Creamy & Simple Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe

Whipping up a delectable broccoli cheese casserole doesn’t have to be complicated.

My grandmother stumbled upon this magical recipe decades ago during a potluck gathering.

Simple ingredients dance together, creating a creamy comfort dish that sparks joy at any table.

Fresh broccoli florets get nestled into a rich, velvety cheese sauce that melts perfectly.

Cheese lovers will appreciate the golden, crispy top that adds delightful crunch to each bite.

Weeknight dinners can transform from mundane to magnificent with this quick and satisfying meal.

Grab a fork and dive into a dish that promises warmth, flavor, and pure deliciousness.

Storage and Reheating Tricks for Leftover Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Cover casserole with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated thoroughly, checking internal temperature reaches 165F.
• Transfer portion to microwave-safe dish. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Stop when food reaches steaming temperature.
• Cracker topping might lose crispness during storage. Consider adding fresh cracker crumbs before reheating to restore crunchiness and enhance overall flavor profile.

Side Dishes to Enjoy with Broccoli Cheese Casserole

• Select a bright, acidic Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the rich, creamy cheese and complement the broccoli's earthy flavor.
• Match the casserole alongside grilled chicken breast or baked pork tenderloin to create a balanced, satisfying meal that highlights the cheesy vegetable dish.
• Add warm, crusty sourdough or garlic bread to soak up the delicious cheese sauce and provide a contrasting texture to the soft casserole.
• Prepare a light, tangy green salad with a lemon vinaigrette to balance the casserole's richness and add a refreshing element to the plate.

New Ways to Make Broccoli Cheese Casserole

• Vegan Veggie Delight: Replace cheese with nutritional yeast and use dairy-free condensed soup. Swap butter for plant-based margarine and crackers with gluten-free breadcrumbs for a completely plant-based version.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute broccoli with cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrates. Use almond flour instead of crackers and add extra sharp cheddar for richer flavor.
• Protein-Packed Power Bowl: Mix in diced chicken or cooked ground turkey before baking. Incorporate Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise to boost protein content and add a tangy flavor.
• Keto-Friendly Option: Use full-fat cream cheese instead of condensed soup. Replace crackers with crushed pork rinds or almond flour. Select high-fat cheese varieties like gruyère or aged cheddar to maintain ketogenic macronutrient ratios.

Why Everyone Loves Easy Broccoli Cheese Casserole

• Broccoli Cheese Casserole Delights
• Prepare this crowd-pleasing dish in under 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans.
• Combines creamy cheese, tender broccoli, and crunchy cracker topping that appeals to both kids and adults, transforming a simple vegetable into an irresistible meal.
• Works brilliantly as a hearty side dish or standalone vegetarian main course, easily adaptable to different dietary preferences and meal styles.
• Needs basic mixing and assembling skills, making it an excellent recipe for beginner cooks or anyone wanting a foolproof, delicious meal without complex techniques.

Ingredients to Build a Flavorful Broccoli Cheese Casserole

• Broccoli: Fresh green vegetable with tons of nutrients, crisp texture, and mild flavor. Fresh or frozen work well, just ensure proper draining.

• Cheddar Cheese, Mayonnaise: Rich, melty cheese adds depth and creamy coating provides smoothness. Sharp or mild cheddar recommended.
• Sour Cream: Optional tangy ingredient that enhances overall creaminess and adds subtle richness.

• Condensed Soup: Creamy base that helps bind ingredients together and provides extra flavor.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds subtle tang and complexity to the overall dish.
• Garlic Powder: Provides warm, aromatic seasoning without raw garlic intensity.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing and enhancing overall taste profile.

• Crackers, Butter: Creates crispy, golden crust that adds textural contrast to creamy casserole. Buttery crackers recommended for best results.

How to Cook Broccoli Cheese Casserole Step-by-Step

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a cozy 350F (175C). Grab a rectangular baking dish and give it a light butter or oil massage so nothing sticks.

Step 2: Broccoli Prep Dance

Toss your broccoli into boiling water for a quick 2-3 minute bath. If using frozen friends, let them chill and drain completely.

• Condensed cream soup
• Mayonnaise
• Dijon mustard
• Garlic powder
• Cheddar cheese
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 3: Create The Creamy Mixture

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and swirl together all ingredients until they’re best friends. Gently fold in broccoli ensuring every green tree gets perfectly coated.

Step 4: Build Your Casserole Tower

Pour the broccoli mixture into your prepared dish. Sprinkle an extra handful of cheese on top for maximum deliciousness.

Step 5: Crunchy Topping Magic

Crush some buttery crackers and mix with melted butter. Shower this golden crumb blanket over your casserole.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top turns golden and edges start bubbling with excitement.

Step 7: Serve And Celebrate

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes. Scoop out generous portions and enjoy your creamy, cheesy masterpiece.

Tips That Bring Out the Best in Broccoli Casserole

• Optimize Broccoli Steaming: Blanch broccoli quickly to retain vibrant green color and crisp texture, ensuring it's not overcooked or mushy during the casserole preparation.
• Customize Cheese Selection: Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, gruyere, or monterey jack to create unique flavor profiles and enhance the dish's richness.
• Boost Cracker Topping: Use buttery ritz crackers or seasoned breadcrumbs for extra crunch, adding a delightful textural contrast to the creamy broccoli base.
• Lighten the Recipe: Substitute low-fat mayonnaise, reduced-fat cheese, and Greek yogurt to create a healthier version without compromising the casserole's delicious taste.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, storing it covered in the refrigerator and baking just before serving for convenient meal planning.

Easy Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comforting broccoli cheese casserole blends creamy textures with sharp cheddar and tender broccoli florets. Cheesy goodness meets simple home cooking, promising a delightful side dish for family meals and gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups (about 1 lb / 450 g) broccoli florets
• 2 cups (200 g) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 can (10.5 oz / 300 g) condensed cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup

Binding and Seasoning Ingredients:

• ½ cup (120 ml) mayonnaise or sour cream
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Topping Ingredients:

• 1 cup (100 g) crushed buttery crackers (such as Ritz)
• 2 tablespoons (30 g) unsalted butter, melted

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Instructions

1. Warm the culinary workspace by heating the oven to 350F (175C). Generously coat a rectangular baking vessel with a light layer of cooking lubricant to prevent adhesion.
2. Transform fresh or frozen broccoli into tender emerald florets. For fresh produce, submerge briefly in boiling liquid, then shock in ice water to halt cooking. Ensure frozen varieties are completely drained and moisture-free.
3. Create a creamy amalgamation by whisking condensed soup, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and most of the cheddar cheese into a harmonious blend. Gently incorporate broccoli segments, ensuring each piece is lavishly enrobed.
4. Elegantly transfer the verdant mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly to create a uniform landscape. Crown the surface with remaining cheese, allowing for a picturesque melted topping.
5. Craft a crispy exterior by pulverizing crackers and melding them with melted butter. Sprinkle this golden crumbly layer across the casserole’s summit, promising a delightful textural contrast.
6. Slide the assembled dish into the preheated oven, allowing heat to transform the ingredients. After 25-30 minutes, retrieve when the edges bubble enthusiastically and the topping achieves a rich amber hue.
7. Allow the casserole a brief moment of repose, permitting flavors to harmonize and temperature to moderate. Serve as a sumptuous side or standalone comfort creation.

Notes

• Choose crisp, fresh broccoli or high-quality frozen florets for the best texture and flavor intensity.
• Ensure broccoli is well-drained to prevent excess moisture and maintain a creamy, not watery, casserole consistency.
• Substitute low-fat cheese and Greek yogurt for a lighter, healthier version without compromising taste.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like sharp cheddar, gruyere, or monterey jack for unique flavor profiles.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 335
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 750 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg