Creamy & Cheesy Broccoli Casserole Recipe

There are certain dishes that transcend mere sustenance and become woven into the fabric of family memories, and for me, this Cheesy Broccoli Casserole is one of them. I can still vividly recall the first time I made it for a holiday gathering. I was nervous, surrounded by seasoned family cooks whose signature dishes were legendary. My contribution, a seemingly simple broccoli casserole, felt humble in comparison. But then, the magic happened. My nephew, a notorious vegetable skeptic, tentatively took a bite. His eyes widened. He went back for a second, then a third helping. By the end of the meal, the casserole dish was scraped clean, and I was fielding requests for the recipe from everyone, including my “pro-cook” aunts. This recipe isn’t just about broccoli and cheese; it’s about comfort, warmth, and the joy of seeing your loved ones truly savor something you’ve made. It’s the dish that turns broccoli haters into fans and has become my go-to, guaranteed crowd-pleaser for potlucks, weeknight dinners, and every holiday in between. It’s creamy, cheesy, has the perfect crunchy topping, and is, in a word, irresistible.

The Ultimate Creamy & Cheesy Broccoli Casserole Recipe

This recipe is the quintessential version of the classic broccoli cheese casserole. It strikes the perfect balance between creamy, cheesy sauce and tender-crisp broccoli, all crowned with a buttery, crunchy cracker topping. It’s a foundational recipe that’s delicious as is, but also perfect for customization.

Ingredients

• For the Casserole:
  • Broccoli: 2 lbs (about 900g) fresh broccoli crowns, cut into bite-sized florets (or two 16-oz bags of frozen broccoli florets, thawed)
  • Condensed Soup: 1 can (10.5 oz / 298g) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken for a different flavor profile)
  • Mayonnaise: 1 cup (240g) good quality, full-fat mayonnaise
  • Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups (about 8 oz / 226g) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded, divided
  • Eggs: 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • Onion: ½ cup finely chopped yellow onion
  • Salt: ½ teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste, as soup and cheese are salty)
  • Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• For the Crunchy Topping:
  • Butter Crackers: 1 ½ cups crushed butter crackers (like Ritz, about 1 sleeve)
  • Butter: 4 tablespoons (¼ cup / 57g) unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

Follow these detailed steps to ensure your broccoli casserole comes out perfectly every time. The key is in the preparation of the broccoli and the layering of flavors.

Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli

• If using fresh broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the fresh broccoli florets and blanch them for 2-3 minutes. You’re not trying to cook them through, just to tenderize them slightly and bring out their vibrant green color. Immediately drain the broccoli in a colander and rinse with cold water (or plunge into an ice bath) to stop the cooking process. Drain very thoroughly. Patting the florets with a paper towel is highly recommended. This is the most crucial step to prevent a watery casserole.
• If using frozen broccoli: Thaw the broccoli completely according to package directions. Place the thawed broccoli in a colander and press down firmly to squeeze out as much excess water as possible. You’ll be surprised how much liquid comes out. Again, pat dry with paper towels.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish and Oven

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish (or a similar 2.5 to 3-quart casserole dish) with butter or non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, beaten eggs, finely chopped onion, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well-incorporated.
• Stir in 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese, reserving the remaining ½ cup for later. Mix until the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the sauce.

Step 4: Combine and Assemble the Casserole

• Add the thoroughly drained and dried broccoli florets to the bowl with the cheese sauce.
• Gently fold everything together using a rubber spatula, taking care not to break up the broccoli florets too much. Ensure every piece of broccoli is generously coated in the creamy sauce.
• Pour the broccoli mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
• Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the broccoli mixture.

Step 5: Prepare the Topping and Bake

• In a small bowl, combine the crushed butter crackers with the 4 tablespoons of melted butter. Mix until all the crumbs are moistened.
• Sprinkle the buttered cracker crumbs evenly over the layer of cheese.
• Place the casserole dish on a baking sheet (to catch any potential drips) and bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes.
• The casserole is done when the edges are bubbly, the center is set and heated through, and the cracker topping is a beautiful golden brown.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

• Carefully remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest on a wire rack for at least 10-15 minutes before serving. This crucial resting period allows the casserole to set, making it easier to serve and preventing the sauce from being too runny.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 10-12 side dish servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 kcal (This is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients used, such as full-fat vs. low-fat mayonnaise and the type of condensed soup.)

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes (includes blanching broccoli and mixing ingredients)
• Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
• Resting Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes

How to Serve This Delicious Casserole

Broccoli casserole is incredibly versatile. It can be the star of a vegetarian meal or a beloved sidekick to a heartier main course. Here are some of the best ways to serve it:

• As a Holiday Staple: This dish is a must-have on any holiday table. Its creamy richness beautifully complements traditional main courses.
  • Thanksgiving: Serve alongside roasted turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, and stuffing.
  • Christmas: A perfect partner for a glazed ham or a standing rib roast.
  • Easter: Pairs wonderfully with roasted lamb or chicken.
• For a Hearty Weeknight Dinner: Don’t just save it for special occasions! It elevates any simple weeknight meal.
  • Serve with grilled or roasted chicken breasts.
  • Alongside pan-seared pork chops or salmon fillets.
  • As a main course for a vegetarian meal, perhaps served with a side of crusty bread and a fresh green salad.
• The Ultimate Potluck Contribution: This casserole travels well and is always one of the first dishes to disappear at a potluck or cookout.
  • Bake it just before you leave so it arrives warm.
  • It’s just as delicious served at room temperature.
• Garnish for an Extra Touch: A simple garnish can make the casserole look even more appealing on the serving table.
  • A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives.
  • A few crumbles of crispy, cooked bacon.
  • Toasted slivered almonds for an extra layer of crunch.

Additional Tips for the Perfect Broccoli Casserole

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that take this classic broccoli cheese casserole from great to absolutely unforgettable.

1. The Broccoli Secret: Fresh, Blanched, and Dry

While frozen broccoli is convenient, using fresh broccoli crowns will give you the best texture. The key is to blanch it as described in the instructions. This brief dip in boiling water tenderizes the florets without turning them to mush and locks in that bright green color. The most critical part, whether using fresh or frozen, is getting the broccoli as dry as possible. Water is the enemy of a creamy casserole. It will dilute your sauce and create a soupy mess at the bottom of the dish. Don’t be afraid to press it between layers of paper towels to absorb every last drop of moisture.

2. Elevate Your Cheese Game

Pre-shredded cheese is coated in starches like potato starch or cellulose to prevent it from clumping in the bag. These anti-caking agents can make your sauce slightly grainy and prevent the cheese from melting as smoothly. For the absolute creamiest, meltiest results, buy a block of sharp cheddar cheese and shred it yourself. It only takes a few extra minutes and the difference in the final texture of the sauce is remarkable.

3. The “From Scratch” Sauce Swap

If you’re not a fan of canned condensed soups, you can easily make a homemade cream sauce (a béchamel) to replace it. To do this, melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook for one minute to create a roux. Slowly whisk in 1 ½ cups of warm milk until the mixture is smooth. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring constantly, until it thickens (about 5-7 minutes). Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Use this homemade sauce in place of the canned soup for a fresher, more gourmet flavor.

4. Master the Art of the Topping

The buttery cracker topping provides the perfect textural contrast to the creamy casserole. Don’t just sprinkle dry crumbs on top. Tossing the crumbs with melted butter is non-negotiable. This step ensures every crumb gets coated, leading to a richer flavor and a more uniformly golden, crispy crust during baking. Feel free to get creative here! Panko breadcrumbs offer a lighter, crispier texture, while crushed cornflakes add a sweet crunch. For a savory twist, try adding a ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese to the cracker mixture.

5. Don’t Be Afraid to Add More Flavor

This recipe is a fantastic base. Think of it as a blank canvas for other flavors. A ½ teaspoon of garlic powder or a ¼ teaspoon of dry mustard powder whisked into the sauce can add a wonderful depth of flavor that complements the cheese. For a subtle kick of heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce can be a game-changer. Experiment to find the flavor combination that your family loves best.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are answers to some of the most common questions about making, storing, and customizing this classic broccoli casserole.

1. Can I make this broccoli casserole ahead of time?

Answer: Absolutely! This is one of the reasons it’s such a fantastic holiday and party dish. You can prepare the casserole up to two days in advance. Follow the recipe through Step 4 (assembling the casserole in the baking dish) but do not add the cracker topping. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, remove the dish from the fridge for about 30 minutes to let it come to room temperature. Prepare the buttery cracker topping, sprinkle it on top, and bake as directed. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time since you’re starting with a chilled casserole.

2. How do I store and reheat leftover broccoli casserole?

Answer: Leftovers are fantastic! To store, allow the casserole to cool completely, then cover the dish tightly with foil or transfer the leftovers to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

• To reheat in the oven (recommended method): Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover casserole (in an oven-safe dish) and bake, covered with foil, for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Removing the foil for the last 5 minutes can help re-crisp the topping.
• To reheat in the microwave: Place a single serving on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave in 60-second intervals until hot. Note that the microwave can soften the cracker topping.

3. Can you freeze broccoli casserole?

Answer: Yes, this casserole freezes quite well, which is perfect for meal planning. You can freeze it either baked or unbaked.

• Freezing Unbaked: Assemble the casserole completely but leave off the topping. Wrap the dish in a layer of plastic wrap, followed by a layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then let it sit on the counter for 30 minutes. Add the fresh topping and bake as directed, potentially adding 10-15 minutes to the cook time.
• Freezing Baked: Let the baked casserole cool completely. Wrap it tightly as described above and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake at 350°F (175°C), covered, for 20-25 minutes or until heated through.

4. How can I customize this recipe or add variations?

Answer: This is one of the best parts of this recipe—it’s incredibly adaptable! Here are some popular variations:

• Add Protein: Turn it into a complete meal by adding 2 cups of cooked, shredded chicken or a pound of cooked, crumbled sausage. Crispy, crumbled bacon is also a phenomenal addition.
• Switch Up the Veggies: Create a broccoli-cauliflower casserole by using half broccoli and half cauliflower florets. Sliced carrots or a can of drained, sliced water chestnuts can add great color and texture.
• Experiment with Cheeses: While sharp cheddar is classic, don’t hesitate to try other cheeses. A mix of Gruyère and white cheddar lends a nutty, sophisticated flavor. Pepper Jack will add a spicy kick. Smoked Gouda can provide a delicious, smoky depth.
• Amp Up the Topping: As mentioned in the tips, try Panko breadcrumbs, crushed potato chips, or French-fried onions for a different kind of crunch on top.

5. My casserole turned out watery. What did I do wrong?

Answer: This is the most common issue with broccoli casserole, and it almost always comes down to one thing: excess moisture in the broccoli. Here’s a troubleshooting checklist:

• Did you drain the broccoli thoroughly? This is the number one cause. Whether you blanched fresh broccoli or thawed frozen broccoli, it must be drained extremely well. Press it, squeeze it, and pat it dry with paper towels until it feels almost dry to the touch before adding it to the sauce.
• Did you use low-fat ingredients? Low-fat or “light” mayonnaise and soups contain more water and stabilizers, which can break down and separate during baking, leading to a watery result. Using full-fat mayonnaise and regular condensed soup provides the best, creamiest texture.
• Did you overbake it? While you want it hot and bubbly, baking it for too long at too high a heat can cause the sauce to “break” or separate, releasing liquid. Stick to the recommended temperature and time, and pull it out when the center is set and the edges are gently bubbling.

I sincerely hope this comprehensive guide helps you create the most delicious broccoli casserole that will have your own family and friends asking for the recipe. It’s more than a side dish; it’s a comforting classic that brings people together. Enjoy

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