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
Scale
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.
