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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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