There are some dishes that just feel like a warm hug on a plate. For me, a bubbling, golden brown Broccoli And Cheese Casserole is exactly that. It’s the kind of side dish that brings everyone to the table and often outshines the main course. It is a star in its own right. Honestly, it’s a classic for a reason.
Whether you’re planning a holiday dinner, a weeknight family meal, or just need some serious comfort food, this recipe is for you. We’re keeping it simple, straightforward, and delicious. You don’t need any fancy gadgets or complicated steps. Just a few basic ingredients and a little bit of oven time stand between you and cheesy broccoli goodness.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First off, this dish is unbelievably easy to put together. We’re talking mix, pour, and bake. It’s a fantastic recipe for beginners or for those days when you just don’t have a lot of energy to cook. The prep time is minimal, which is always a huge win in my book.
The flavor is just so satisfying. The creaminess of the soup and mayonnaise base, combined with the sharpness of the cheddar cheese, creates a rich sauce that coats every single broccoli floret. It is one of those fantastic Broccoli And Cheese Recipes that everyone enjoys.
It’s also incredibly versatile. You can serve this Broccoli And Cheese Casserole as a side for roasted chicken, steak, or a holiday ham. It’s also hearty enough to be a main course for a vegetarian meal. Just pair it with a fresh salad and some crusty bread for a complete dinner.
Another great thing is how well it holds up. This makes it a great option for potlucks or gatherings. You can assemble it ahead of time and just pop it in the oven when you’re ready. Plus, leftovers are just as delicious the next day. Sometimes they are even better when the flavors have had more time to meld together.
This is a true crowd pleaser. Kids and adults alike seem to love it. It’s a great way to get some greens onto the plates of even the pickiest eaters. Once they taste that cheesy sauce, they’ll forget all about any hesitation they had about broccoli. It’s a winning dish for family dinners.
Ingredients
The beauty of this broccoli cheese casserole lies in its simplicity. Here’s what you’ll need to grab from the pantry and fridge. It is a short list full of common items you might already have on hand.
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 large egg, beaten
- ¼ cup chopped onion
- 3 (10 ounce) packages frozen broccoli florets
- 8 ounces shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 dash paprika
Step By Step Instructions
Ready to make the most delicious Broccoli And Cheese Casserole? Follow these simple steps and you’ll have a fantastic dish ready in no time. Let’s walk through it together.
Step 1: Get Everything Ready
First things first, let’s get the oven going. Preheat it to 350 degrees F or 175 degrees C. While it’s heating up, grab a 9 by 13 inch baking dish and butter it. This will prevent the casserole from sticking and make cleanup a whole lot easier. Gather all of your ingredients so they are ready to go.
Step 2: Whisk The Sauce Together
In a medium mixing bowl, it’s time to create the creamy base. Whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, the beaten egg, and the chopped onions. Keep whisking until everything is smooth and well combined. This sauce is the heart of our Cheddar Broccoli Casserole.
Step 3: Combine And Mix
Now for the main event. Place your frozen broccoli florets into a very large mixing bowl. If they are in one big block, just break them up a bit. Pour the soup mixture over the broccoli. Use a large spoon or spatula to mix everything well, making sure every floret is coated in that creamy sauce.
Next, sprinkle in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Give it another good mix to distribute the cheese throughout the mixture. This ensures you get cheesy goodness in every single bite. Once it’s all mixed, spread the entire mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish.
Step 4: Season And Bake
Almost there! Season the top of the casserole with a little salt and pepper to taste. Then, add a dash of paprika over the top. This not only adds a touch of flavor but also gives the finished dish a beautiful color. This is one of my favorite Broccoli Recipes Casserole for its simple yet tasty finish.
Place the dish in your preheated oven. Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is completely melted and the top is a lovely golden brown. The edges should be bubbly and the whole kitchen will smell amazing. The wait is the hardest part!
Step 5: Serve And Enjoy
Carefully remove the casserole from the oven. It’s a good idea to let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This allows it to set up just a little bit. Then, scoop it onto plates and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite. This Broccoli And Cheese Casserole is pure comfort.
How To Store Leftovers
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Storing this casserole is super simple. First, make sure the casserole has cooled down to room temperature. You don’t want to put a hot dish directly into the fridge.
Once it’s cool, you can either cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or you can transfer the leftovers to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 or 4 days. Reheating is easy in the microwave or you can pop it back in the oven until warmed through.
You can also freeze it. For best results, I recommend freezing it in individual portions in freezer safe containers. This makes for quick and easy meals later on. It should last in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, you can thaw it in the fridge overnight and then bake until hot and bubbly.
Tips
Want to customize your Broccoli And Cheese Casserole? Here are a few ideas and tips to help you make this recipe your own. These are just suggestions so feel free to experiment.
While sharp cheddar is fantastic, you can certainly play around with the cheese. A mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack would be nice and melty. Gruyere would add a nutty flavor. Even a little bit of Parmesan would add a salty kick. Use what you love or what you have on hand.
This recipe calls for frozen broccoli for convenience, and it works wonderfully. If you prefer to use fresh broccoli, you absolutely can. I would recommend blanching it first. Just steam or boil it for a few minutes until it’s tender crisp, then drain it really well before adding it to the sauce.
Feel free to add a crunchy topping. Before baking, you could sprinkle some buttered breadcrumbs, crushed crackers like Ritz, or even some crispy fried onions over the top. This adds a great textural contrast to the creamy casserole. It is a simple addition that makes a big difference.
Looking to add some protein? Cooked, shredded chicken or some crumbled bacon would be delicious additions to this casserole. Just mix it in along with the cheese before spreading it in the baking dish. It turns this side into a full meal.
Don’t be shy with seasonings. A little garlic powder or onion powder in the sauce can boost the flavor. If you like a little heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper or some red pepper flakes can add a nice warmth to this classic broccoli cheese casserole.
Conclusion
And there you have it. A simple, delicious, and incredibly satisfying Broccoli And Cheese Casserole that is sure to become a staple in your home. It’s a testament to the fact that you don’t need complicated ingredients or techniques to create something truly wonderful.
This dish is all about comfort, ease, and flavor. It’s the perfect side for so many meals and a reliable recipe for any occasion. I really hope you give this Cheddar Broccoli Casserole a try. I think you’ll find it’s one of those Broccoli And Cheese Recipes you’ll come back to again and again. Happy cooking!
FAQ
Can I Use A Different Kind Of Soup?
Yes, you can. While cream of mushroom is classic, cream of chicken or cream of celery would also work well in this Broccoli And Cheese Casserole. The flavor profile will change slightly, but it will still be creamy and delicious.
Do I Need To Thaw The Broccoli First?
Nope! One of the best parts about this recipe is its simplicity. You can use the broccoli florets straight from the freezer. They will cook through perfectly in the oven. This makes it one of the easiest Broccoli Recipes Casserole to prepare.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead Of Time?
Absolutely. You can assemble the entire casserole, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. You might need to add an extra 10 to 15 minutes to the baking time since it will be starting from cold.
Is There A Substitute For Mayonnaise?
If you’re not a fan of mayonnaise, you could try using sour cream or Greek yogurt as a substitute. This will give the casserole a tangier flavor. The texture might be a little different, but it will still be a tasty broccoli cheese casserole.
Broccoli and Cheese Casserole
A classic and comforting side dish, this cheesy broccoli casserole is incredibly easy to make. It’s rich, creamy, and a wonderful family favorite.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly butter a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, beaten egg, and chopped onion until the mixture is smooth.
- In a very large mixing bowl, place the frozen broccoli florets. Pour the soup mixture over the broccoli and stir well to coat.
- Add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese to the broccoli mixture and stir again until everything is well combined.
- Spread the mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Season the top with salt, pepper, and a dash of paprika.
- Bake for 45 to 60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. A mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack or a nutty Gruyere would be delicious alternatives.
For a crunchy topping, sprinkle buttered breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or crispy fried onions over the casserole before baking.
To add protein, mix in cooked, shredded chicken or crumbled bacon along with the cheese to turn this side dish into a complete meal.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
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