This Broccoli-Cheese Casserole is a cozy dish that brings together tender broccoli and creamy cheese for a hearty meal. It’s perfect for a family dinner or any gathering!
You won’t believe how quick and easy it is to whip this up! I love adding extra cheese just because. Who can resist gooey goodness, right? 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli gives the best texture and flavor, but frozen broccoli is a great time-saver. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid sogginess.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar is my favorite since it adds great flavor. If you can’t find it, try using mild cheddar, or mix in some pepper jack for a kick.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: While canned soup is convenient, you can easily make a homemade version using cream, mushrooms, and stock. It enhances freshness and taste!
Mayonnaise: This adds creaminess. If you prefer, plain Greek yogurt is a healthier alternative with a similar texture.
Crushed Butter Crackers: Ritz crackers are always a hit for topping, but you can use any buttery crackers or even panko breadcrumbs for a lighter texture.
How Do I Perfectly Prepare the Broccoli?
Whether using fresh or frozen broccoli, you want to ensure it’s cooked just right for the casserole. For fresh broccoli, steaming is the way to go! It keeps it bright green and tender, without losing nutrients.
- Steam fresh florets for about 5 minutes. They should be bright green and tender, not mushy.
- If using frozen broccoli, thaw and drain it fully. Press out excess moisture for a better texture in your casserole.
- Always check for doneness. Overcooked broccoli will turn mushy and watery in the dish.
Delicious Broccoli-Cheese Casserole Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (or 2 cups frozen broccoli, thawed)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cream of mushroom soup (or homemade)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Topping:
- 1 cup crushed butter crackers (like Ritz) or breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Broccoli-Cheese Casserole will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake. So, in total, you’re looking at around 45-50 minutes to have a warm, cheesy dish ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and grease it lightly. This will help prevent the casserole from sticking.
2. Prepare the Broccoli:
If you’re using fresh broccoli, steam the florets for about 5 minutes. You’re looking for them to be bright green and tender. Once done, drain them and set aside. If you’re going with frozen broccoli, make sure it’s thoroughly thawed and drained so it doesn’t make your casserole watery.
3. Make the Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s nice and smooth.
4. Add the Broccoli and Cheese:
Next, gently fold in the steamed or thawed broccoli along with 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until everything is well coated with the creamy goodness.
5. Assemble the Casserole:
Pour your broccoli-cheese mixture into the greased baking dish and spread it out evenly with a spatula. This will be the base of your casserole.
6. Prepare the Topping:
In a separate bowl, mix the crushed butter crackers (or breadcrumbs) with the melted butter until they’re evenly moistened. This tasty topping will add a nice crunch to your casserole.
7. Add the Topping:
Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the broccoli-casserole. Don’t forget to save the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheese to sprinkle on top!
8. Bake It:
Now, pop your casserole into the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Once baked, let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Perfect as a side dish or even on its own—enjoy your delicious Broccoli-Cheese Casserole!
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli in This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen broccoli, just make sure it’s completely thawed and drained before adding it to the casserole. This will help prevent excess moisture in your dish, ensuring a perfectly cheesy and creamy casserole.
How to Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Simply follow the recipe up to the point of adding the topping, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, remove it from the fridge, add the topping, and increase baking time by about 10-15 minutes to ensure it’s heated through.
What Should I Do with Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quicker option!
Can I Substitute Different Cheeses?
Yes, feel free to mix it up! You can use other types of cheese like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a pepper jack for a bit of spice. Just remember to adjust the amount to keep the cheese flavor prominent in the casserole.
