Name: Creamy Broccoli Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (16-ounce) package frozen broccoli; 1 (6-ounce) can condensed cream of celery soup; 1 cup mayonnaise; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 2 eggs, lightly beaten; 1/2 cup cheese crackers (crushed); 1–2 tablespoons instant minced onion or onion powder; 1 tablespoon butter or margarine

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If you’re looking for a dish that’s comforting, flavorful, and easy to make, then you’re going to love this Creamy Broccoli Casserole! Imagine tender broccoli enveloped in a creamy, cheesy sauce with a crunchy, golden topping. It’s like the ultimate cozy side dish that can steal the show at any dinner table. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday meal, a family gathering, or just a weeknight dinner, this casserole will definitely become a favorite. Trust me, the balance of flavors and textures is so satisfying, and it’s guaranteed to have everyone asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love Creamy Broccoli Casserole

This casserole isn’t just a side dish; it’s an absolute crowd-pleaser. Here’s why it’s a must-try:

Comforting & Hearty: Broccoli never tasted so indulgent! The creamy sauce and melted cheese make this casserole hearty enough to serve as a main dish or a crowd-pleasing side.

Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The combination of savory, cheesy goodness with the natural brightness of the broccoli creates a perfect balance of flavors. Every bite is rich, but not overwhelming.

Simple & Quick: With just a few ingredients, you can create a dish that looks and tastes like it took hours to prepare. It’s ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Make-Ahead-Friendly: You can prepare this casserole in advance and bake it just before serving. It’s perfect for meal prepping or making ahead for a big dinner or holiday spread.

Kid-Friendly: If you’re trying to get your little ones to eat more veggies, this is a great way to sneak in some greens. The creamy, cheesy sauce makes broccoli so much more enticing!

Ingredients

Ready to make this creamy and comforting casserole? Here’s what you’ll need:

Broccoli

The star of the dish! Fresh or frozen broccoli works great here, but fresh gives the casserole a more vibrant texture.

Cream of Mushroom Soup

This ingredient brings a velvety richness to the casserole and binds everything together in a creamy sauce.

Cheddar Cheese

Sharp, melted cheddar cheese is essential for that ooey-gooey, cheesy goodness. It adds depth and flavor that pairs perfectly with the broccoli.

Sour Cream

For an extra touch of creaminess and a slight tang, sour cream is mixed in to enhance the richness of the casserole.

Garlic Powder

A little garlic powder goes a long way in boosting the flavor of the sauce and bringing all the ingredients together.

Crushed Crackers (Optional)

For that irresistible crunch on top, you can add a layer of crushed crackers, like Ritz, before baking. It’s the perfect finishing touch!

Butter

Melted butter is combined with the crushed crackers for the crunchy topping, giving the casserole that crispy golden finish.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Here’s how to make this creamy, cheesy, and totally irresistible broccoli casserole:

Prepare the Broccoli

If you’re using fresh broccoli, steam or blanch it until just tender—about 5-7 minutes. If using frozen broccoli, thaw and drain any excess water. You want the broccoli to stay crisp and vibrant!

Make the Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, garlic powder, and half of the cheddar cheese. Stir until the mixture is smooth and the cheese is evenly distributed.

Combine Ingredients

Add the steamed broccoli to the bowl with the creamy sauce. Toss everything together gently, making sure all the broccoli is coated with the sauce. Be careful not to break the broccoli into small pieces.

Transfer to Casserole Dish

Transfer the broccoli mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.

Prepare the Topping

In a small bowl, melt the butter and mix with the crushed crackers. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole. This will create that irresistible, golden, crunchy topping.

Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the casserole is bubbly.

Serve & Enjoy

Once it’s out of the oven, let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. It’s creamy, cheesy, and the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Serve warm and enjoy the praise!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 280

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

How to Serve Creamy Broccoli Casserole

This casserole pairs wonderfully with a variety of main dishes. Here are a few ideas to complete your meal:

With Roasted Chicken: Serve alongside roasted or grilled chicken for a comforting and well-rounded meal.

As a Side to Steak or Pork: It also works great as a side dish to beef or pork, adding a creamy element to balance out the richness of the meat.

With Rice or Mashed Potatoes: For an extra hearty meal, serve this casserole over a bed of rice or alongside mashed potatoes.

For a Vegetarian Meal: You can easily enjoy this casserole as a standalone dish, especially if you’re serving it with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad.

Additional Tips

Here are a few extra tips to make this casserole even better:

Use Fresh Broccoli for Best Results: Fresh broccoli gives the casserole a better texture and vibrant green color. However, frozen broccoli will work too—just make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly.

Make Ahead: You can prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. It’s a great option for meal prepping or preparing for a holiday dinner.

Adjust the Cheese: While cheddar cheese is traditional, you can switch it up with Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or a blend of your favorite cheeses for a unique twist.

Add Some Protein: If you want to turn this into a more substantial meal, try adding cooked chicken or sausage to the casserole for some extra protein.

Skip the Crackers for Gluten-Free: If you’re gluten-free, simply skip the cracker topping and try using gluten-free breadcrumbs instead.

Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
A1: Yes! Frozen broccoli works well here. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before using to prevent the casserole from becoming too watery.

Q2: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover and refrigerate it, then bake it when you’re ready to serve.

Q3: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A3: Yes! While cheddar is the classic choice, you can use other cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a cheese blend for a different flavor profile.

Q4: How long will leftovers last?
A4: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture, or microwave in small portions.

Q5: Can I add other vegetables to this casserole?
A5: Absolutely! You can add cauliflower, carrots, or peas to the casserole for added variety and color.

Q6: Can I make this casserole without sour cream?
A6: Yes, you can substitute the sour cream with more cream of mushroom soup or use Greek yogurt for a healthier option.

Q7: Can I skip the cracker topping?
A7: Yes, if you prefer a gluten-free version or simply don’t want the crunchy topping, feel free to leave it out. You can also use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead.

Q8: Can I freeze this casserole?
A8: Yes, you can freeze the unbaked casserole. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and it will last for up to 3 months. Bake it directly from the freezer, just adding a bit more time to the cooking.

Q9: How do I make this casserole spicier?
A9: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños to the casserole to give it a spicy kick.

Q10: What should I serve this casserole with?
A10: This casserole pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, steak, or pork. You can also serve it with rice, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad for a well-rounded meal.

Conclusion

Creamy Broccoli Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—rich, cheesy, and full of flavor. Whether you’re making it for a holiday meal, a family dinner, or just as a tasty side, this casserole is guaranteed to impress. The creamy broccoli combined with the cheesy, savory sauce and crunchy topping is a winning combination every time. Give it a try, and you’ll see why it’s such a beloved classic!