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, and they always disappear fast. For me, that dish is a classic Broccoli Cheese Casserole. It’s a simple, comforting, and incredibly tasty side that honestly steals the show every single time.
If you’ve been searching for an Easy Broccoli Casserole recipe that you can count on, you are in the right place. This version is bubbling with creamy sauce, packed with tender broccoli, and finished with a golden, crunchy topping of more cheese and those addictive french fried onions. Let’s get cooking!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
So what makes this particular Broccoli Cheese Casserole so special? Honestly, it’s the simplicity. There are no complicated steps or fancy ingredients here. It’s all about combining a few pantry staples to create something truly delicious. It’s the kind of recipe you can make on a busy weeknight without any stress.
The texture is just wonderful. You get the soft, tender broccoli florets enveloped in a rich and savory cheese sauce. Then, you have that amazing crunch from the french fried onions on top. It’s a combination that is just so satisfying. Every bite is a little bit of everything.
It’s also incredibly versatile. This Broccoli Bake works beautifully alongside a holiday ham, a roasted chicken, or even a simple weeknight meatloaf. It’s a crowd pleaser that kids and adults both enjoy. It’s a reliable side dish that never fails to impress.
Ingredients
The beauty of this Easy Broccoli Casserole is its short and simple ingredient list. You probably have most of these items in your kitchen already. No need for a special trip to the store!
- 1 can (10.75 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 can (6 ounces) french fried onions, divided
- 2 packages (16 ounces each) frozen broccoli florets, thawed
Step By Step Instructions
Ready to put together this amazing Cheddar Broccoli Casserole? It comes together in just a few simple steps. Let’s walk through it together.
Step 1: Preheat And Prep The Sauce
First things first, preheat your oven to 325°F. While that’s heating up, grab a large saucepan. In the saucepan, combine the cream of mushroom soup and the sour cream. Give it a good stir to get things started.
Now it’s time for the cheese! Add one cup of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1.25 cups of the french fried onions to the saucepan. Save the rest of the cheese and onions for the topping later. You’ll be glad you did.
Place the saucepan over medium heat. You’ll want to stir it frequently until everything is heated through and the cheese has melted into a beautifully smooth and blended sauce. This should only take about four or five minutes. The kitchen will start to smell amazing!
Step 2: Combine Everything
Once your sauce is creamy and delicious, it’s time to introduce the star of our Broccoli Cheese Casserole. Gently stir in the thawed broccoli florets. Make sure every single piece of broccoli gets coated in that wonderful cheese sauce. We want all the flavor in every bite.
Next, you’ll need a 2 quart baking dish. Make sure to grease it well so nothing sticks. Carefully transfer the broccoli and cheese mixture from the saucepan into your prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
Step 3: First Bake
Now for the first bake. Place the baking dish into your preheated oven. You’ll bake it uncovered for about 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for the casserole to be hot and bubbly all the way through. You’ll see little bubbles popping up around the edges.
This initial bake is important because it cooks the broccoli through and lets all those flavors meld together into a delicious Broccoli Bake. The whole house is going to smell like pure comfort food.
Step 4: Add The Topping And Final Bake
Carefully remove the casserole from the oven. Remember that leftover cheese and those crispy onions? It’s their time to shine! Sprinkle the remaining half cup of cheddar cheese and the remaining onions evenly over the top of the bubbly casserole.
Place the dish back into the oven. This final bake is a short one, just 10 to 15 minutes. All you need is for that top layer of cheese to get perfectly melted and for the onions to turn a lovely golden brown. Once it looks irresistible, it’s done! Let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This amazing Broccoli Cheese Casserole is best served warm.
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers of your Broccoli Cheese Casserole, storing them is easy. First, let the casserole cool down completely to room temperature. This is an important step to prevent condensation.
Once cooled, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also transfer the leftovers to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to three or four days.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, the best way to reheat it is in the oven. This helps the onion topping get crispy again. Just pop it in a 325°F oven until it’s heated through. You can also use the microwave if you’re in a hurry, but you might lose some of that crunch.
Tips
Want to make your Broccoli Cheese Casserole even better? I’ve got a few ideas for you. Feel free to play around with the recipe and make it your own. Cooking should be fun, right?
For a different flavor, try swapping the sharp cheddar for another cheese. A mix of Monterey Jack and cheddar would be delicious, or you could add a little bit of grated Parmesan for a nutty taste. A smoked gouda could also add a really interesting dimension to this Cheddar Broccoli Casserole.
If you want to turn this side dish into a main course, it’s super easy. Just stir in some cooked, shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, or diced ham when you add the broccoli. It makes for a wonderful one dish meal.
Don’t be afraid to add other seasonings. A pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, or a little black pepper can add another layer of flavor to the sauce. Just a small amount can make a big difference in the final taste of your Broccoli Bake.
Conclusion
There you have it! A simple, classic, and incredibly delicious Broccoli Cheese Casserole that is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together and fills the home with warmth and amazing aromas.
This Easy Broccoli Casserole is proof that you don’t need a long list of ingredients or complicated techniques to make something truly special. It’s all about comfort, flavor, and sharing good food with the people you love. I hope you enjoy making and eating it as much as I do!
FAQ
Can I Use Fresh Broccoli Instead Of Frozen?
Yes, you absolutely can! If you’re using fresh broccoli, I recommend steaming or blanching it first until it is just tender crisp. This ensures it will be perfectly cooked in the final Broccoli Cheese Casserole. You’ll need about 8 cups of fresh florets.
What Can I Serve With This Casserole?
This Broccoli Bake is a fantastic side dish for so many main courses. It pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, baked ham, pork chops, or a nice steak. It’s also a must have on any holiday table, especially for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
Can I Make This Broccoli Cheese Casserole Ahead Of Time?
Of course! To make it ahead, assemble the entire casserole but do not add the final topping of cheese and onions. Cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then add the topping and bake as directed. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the initial baking time.
My Casserole Is Watery. What Went Wrong?
A watery casserole is usually caused by excess moisture from the broccoli. It’s very important to make sure your frozen broccoli is fully thawed and drained well. You can even gently pat it dry with paper towels before adding it to the sauce to remove as much water as possible. This will help ensure your Easy Broccoli Casserole is thick and creamy.
Broccoli Cheese Casserole
This easy Broccoli Cheese Casserole is a simple, comforting, and incredibly tasty side dish, bubbling with creamy sauce, tender broccoli, and a golden, crunchy topping of cheese and french fried onions.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F. In a large saucepan, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup and the sour cream. Stir well.
- Add 1 cup of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1.25 cups of the french fried onions to the saucepan. Save the remaining cheese and onions for the topping.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently until everything is heated through and the cheese has melted into a smooth sauce (about 4-5 minutes).
- Gently stir in the thawed broccoli florets, ensuring every piece is coated in the cheese sauce.
- Grease a 2-quart baking dish. Carefully transfer the broccoli and cheese mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
- Bake uncovered for about 25 to 30 minutes, until the casserole is hot and bubbly all the way through.
- Carefully remove the casserole from the oven. Sprinkle the remaining half cup of cheddar cheese and the remaining onions evenly over the top.
- Place the dish back into the oven and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the top layer of cheese is melted and the onions are golden brown. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving warm.
Notes
If you happen to have any leftovers, let the casserole cool down completely to room temperature before storing to prevent condensation. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to three or four days. Reheat in a 325°F oven to help the onion topping get crispy again, or use the microwave if in a hurry.
For a different flavor, try swapping the sharp cheddar for another cheese, such as a mix of Monterey Jack and cheddar, grated Parmesan, or smoked gouda.
To turn this side dish into a main course, stir in some cooked, shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, or diced ham when you add the broccoli.
Don’t be afraid to add other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or a little black pepper for another layer of flavor to the sauce.
If using fresh broccoli, steam or blanch it first until it is just tender crisp. You’ll need about 8 cups of fresh florets.
A watery casserole is usually caused by excess moisture from the broccoli. Ensure your frozen broccoli is fully thawed and drained well, even patting it dry with paper towels to remove as much water as possible.
To make this casserole ahead of time, assemble the entire casserole but do not add the final topping of cheese and onions. Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then add the topping and bake as directed, potentially adding a few extra minutes to the initial baking time.
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