If you have ever craved a comforting, cheesy, and veggie-packed dish that feels like a warm hug, then this Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe is just what you need. This classic casserole brings together tender broccoli florets enveloped in a creamy, flavorful sauce loaded with sharp cheddar cheese and topped with a golden, buttery cracker crust. Whether you’re serving it as a hearty side or a main dish, this recipe showcases broccoli in the most deliciously irresistible way possible. It’s effortless to make yet delivers on every level of taste, texture, and soul-satisfying goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe lies in its simple but truly essential ingredients. Each one contributes to layers of flavor and texture that make the dish so memorable—from the crisp broccoli to the rich cheddar, and the savory sautéed onions that bring it all together.
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (or frozen, thawed): The star vegetable, providing vibrant color and a tender-crisp bite.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the onions to sweetness.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Brings a mild savory depth when softened.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup: Creates the creamy, comforting base that holds everything together.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds tang and smooth texture to the casserole filling.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances flavor without overpowering the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: A subtle kick that balances the richness.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Elevates the natural flavors.
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided: The gooey, melty magic—some mixed in and some sprinkled on top for extra cheesiness.
- 1/2 cup crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz): Creates a crispy, golden topping that contrasts wonderfully with the creaminess below.
- 1 tablespoon melted butter: Binds the cracker topping and adds irresistible richness.
How to Make Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli
Start by steaming or boiling the broccoli just until it’s tender-crisp, about 4 to 5 minutes. This step ensures your broccoli retains its bright green color and a little crunch, preventing it from becoming mushy in the casserole.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions
While the broccoli cools, melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat and sauté the chopped onions until soft and translucent, which should take 3 to 4 minutes. This gentle cooking releases their natural sweetness, building a lovely flavor base.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the cooked broccoli, sautéed onions, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Mixing these ingredients thoroughly ensures every bite of this Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe has that perfect creamy, cheesy consistency.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish lightly, then spread the broccoli mixture evenly over the bottom. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top to add a savory, cheesy cap.
Step 5: Add the Crispy Topping
Mix the crushed buttery crackers with the melted butter until well combined, then sprinkle this golden topping evenly over the cheese layer. This adds a wonderful crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.
Step 6: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden
Bake the casserole in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until it’s bubbly around the edges and the topping turns a delicious golden brown. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle and the casserole to firm up slightly.
How to Serve Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To add a fresh and colorful pop, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives over the top just before serving. A handful of extra shredded cheddar can also be melted on top under a broiler for a few minutes for an ultra-cheesy finish.
Side Dishes
This Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe pairs beautifully with roasted meats, such as chicken or pork, for a comforting meal. It also complements lighter proteins like grilled fish or tofu brilliantly. For a vegetarian feast, serve alongside a crisp mixed green salad or warm crusty bread.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the casserole in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation. You can also turn it into a layered bake by adding cooked rice or quinoa between layers of broccoli mixture for added texture and heartiness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover leftover broccoli cheese casserole tightly and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors only get better the next day, making it an excellent option for meal prep or quick weeknight dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole either before or after baking. If freezing before baking, assemble in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. For freezing leftovers, portion into airtight containers and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated leftovers in a 350°F oven until warmed through and the topping revives its crispy texture, about 15 to 20 minutes. For frozen casseroles, bake covered for about 45 minutes at the same temperature, then uncover for the last 10 minutes to brown the topping nicely.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes! Frozen broccoli works just fine in this Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe as long as it’s thawed thoroughly and drained well to avoid excess moisture that could make the casserole watery.
Can I substitute the cream of mushroom soup with something else?
Absolutely. Cream of chicken or cream of cheddar soup can be used depending on your preference or dietary needs. Each will slightly alter the flavor but still keep the casserole creamy and delicious.
Is there a way to add protein to this casserole?
You can easily add cooked shredded chicken or cooked rice to the mixture for a more filling, hearty main dish version of this Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe.
How do I make the topping extra crunchy?
Make sure to toss the crushed crackers with melted butter before sprinkling. Baking until the topping is golden and bubbly is key to getting that crispy bite that contrasts perfectly with the creamy broccoli.
Can I make this casserole vegan?
To veganize this Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe, substitute the cheddar cheese with plant-based cheese alternatives, use a dairy-free sour cream, and replace the condensed soup with a vegan cream sauce. Choose vegan crackers for the topping, and you’re all set!
Final Thoughts
This Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like a cozy, cheesy celebration in every forkful. It’s approachable, adaptable, and remarkably satisfying whether served at a family dinner or a holiday gathering. I encourage you to give it a try and experience firsthand how this humble vegetable transforms into a standout crowd-pleaser. Once you do, it just might become your new go-to comfort food!
Print
Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Broccoli Cheese Casserole is a comforting and cheesy side dish perfect for any meal or holiday gathering. Featuring tender broccoli florets combined with a savory cream of mushroom base, sharp cheddar cheese, and a crunchy buttery cracker topping, this casserole bakes to bubbly golden perfection. It’s an easy and versatile recipe that can be customized with different soups or added proteins for a heartier option.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (or frozen, thawed)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
Topping
- 1/2 cup crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
Instructions
- Prepare and cook broccoli: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish. Steam or boil the broccoli florets just until tender-crisp, approximately 4 to 5 minutes. Drain well and set aside to cool slightly.
- Sauté onions: In a skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes until they become soft and translucent.
- Combine casserole mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked broccoli, sautéed onions, condensed cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Mix all ingredients thoroughly until evenly combined.
- Assemble in baking dish: Transfer the broccoli mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Prepare topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed buttery crackers with the melted butter until the crumbs are well coated. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cheese layer on the casserole.
- Bake the casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cracker topping is golden brown and crisp.
- Rest and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly and enhance the flavors.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of chicken or cream of cheddar soup if you prefer a different flavor.
- To make the casserole heartier, add cooked rice or shredded chicken to the mixture before baking.
- Frozen broccoli may be used but ensure it is completely thawed and well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
