Broccoli Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Broccoli Casserole is the ultimate combination of healthy and indulgent. The broccoli is tender yet still retains some texture, while the rich, creamy sauce made from cheese, sour cream, and a touch of mayonnaise gives the dish a delicious, comforting flavor. The crunchy topping adds the perfect finishing touch, providing texture and flavor that elevates the entire dish. It’s a perfect way to sneak in some vegetables while still enjoying a flavorful, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 2 medium crowns)
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or use cream of chicken for a different flavor)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch or similar-sized casserole dish.
2. Blanch the broccoli: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add a pinch of salt. Add the broccoli florets and cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until just tender but still bright green. Drain the broccoli and set it aside to cool slightly.
3. Make the casserole filling: In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, cream of mushroom soup, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until smooth.
4. Assemble the casserole: Add the cooked broccoli to the bowl with the creamy mixture. Gently toss to coat the broccoli evenly in the sauce. Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish and spread it out into an even layer.
5. Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs with the melted butter until well combined. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
6. Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
7. Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm as a side dish or light main course.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 6-8
• Total time: 50 minutes
  • Prep time: 10 minutes
  • Cook time: 30-35 minutes

Variations

• Add protein: Add cooked chicken, sausage, or bacon to make it a more substantial dish. Shredded rotisserie chicken works well for a quick addition.
• Vegan version: For a vegan version, use dairy-free mayonnaise, sour cream, and cheese alternatives, and use a vegan cream of mushroom soup or homemade vegan cream sauce.
• Other cheeses: Swap the cheddar cheese for other varieties like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or Parmesan for different flavor profiles.
• Add more vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like cauliflower, carrots, or mushrooms to the casserole for extra flavor and texture.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, or until hot.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. After assembling, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove it from the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s cold from the fridge.

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli, but be sure to thaw and drain it well to remove excess moisture. Frozen broccoli may be softer than fresh, but it still works well in this dish.

Can I use a different type of soup?

While cream of mushroom soup is traditional, you can use other types of cream soups such as cream of chicken, cream of celery, or even a homemade cream sauce.

How can I make this casserole spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, chopped jalapeños, or hot sauce to the casserole mixture to give it a spicy kick. You can also use pepper jack cheese for a spicier twist.

Can I make this casserole without the crackers or breadcrumbs?

If you prefer not to use crackers or breadcrumbs, you can skip the topping or substitute with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese or crushed nuts for added texture.

Can I freeze Broccoli Casserole?

Yes, you can freeze Broccoli Casserole. After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through.

Conclusion

Broccoli Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that makes the most of fresh broccoli, cheese, and creamy sauce. Whether you’re looking for a side dish to complement your main meal or a light vegetarian main course, this casserole is easy to make, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to please everyone at the table. With its rich texture, savory taste, and crispy topping, Broccoli Casserole is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection!

Broccoli Casserole

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Broccoli Casserole is a comforting and creamy dish that combines tender broccoli with a savory, cheesy sauce and a crispy topping. It’s perfect as a side dish or a light vegetarian main course.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6-8 servings
• Category: Side dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

1. 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 2 medium crowns)
2. 1/2 cup mayonnaise
3. 1/2 cup sour cream
4. 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or use cream of chicken for a different flavor)
5. 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
6. 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
7. 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
8. Salt and pepper, to taste
9. 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs
10. 2 tablespoons butter, melted

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch casserole dish.

1. Blanch the broccoli: Boil the broccoli for 2-3 minutes, then drain and set aside to cool.
2. Make the casserole filling: In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, cream of mushroom soup, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
3. Assemble the casserole: Add the cooked broccoli to the creamy mixture and stir to coat. Transfer the mixture to the casserole dish and spread evenly.
4. Prepare the topping: Mix the crushed crackers or breadcrumbs with melted butter, then sprinkle over the casserole.
5. Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
6. Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm as a side dish or light main course.

Notes

• For extra flavor, add protein such as chicken, sausage, or bacon to the casserole.
• For a vegan version, use dairy-free alternatives for mayonnaise, sour cream, and cheese, and opt for a vegan cream of mushroom soup.
• If you prefer a spicier casserole, add red pepper flakes or jalapeños to the mixture.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 570mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 25mg