Broccoli C casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Broccoli casserole is a simple, yet satisfying dish that brings together wholesome ingredients with rich, cheesy goodness. It’s creamy and comforting, making it an easy way to incorporate vegetables into your meals without skimping on flavor. The combination of the tender broccoli, creamy sauce, and crispy topping adds layers of texture and richness that make each bite irresistible. Plus, it’s versatile—you can make it with a variety of cheeses or even add other vegetables and proteins to suit your taste.

Ingredients

• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 2 medium heads of broccoli)

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of broccoli soup for extra flavor)

• 1/2 cup sour cream

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of your favorite cheeses)

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)

• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Optional: 1/2 cup cooked chicken, sausage, or bacon for added protein

(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).

2. Prepare the broccoli: Steam or blanch the broccoli florets until just tender (about 5-6 minutes). Drain well and pat dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. You want the broccoli to be slightly undercooked to prevent it from becoming too soft during baking.

3. Make the sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.

4. Combine with broccoli: In a large mixing bowl, add the steamed broccoli and pour the creamy sauce over it. Gently stir to coat the broccoli evenly in the sauce.

5. Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Stir until the breadcrumbs are well coated in butter.

6. Assemble the casserole: Transfer the broccoli mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the buttered breadcrumbs evenly over the top.

7. 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.

8. Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley or extra cheese.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8

• Preparation time: 10-15 minutes

• Cooking time: 25-30 minutes

• Total time: 35-45 minutes

Variations

• Add protein: For a heartier dish, add cooked chicken, sausage, or bacon to the casserole mixture. You can also use leftover rotisserie chicken.

• Make it lighter: Use low-fat or fat-free versions of sour cream and cream of mushroom soup, or swap in Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangy alternative.

• Swap the cheese: While cheddar is classic, you can experiment with mozzarella, gouda, or even a blend of sharp cheeses for extra flavor.

• Add other vegetables: Add mushrooms, onions, or even bell peppers to the casserole for a more colorful, nutritious dish.

• Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes for the topping instead of regular breadcrumbs.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover broccoli casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or oven. If reheating in the oven, cover the casserole with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?

Yes, frozen broccoli can be used. Just make sure to thaw it and drain off any excess moisture before using it in the casserole.

2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day ahead, cover it, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

3. Can I use a different type of soup for the base?

Yes, you can use cream of chicken soup, cream of celery, or even homemade creamy soup if you prefer. Just keep in mind that the flavor of the casserole will change depending on the soup you use.

4. Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, to make the casserole vegan, use dairy-free cheese, vegan sour cream, and a plant-based cream of mushroom soup. You can also skip the cheese on top and use a breadcrumb topping.

5. How can I make this casserole spicier?

Add some red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a bit of hot sauce to the creamy sauce for an extra kick of heat.

6. Can I freeze broccoli casserole?

Yes, broccoli casserole can be frozen before or after baking. Just let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45-60 minutes from frozen.

7. Can I add more cheese?

Absolutely! You can add extra cheese to the sauce or on top before baking. A blend of mozzarella and cheddar works well, or you can use parmesan for a sharper flavor.

8. How can I make this casserole healthier?

To make the casserole healthier, consider reducing the amount of cheese, using low-fat sour cream, and opting for whole wheat breadcrumbs. You can also add more vegetables for added nutrients.

9. Can I make this casserole without the breadcrumbs?

Yes, you can skip the breadcrumbs for a more creamy, less crunchy version. Alternatively, you can use crushed nuts, like almonds or walnuts, for a crunchy topping.

10. Can I make this casserole without cheese?

You can make the casserole without cheese, but it may not have the same creamy, cheesy texture. You can try substituting the cheese with nutritional yeast for a vegan cheese flavor.

Conclusion

Broccoli casserole is a comforting, cheesy, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any meal. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday dinner, a weeknight family meal, or a potluck, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With its creamy sauce, tender broccoli, and crispy topping, this dish is as delicious as it is easy to make. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a go-to favorite for your family and friends!

Broccoli C casserole

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Broccoli casserole is a comforting, creamy dish that brings together tender broccoli, a rich, cheesy sauce, and a crunchy topping that creates a delightful texture contrast. It’s the kind of dish that makes vegetables more enjoyable and is loved by kids and adults alike. Whether you’re preparing it for a holiday meal, a weeknight dinner, or a potluck, broccoli casserole will always be a hit.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10-15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 35-45 minutes
• Yield: undefined
• Category: Side dish
• Method: undefined
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 2 medium heads of broccoli)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of broccoli soup for extra flavor)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of your favorite cheeses)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: 1/2 cup cooked chicken, sausage, or bacon for added protein

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Steam or blanch the broccoli florets until just tender (about 5-6 minutes). Drain well and pat dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. You want the broccoli to be slightly undercooked to prevent it from becoming too soft during baking.
3. In a medium bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
4. In a large mixing bowl, add the steamed broccoli and pour the creamy sauce over it. Gently stir to coat the broccoli evenly in the sauce.
5. In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Stir until the breadcrumbs are well coated in butter.
6. Transfer the broccoli mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the buttered breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
7. 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.
8. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley or extra cheese.

Notes

• For a heartier dish, add cooked chicken, sausage, or bacon to the casserole mixture.
• Use low-fat or fat-free versions of sour cream and cream of mushroom soup for a lighter version.
• Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or a blend of sharp cheeses for extra flavor.
• To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes for the topping.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 13g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 30mg