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
Scale
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.
