There are some dishes that just feel like a warm hug on a plate. You know the ones. They are creamy, cheesy, and fill the whole house with an amazing aroma while they bake. This Broccoli And Cheese Casserole is exactly that kind of recipe. It’s a simple, comforting dish that brings everyone to the table with a smile.
Whether you are looking for a go to side dish for a holiday meal or a simple main course for a busy weeknight, this recipe has you covered. It is so easy to put together, you will wonder why you haven’t made it sooner. Let’s get started on this delicious journey.
Jump To:
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Honestly, what’s not to love? First off, this dish is incredibly easy to make. We are talking minimal prep work and simple steps that even a beginner in the kitchen can follow with confidence. There are no complicated techniques here, just pure and simple cooking.
The flavor is just out of this world. Imagine tender broccoli florets swimming in a velvety smooth, rich cheese sauce. It is the kind of cheesy goodness that dreams are made of. This is very similar to the famous Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheese Casserole that so many people adore. We bring that classic taste right into your own kitchen.
Then there is the topping. A generous layer of buttery, crushed Ritz crackers provides the most satisfying crunch with every single bite. It is the perfect textural contrast to the creamy filling underneath. That golden brown crust is just so inviting when it comes out of the oven.
This Broccoli Bake is also a fantastic way to get your family, especially the little ones, to eat their greens. Covering broccoli in a delicious cheese sauce is a time tested trick that works like a charm. It transforms a simple vegetable into a side dish that everyone will be excited to eat.
It is also a wonderfully versatile dish. You can serve it as a hearty side with roasted chicken or pork, or enjoy it as a vegetarian main course. It is filling enough to stand on its own, especially with the rice mixed in. It is a true crowd pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients
One of the best parts about this Broccoli And Cheese Casserole is the simple ingredient list. You likely have most of these items in your pantry and refrigerator right now. Let’s take a look at what you will need.
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 16 ounces whole milk
- 16 ounces American cheese
- 8 ounces broccoli cut into bite sized pieces
- 4 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup shredded Colby cheese
- 32 Ritz crackers or 1 standard sleeve, crushed
- 4 ounces butter melted
A quick note on the ingredients. The American cheese is what gives the sauce its incredibly smooth and creamy texture. It melts beautifully without getting grainy. The Colby cheese adds a nice, mild cheddar flavor on top. And for the crackers, classic Ritz crackers provide that signature buttery crunch that makes this casserole so special.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Ready to create some cheesy magic? Following these steps will give you a flawless Cheddar Broccoli Casserole every time. I will walk you through each part of the process. It is easier than you think.
Step 1: Create The Creamy Cheese Sauce
First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Now, grab a large pot or a Dutch oven. Place your can of cream of chicken soup, the whole milk, and the American cheese into the pot. Set the heat to medium low.
You will want to stir this mixture occasionally as it heats up. The key here is low and slow. You don’t want the bottom to scorch. As the cheese begins to melt, the sauce will start to come together, becoming smooth and velvety. Be patient, this part is worth it.
Step 2: Cook The Broccoli
Once your cheese sauce is looking smooth, it is time to add the broccoli. Add your bite sized broccoli pieces directly into the pot with the cheese sauce. Let it cook in the sauce for about 8 minutes. This does two things. It cooks the broccoli until it is tender crisp, and it allows the broccoli to absorb some of that amazing cheesy flavor.
You can use fresh or frozen broccoli for this. If you are using frozen, there is no need to thaw it first. Just toss it right in. It might take an extra minute or two to cook, but it works just as well. This step is crucial for a great Broccoli And Cheese Casserole.
Step 3: Assemble The Casserole
Now for the assembly. Grab a 9 by 13 inch baking dish. Spread your cooked rice evenly across the bottom of the dish. This layer of rice will soak up some of the delicious sauce and make the casserole extra hearty and filling.
Next, carefully pour the broccoli and cheese sauce mixture over the rice. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly, making sure the broccoli is distributed throughout the dish. Sprinkle the shredded Colby cheese evenly over the top of the broccoli mixture. This adds another layer of cheesy flavor.
Step 4: Prepare The Cracker Topping
In a separate bowl, it is time to make the crunchy topping. Place your crushed crackers into the bowl. You can crush them by placing them in a zip top bag and gently rolling over them with a rolling pin. Pour the melted butter over the cracker crumbs.
Mix them together well with a fork or your hands until all the crumbs are evenly coated in the butter. This buttery coating is what helps them get so golden and crispy in the oven. Do not skip this part.
Step 5: Bake To Golden Perfection
Sprinkle the buttered cracker crumbs evenly over the top of the casserole. Now it is ready for the oven. Place the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 10 to 15 minutes.
You will know it is done when the cracker topping is a beautiful golden brown color and the cheese sauce around the edges is bubbly. The aroma alone will tell you that your amazing Broccoli And Cheese Casserole is ready to be devoured. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers of this delicious Broccoli Bake, storing them is simple. First, let the casserole cool down to room temperature completely. Covering it while it is still hot can create condensation and make the cracker topping soggy.
Once cooled, you can either cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer the leftovers to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 or 4 days. When you are ready to reheat, you can use the microwave for a quick option, or pop it back in the oven at 350 degrees until warmed through. The oven method will help re-crisp the topping a bit.
Tips
Want to make your Broccoli And Cheese Casserole even better? Here are a few simple tips. Feel free to add some cooked, shredded chicken or diced ham to the mixture to make it an even heartier main course. It is a great way to use up leftover protein.
You can also play around with the cheeses. While the American and Colby combination is classic, you could try adding some sharp cheddar or a bit of Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile. Just make sure to use a good melting cheese for the sauce base.
For a little extra flavor in your sauce, try adding a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, or even a little bit of dry mustard. These savory spices complement the cheese and broccoli beautifully. A dash of black pepper also works wonders.
If you don’t have Ritz crackers on hand, other buttery crackers will work well. You could even use panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter for a different kind of crunchy topping. The possibilities are endless for this wonderful Cheddar Broccoli Casserole.
Conclusion
There you have it. A simple, delicious, and incredibly comforting Broccoli And Cheese Casserole that is sure to become a family favorite. It is the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and crunchy, all in one easy to make dish.
This recipe proves that you don’t need a long list of fancy ingredients to create a truly satisfying meal. It is a reminder of how wonderful simple home cooking can be. So give this recipe a try. I am sure you and your loved ones will enjoy every single bite.
FAQ
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli?
Yes, absolutely. Frozen broccoli works great in this Broccoli And Cheese Casserole recipe. There is no need to thaw it beforehand. Just add it directly to the cheese sauce. You may need to cook it for a minute or two longer to ensure it is heated through.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead Of Time?
You sure can. You can assemble the entire casserole, except for the cracker topping, up to a day in advance. Cover it and store it in the refrigerator. When you are ready to bake, prepare the cracker topping, sprinkle it on top, and add about 10 minutes to the baking time since you are starting from cold.
What Can I Serve With This Broccoli Bake?
This Broccoli Bake is very versatile. It makes a fantastic side dish for roasted chicken, baked ham, or pork chops. It is also hearty enough to be served as a vegetarian main course, perhaps with a simple side salad or some fresh bread.
Can I Use A Different Kind Of Soup?
Yes, you can substitute the cream of chicken soup if you like. Cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup would both be delicious alternatives and would work well with the cheese and broccoli flavors in this Cheddar Broccoli Casserole.
Comforting Broccoli and Cheese Casserole
A simple and comforting broccoli and cheese casserole featuring tender broccoli in a velvety cheese sauce, all topped with a buttery, crunchy Ritz cracker crust. A family-friendly side dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large pot over medium-low heat, combine the cream of chicken soup, whole milk, and American cheese. Stir occasionally until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add the bite-sized broccoli pieces to the cheese sauce. Cook for about 8 minutes, allowing the broccoli to become tender-crisp.
- Spread the cooked rice evenly in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Pour the broccoli and cheese sauce mixture over the rice. Sprinkle the shredded Colby cheese over the top.
- In a separate bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until all the crumbs are evenly coated.
- Sprinkle the buttered cracker crumbs evenly over the casserole.
- Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly around the edges.
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
For a heartier main course, add cooked, shredded chicken or diced ham to the cheese sauce.
Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, like sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack, in place of Colby.
You can use panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter for an alternative crunchy topping.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
