This easy broccoli cheese casserole is a comforting and delicious dish that’s perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or even a quick weeknight meal. Loaded with tender broccoli, a rich and creamy cheese sauce, and a crispy topping, this casserole is sure to become a household favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple and Quick – With minimal prep and easy-to-find ingredients, this dish comes together effortlessly.
- Crowd-Pleaser – The combination of cheese and broccoli is always a hit with both kids and adults.
- Versatile – Serve it as a side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any weeknight meal.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – You can assemble it ahead of time and bake it when needed.
- Customizable – Swap out ingredients to fit your dietary needs or preferences.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Fresh or frozen broccoli
- Cheddar cheese
- Cream of mushroom (or cream of chicken) soup
- Mayonnaise or sour cream
- Eggs
- Onion, finely chopped
- Butter
- Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs for topping
- Salt and pepper
Directions
- Preheat Oven – Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Prepare Broccoli – If using fresh broccoli, steam or blanch it until tender. If using frozen, thaw and drain excess moisture.
- Mix Ingredients – In a large bowl, combine the broccoli, shredded cheese, cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise (or sour cream), eggs, and chopped onion. Mix well and season with salt and pepper.
- Assemble Casserole – Transfer the mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Add Topping – Melt butter and mix it with crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
- Bake – Place in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve – Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Variations
- Add Protein – Mix in cooked chicken, turkey, or ham for a heartier dish.
- Low-Carb Version – Replace the cracker topping with crushed pork rinds or almond flour.
- Spicy Twist – Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a kick.
- Different Cheese – Try using mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Gruyère for a unique flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or omit the topping entirely.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Wrap the casserole tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.
FAQs
How do I prevent the casserole from becoming watery?
Make sure to drain excess moisture from the broccoli before mixing it with the other ingredients.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it up to a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Just steam or blanch it until tender before adding it to the mixture.
What can I use instead of mayonnaise?
Sour cream or Greek yogurt are great substitutes for a lighter option.
Can I add meat to this casserole?
Yes, cooked chicken, turkey, or ham make great additions.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
It can be made keto by omitting the cracker topping and using full-fat ingredients.
What can I use instead of Ritz crackers?
Breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes, or even panko can work as a topping.
Can I use different cheeses?
Yes, cheddar is classic, but mozzarella, Swiss, or pepper jack are great alternatives.
How do I make it extra crispy on top?
Broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes for a golden, crispy topping.
What pairs well with this casserole?
It pairs well with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or even a simple green salad.
Conclusion
Easy broccoli cheese casserole is a comforting, cheesy, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve it as a holiday side or a cozy weeknight meal, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. Try different variations to suit your taste, and enjoy this delicious, homemade casserole!
PrintEasy Broccoli Cheese Casserole
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Broccoli Cheese Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting side dish perfect for holidays or busy weeknights. Made with simple ingredients like broccoli, cheese, and a crispy cracker topping, this dish comes together quickly and will be a family favorite!
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (or 2 (10-ounce) bags frozen, thawed and drained)
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers (or butter crackers)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the broccoli: If using fresh, steam or boil for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender. Drain well. If using frozen, ensure it’s fully thawed and drained.
- Make the creamy mixture: In a large bowl, mix the soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Combine: Add the drained broccoli to the mixture and stir to coat. Transfer to the greased baking dish.
- Make the topping: In a small bowl, mix crushed crackers with melted butter. Sprinkle over the casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra creaminess, add 1/2 cup of mayonnaise or cream cheese.
- Want protein? Add cooked shredded chicken or diced ham.
- Try using different cheeses like mozzarella, Swiss, or Monterey Jack for a new twist.
- Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
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