Broccoli Casserole

Broccoli Casserole

A comforting, cheesy casserole packed with tender broccoli, creamy sauce, and a golden, crunchy topping. Perfect as a side for family dinners, holiday meals, or potlucks.

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 1 large head)

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup

• 1/2 cup sour cream

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• 1/2 tsp onion powder

• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Topping:

• 1 cup crushed buttery crackers (such as Ritz)

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven:
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Blanch Broccoli:
   Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add broccoli florets and cook for 2–3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.

3. Make the Casserole Mixture:
   In a large bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, 3/4 cup cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in the blanched broccoli until evenly coated.

4. Assemble the Casserole:
   Pour the broccoli mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread evenly.

5. Prepare the Topping:
   In a small bowl, mix crushed crackers, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese (if using). Sprinkle evenly over the broccoli mixture. Top with remaining 1/4 cup cheddar cheese.

6. Bake:
   Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the topping is golden and the casserole is bubbly.

7. Serve:
   Let cool slightly before serving.

Equipment

• Cutting board

• Chef’s knife

• Large pot

• Colander

• Large mixing bowl

• Small mixing bowl

• 9×13-inch baking dish

• Spoon or spatula

Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: 45 minutes

Serving Size
Serves 6–8

Broccoli Casserole

A comforting, cheesy casserole packed with tender broccoli, creamy sauce, and a golden, crunchy topping. Perfect as a side for family dinners, holiday meals, or potlucks.

Print Recipe

Prep Time:15 minutes mins

Cook Time:30 minutes mins

Total Time:45 minutes mins

Equipment

• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Large pot
• Colander
• Large mixing bowl
• Small mixing bowl
• 9x13-inch baking dish
• Spoon or spatula

Ingredients

• For the Casserole:
• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets about 1 large head
• 1 can 10.5 oz cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese divided
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• For the Topping:
• 1 cup crushed buttery crackers such as Ritz
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese optional

Instructions

• Preheat Oven:
• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
• Blanch Broccoli:
• Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add broccoli florets and cook for 2–3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.
• Make the Casserole Mixture:
• In a large bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, 3/4 cup cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in the blanched broccoli until evenly coated.
• Assemble the Casserole:
• Pour the broccoli mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread evenly.
• Prepare the Topping:
• In a small bowl, mix crushed crackers, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese (if using). Sprinkle evenly over the broccoli mixture. Top with remaining 1/4 cup cheddar cheese.
• Bake:
• Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the topping is golden and the casserole is bubbly.
• Serve:
• Let cool slightly before serving.

Servings: 8 servings

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes. Thaw and drain frozen broccoli before mixing with the casserole ingredients to avoid excess water.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.

Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes. Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend of cheeses can be used in place of cheddar.

Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes. Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and gluten-free crackers for the topping.

Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes. Use a vegetarian cream of mushroom soup and ensure the cheese does not contain animal rennet.

Can I add other vegetables?
Yes. Chopped carrots, cauliflower, or peas can be added for extra flavor and texture.

How can I make the topping extra crispy?
Add a little more melted butter to the crushed crackers and sprinkle some additional cheese on top before baking.

Can I use panko instead of crackers for the topping?
Yes. Panko breadcrumbs create a lighter, crunchier topping. Mix with melted butter and Parmesan cheese.

Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes. Assemble the casserole but do not bake. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

How can I reheat leftovers?
Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through, about 15–20 minutes. Cover with foil if the topping begins to brown too quickly.

How To Store Broccoli Casserole

Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat in the oven until warm and bubbly.

Freezer:
Assemble but do not bake. Wrap tightly in foil and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.

Serving Tips:
Serve as a hearty side dish with roasted meats, chicken, or as part of a holiday meal.