There are some dishes that just feel like a warm hug on a plate. You know the ones. They show up at family gatherings, holiday dinners, and potlucks. Everyone always asks for the recipe. This classic Broccoli And Cheese Casserole is exactly that kind of dish. It is simple, comforting, and so satisfying.
Honestly, it’s one of my favorite Broccoli And Cheese Recipes to whip up. It doesn’t require any fancy techniques or hard to find ingredients. Just pure, cheesy goodness that brings everyone to the table with a smile. Let’s get into making this wonderful side dish together.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
So, what makes this particular broccoli cheese casserole so special? Well, for starters, it is incredibly straightforward. If you’re new to the kitchen, this is a fantastic recipe to build your confidence. There are no complicated steps, just simple mixing and baking.
The texture is just fantastic. You get the tender broccoli florets swimming in a rich, creamy sauce. Then, you have that buttery, crunchy cracker topping. It provides a wonderful contrast that makes every single bite interesting. It’s a real crowd pleaser.
This is a truly versatile dish. It feels right at home on a Thanksgiving table next to the turkey. But it is also simple enough for a regular Tuesday night dinner. It pairs beautifully with chicken, fish, or pork. It’s a side dish that can easily steal the show.
We are also talking about a recipe that uses pantry staples. There’s a good chance you have most of what you need already. This makes it a great option for a last minute meal idea. No need for a special trip to the grocery store.
Another reason to love this Easy Broccoli Casserole is how customizable it is. You can swap out the cheese, the soup, or the topping to suit your taste. It’s a base recipe that invites you to play around and make it your own. We will talk more about that later on.
And let’s be honest, it’s a great way to get picky eaters to eat their vegetables. Smother anything in a delicious cheese sauce and a crunchy topping, and it suddenly becomes much more appealing. It is a win for parents everywhere.
Ingredients
The beauty of this Broccoli And Cheese Casserole lies in its simplicity. Here is what you will need to gather.
- 6 cups broccoli florets, about three stalks, or a 15 ounce bag of frozen broccoli
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise, I like Dukes
- 10.5 ounces cream of mushroom soup, 1 can
- 1⅓ cups grated sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ cup crushed Ritz crackers, about 10-15 crackers
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
Let’s chat about these ingredients for a moment. For the broccoli, you have options. Fresh broccoli is great, just make sure to cut it into bite sized florets. If you’re short on time, a bag of frozen florets works just as well. The best part? You don’t even need to thaw it first.
The creamy base is a trio of sour cream, mayonnaise, and cream of mushroom soup. This combination creates a sauce that is tangy, rich, and savory. I mentioned Dukes mayonnaise because it has a certain flavor I really enjoy, but feel free to use your favorite brand.
When it comes to the cheese, sharp cheddar is my first choice. It has a strong flavor that stands up to the creamy sauce. But you can absolutely get creative here. A nutty gruyere or a mild fontina would be delicious. Even a simple Mexican or Italian blend works.
Finally, that crunchy topping. Crushed Ritz crackers are classic for a reason. They get so buttery and golden in the oven. But if you don’t have any on hand, don’t worry. Panko breadcrumbs, crushed croutons, or even canned fried onions are all great substitutes for this Broccoli Bake.
Step By Step Instructions
Alright, let’s walk through how to make this delicious Broccoli And Cheese Casserole. It’s so easy, you’ll have it memorized after making it once.
Step 1: Get The Oven Ready
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F. Getting your oven to the right temperature before the casserole goes in is key. It ensures everything cooks evenly and the top gets that beautiful golden brown color.
Step 2: Mix The Creamy Sauce
In a large bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, and the can of cream of mushroom soup. Add in the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Now, add one cup of the grated sharp cheddar cheese, reserving the rest for the topping. Mix everything together until it’s smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Add The Broccoli
Gently add your broccoli florets to the bowl with the sauce. Fold the broccoli into the mixture until every piece is nicely coated. Whether you are using fresh or frozen, just dump them right in. It is one of the things that makes this an Easy Broccoli Casserole.
Step 4: Prepare The Cracker Topping
Now for that crunchy element. You can place your Ritz crackers in a food processor and pulse them a few times until they are coarse crumbs. Or, just put them in a zip top bag and crush them with your hands or a rolling pin. Add the melted butter and mix until the crumbs are moistened.
Step 5: Assemble The Casserole
Take a 2 quart baking dish and spray it liberally with non stick cooking spray. This makes cleanup so much easier later. Pour the broccoli mixture into the dish and spread it out in an even layer. This will become a favorite of your Broccoli And Cheese Recipes collection.
Step 6: Top And Bake
Sprinkle the remaining ⅓ cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the broccoli mixture. Then, sprinkle the buttery cracker crumbs all over the top. Now it is ready for the oven. Bake it uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes.
You will know the broccoli cheese casserole is done when it’s bubbly around the edges and the cracker crust is a lovely golden brown. The broccoli should be fork tender. Test a stalk piece, not a floret, as the stalks take longer to cook.
Step 7: Let It Rest
Once you pull the casserole out of the oven, let it sit for about five minutes before serving. This allows it to set up a little bit, making it easier to scoop and serve. Then, dig in and enjoy every cheesy bite.
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers of this wonderful Broccoli Bake, storing them is simple. First, make sure the casserole has cooled down completely to room temperature. You don’t want to put a hot dish in the fridge.
Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Or, transfer the leftovers to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to four days. The topping might lose some of its crispness, but it will still be delicious.
When you are ready to reheat it, you have a couple of options. You can use the microwave for a quick and easy method. Just scoop a portion onto a plate and heat it in 30 second intervals until warm. For a crispier topping, reheating in the oven is the way to go. Place it in an oven safe dish and bake at 350°F for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until heated through.
Tips
Here are a few extra pointers to make sure your Broccoli And Cheese Casserole turns out wonderfully every single time.
If you want to make this dish ahead of time, you absolutely can. Assemble the entire casserole as directed, but hold off on adding the cracker topping. Cover the dish and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you are ready to bake, add the topping and pop it in the oven. You may need to add 10 to 15 minutes to the baking time since it’s starting cold.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with the toppings. As mentioned, croutons, panko, or fried onions all work great. For a low carb version, you can even use crushed cheese crisps. They add a great savory crunch.
If cream of mushroom soup is not your favorite, you can easily substitute it. Cream of chicken or cream of celery soup will also give you a rich and creamy sauce for your broccoli cheese casserole.
Everyone has a different preference for how tender they like their broccoli. The recipe calls for fork tender broccoli. If you prefer it to be much softer, just leave the casserole in the oven for an additional five minutes or so until it reaches your desired consistency.
Feel free to switch up the cheese. This is one of the easiest ways to change the flavor profile of the dish. Try gruyere, fontina, Havarti, or even processed cheese like Velveeta for an extra creamy texture. A little variety keeps this classic dish exciting.
Remember that if you are using frozen broccoli, there is no need to thaw it first. This is a huge time saver and makes this Easy Broccoli Casserole even easier. Just mix it in straight from the bag.
This recipe as written makes about six servings. If you are feeding a larger crowd for a holiday or party, you can easily double it. Just use a larger 9×13 inch baking dish and follow the same instructions. The baking time should be about the same, but keep an eye on it.
Conclusion
And there you have it. A simple, classic, and completely satisfying Broccoli And Cheese Casserole recipe. It is the kind of dish that brings comfort and warmth to any meal. It is a reliable side that never fails to please a crowd.
With its creamy sauce, tender broccoli, and crunchy topping, it is a combination of textures and flavors that is hard to beat. I hope you give this recipe a try. It is sure to become a staple in your collection of Broccoli And Cheese Recipes. Enjoy every cheesy, delicious bite.
FAQ
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli For This Recipe?
Yes, absolutely. A 15 ounce bag of frozen broccoli florets works great in this recipe. The best part is that you do not need to thaw it before mixing it into the sauce. It is a convenient shortcut.
What Can I Substitute For Cream Of Mushroom Soup?
If you are not a fan of cream of mushroom soup, you can substitute it with cream of chicken or cream of celery soup. They will both provide a similarly creamy and savory base for the casserole.
How Do I Make This Casserole Ahead Of Time?
To make it ahead, assemble the casserole by mixing the sauce and broccoli and spreading it in the baking dish. Do not add the cracker topping. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you are ready to bake, add the topping and bake as directed, adding about 10 to 15 minutes to the time.
Can I Make This A Low Carb Broccoli And Cheese Casserole?
You can certainly make it lower in carbs. The main source of carbs is the cracker topping. To make it low carb, simply substitute the crushed Ritz crackers with crushed cheese crisps. They provide a wonderful crunch and extra cheesy flavor.
What Other Toppings Work Well?
Besides Ritz crackers, there are many other great toppings. You can use crushed croutons, panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter, or canned fried onions for a different kind of savory crunch. All are tasty options for this Broccoli Bake.
Can I Add Protein To This Dish?
Yes, you can easily turn this side dish into a main course by adding some protein. Cooked, shredded chicken, leftover diced ham, or crispy crumbled bacon would all be fantastic additions. Simply mix your cooked protein in with the broccoli and sauce before baking.
Classic Broccoli and Cheese Casserole
A simple and comforting side dish featuring tender broccoli florets in a rich, creamy cheese sauce, all topped with a buttery and crunchy cracker crust. A family-friendly favorite for any occasion.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, cream of mushroom soup, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Mix until smooth.
- Gently fold the broccoli florets into the sauce until every piece is coated.
- Spray a 2-quart baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Pour the broccoli mixture into the dish and spread evenly.
- In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until moistened.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/3 cup of cheese over the broccoli mixture, then top evenly with the buttery cracker crumbs.
- Bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the cracker crust is golden brown.
- Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set.
Notes
Feel free to use fresh or frozen broccoli florets. If using frozen, there is no need to thaw them first.
Cream of chicken or cream of celery soup can be used as a substitute for cream of mushroom soup.
For a different crunch, try using crushed croutons, panko breadcrumbs, or canned fried onions for the topping.
This casserole can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover and refrigerate without the topping. Add the topping just before baking and add 10-15 minutes to the cook time.
Nutrition
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