Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Broccoli Cheese Casserole is the perfect combination of flavors and textures—tender broccoli, creamy cheese sauce, and a crispy topping. It’s not only comforting but also an easy way to sneak in some vegetables while enjoying the indulgent taste of cheese. The creamy sauce binds everything together, and the crunchy topping adds texture and a bit of extra flavor. This recipe is ideal for feeding a crowd or making a comforting side dish for any meal. Plus, it’s simple to make and can be prepped ahead of time, making it a go-to dish for busy days!
Ingredients
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4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup for non-vegetarian version)
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1 cup sour cream
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2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
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1 cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs (for topping)
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2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
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Cook the broccoli: If using fresh broccoli, steam or blanch the broccoli florets in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until bright green and tender. Drain well. If using frozen broccoli, thaw it and drain any excess water.
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Make the cheese sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream, cooking until warmed through. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika (if using).
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Combine broccoli and sauce: Add the cooked broccoli to the cheese sauce and stir until the broccoli is evenly coated.
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Transfer to the baking dish: Pour the broccoli and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
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Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers (or breadcrumbs) with the melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
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Bake the casserole: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
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Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 6-8 servings
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Prep time: 10 minutes
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Cook time: 30 minutes
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Total time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Make it lighter: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and opt for a reduced-fat cheese or a lower-calorie soup to make the dish lighter.
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Different cheeses: Swap cheddar for mozzarella, Gruyère, or a sharp cheese like Asiago for a different flavor profile.
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Vegetarian version: Use a vegetarian cream of mushroom or chicken soup to keep it vegetarian.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Leftover Broccoli Cheese Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Freezing: This casserole can be frozen before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble the casserole and cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Bake from frozen at 350°F for 45-50 minutes. To freeze after baking, let it cool completely and then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months.
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Reheating: To reheat, bake the casserole at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings for 1-2 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Yes, frozen broccoli works great! Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before using it in the casserole to prevent excess moisture.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to 1 day in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator, and bake it when you’re ready to serve. If it’s cold from the fridge, it may need an additional 5-10 minutes in the oven.
Can I use a different type of soup?
Yes, you can substitute the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken soup or any cream-based soup you prefer. For a vegetarian version, look for a vegetarian cream of mushroom soup.
Can I make this casserole without the topping?
Yes! If you prefer a softer casserole, you can skip the cracker topping. The casserole will still be creamy and delicious without it.
How do I prevent the casserole from being too watery?
Make sure to drain the broccoli thoroughly before adding it to the cheese sauce to avoid excess moisture. If you’re using frozen broccoli, squeezing out the water after thawing can help.
Can I add more cheese to the casserole?
Absolutely! If you love extra cheese, feel free to add more shredded cheddar or try mixing in different cheeses for added flavor.
How do I make the casserole spicier?
For a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or even some diced jalapeños to the cheese sauce for a spicy kick.
Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute the crackers with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Make sure to use a gluten-free cream of mushroom or chicken soup as well.
Can I use a different topping?
Yes! You can use crushed potato chips, panko breadcrumbs, or even a cheesy topping for variation. Just be sure to toss the topping with a little melted butter or olive oil to ensure it gets crispy.
Can I use a different type of vegetable?
Yes! You can swap the broccoli for cauliflower, asparagus, or even spinach. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the vegetable you choose.
Conclusion
Broccoli Cheese Casserole is the perfect comfort food, combining creamy cheese sauce, tender broccoli, and a crispy topping for a deliciously satisfying dish. It’s an easy-to-make side dish that pairs well with any main course and can be made ahead of time for convenience. Whether served on a holiday table or as part of a weeknight dinner, this casserole is sure to be a hit with everyone!
Broccoli Cheese Carehouse
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Snack, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Broccoli Cheese Casserole is a comforting dish that combines tender broccoli with a creamy, cheesy sauce, topped with a crispy finish. Perfect for holiday meals, weeknight dinners, or potlucks, this dish is an easy-to-make family favorite. With its rich flavors and textures, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a great way to sneak in some veggies.
Ingredients
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4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
-
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
-
1 small onion, finely chopped
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup for non-vegetarian version)
-
1 cup sour cream
-
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
-
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
-
1/2 teaspoon salt
-
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
-
1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
-
1 cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs (for topping)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping)
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
-
Cook the broccoli: Steam or blanch fresh broccoli florets in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until bright green and tender. If using frozen broccoli, thaw and drain any excess water.
-
Make the cheese sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in cream of mushroom soup and sour cream, cooking until warmed through. Add shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
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Combine broccoli and sauce: Add the cooked broccoli to the cheese sauce and stir until well-coated.
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Transfer to the baking dish: Pour the broccoli and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.
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Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers (or breadcrumbs) with the melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
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Bake the casserole: Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
- Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Freezing: Freeze the casserole before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and bake from frozen at 350°F for 45-50 minutes. If freezing after baking, let it cool completely and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months.Reheating: Reheat at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or microwave individual servings for 1-2 minutes.
