery, crunchy cracker crust that will have everyone reaching for seconds. This casserole is remarkably easy to make, yet so satisfying, making it a perfect side dish for family dinners or holiday gatherings. Once you try this beloved recipe, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each element in this dish plays a crucial role, from the freshness of the broccoli to the rich sharpness of cheddar cheese. The ingredients are straightforward, ensuring you get a perfect blend of taste, texture, and vibrant color that makes this dish stand out.
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (or frozen, thawed): Provides the healthy, crisp base with beautiful green color and texture.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Adds richness and helps soften the onions for a flavorful foundation.
- 1/2 cup chopped onion: Gives a gentle sweetness and depth to the creamy sauce.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup: Creamy binder that adds earthiness and comfort.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Brings tanginess and a velvety texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle aromatic warmth enhancing all flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: For a gentle kick of spice and balance.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided: Sharp, melty cheese is the star that makes the casserole irresistibly creamy and gooey.
- 1/2 cup crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz): Creates a golden, crunchy topping that contrasts beautifully with the soft interior.
How to Make Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli
Start by steaming or blanching your broccoli for 3 to 4 minutes until just tender. This keeps the florets bright green and prevents them from becoming mushy during baking. Drain well so the final casserole isn’t watery.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions
While the broccoli is cooking, melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat and gently sauté the chopped onions for about 3 to 4 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant. This step enhances the sweetness and adds a beautiful base flavor to your casserole.
Step 3: Mix the Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked onions, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, garlic powder, black pepper, and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir it well to create a creamy, flavorful sauce that will coat every bite of broccoli perfectly.
Step 4: Combine and Transfer
Add the steamed broccoli to the sauce mixture and stir gently to ensure every floret is covered generously with the cheesy mixture. Then, pour everything into your greased 9×9-inch baking dish, spreading evenly.
Step 5: Add Topping and Bake
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top, followed by the crushed buttery crackers. This topping will bake to a golden, crispy finish that’s simply irresistible. Pop the dish into a preheated 350°F oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
How to Serve Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives on top of the casserole before serving. This not only adds a splash of fresh color but also a subtle herbal note that brightens up the rich flavors.
Side Dishes
This broccoli cheese casserole pairs wonderfully with roasted meats like turkey, chicken, or pork. It also complements lighter mains such as grilled fish or a simple quinoa salad, making it extremely versatile at any dining table.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this casserole in individual ramekins for a charming, personalized touch during dinner parties. You can also turn it into a one-pan meal by stirring in cooked rice or shredded rotisserie chicken before baking, giving you a hearty, complete dish all in one.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop further, making for an even tastier meal the next day.
Freezing
Broccoli cheese casserole freezes well uncooked. Assemble the dish as directed, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, bake straight from frozen (add extra baking time) for a convenient, make-ahead option.
Reheating
To reheat, place servings in a microwave-safe dish and cover loosely, heating in short intervals until warmed through. For best texture, reheat leftovers in a conventional oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes to re-crisp the cracker topping.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess moisture, which can make the casserole soggy. Frozen broccoli works well and offers year-round convenience with little difference in taste.
What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
You can swap in cream of chicken or cream of celery soup if you prefer, or if you want a milder flavor. Also, homemade mushroom soup can be used to reduce preservatives and customize the taste.
Is this casserole suitable for vegetarians?
Yes! This Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe is perfect for vegetarians as it contains no meat. Just double-check your soup label to ensure there are no animal-based ingredients included.
Can I add more cheese?
Definitely! Feel free to increase the cheddar cheese quantity or incorporate different types like mozzarella or Monterey Jack for an extra cheesy variation that melts beautifully.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply replace the buttery crackers topping with gluten-free crackers or crushed gluten-free cereal. Also, be sure the condensed soup you choose is gluten-free, as some brands may contain wheat.
Final Thoughts
This Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe is truly one of those heartwarming dishes that combines simplicity and incredible flavor in the best way possible. Whether you’re looking for an easy side or a comforting centerpiece, it ticks every box with its creamy texture, cheesy delight, and perfect crunch. Give it a try and watch it become a fast favorite at your table. Trust me, it’s a culinary hug in a dish!
Print
Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Broccoli Cheese Casserole is a creamy, cheesy side dish perfect for holidays or comforting family dinners. Fresh or thawed broccoli is combined with sautéed onions, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and cheddar cheese, then topped with buttery cracker crumbs and baked until golden and bubbly. It’s a delicious way to enjoy vegetables with a rich, savory flavor and crispy topping.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (or frozen, thawed)
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
Dairy & Pantry
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Seasonings & Toppings
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Steam Broccoli: Steam or blanch the broccoli florets for 3–4 minutes until just tender but still crisp. Drain well and set aside to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
- Sauté Onions: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add chopped onions and sauté for about 3–4 minutes until they become soft and translucent, enhancing their sweetness and flavor.
- Mix Casserole Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed onions, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, garlic powder, black pepper, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir well to create a creamy mixture.
- Add Broccoli: Fold the cooked broccoli into the bowl with the creamy mixture, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated for consistent flavor.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the broccoli mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top, then evenly distribute the crushed buttery crackers for a crunchy topping.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the cracker topping is golden brown and crispy.
Notes
- Substitute the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or cream of celery for different flavor variations.
- Add cooked rice or shredded rotisserie chicken to the mixture to turn this casserole into a hearty main dish.
- Use fresh broccoli for best texture, but frozen thawed broccoli works well too.
