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)
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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)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping)
Instructions
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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.
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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.
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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.
