Tasty Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe: Simple & Comforting

Comforting weeknight dinners call for a broccoli cheese casserole recipe that delivers pure satisfaction without complicated steps.

Warm, cheesy goodness flows through every single bite of this classic dish.

Families adore how quickly this casserole comes together with minimal ingredients.

Fresh broccoli provides a nutritious green foundation for the rich, creamy cheese sauce.

Sharp cheddar melts into a golden blanket, creating irresistible depth and flavor.

Simple ingredients transform an ordinary vegetable into something spectacular everyone will love.

Dive into this foolproof recipe and watch faces light up around the dinner table.

How To Store Easy Broccoli Cheese Casserole Right

• Smart Batch Cooking: Whip up two casseroles simultaneously – one for now and another to freeze. Wrap the second dish tightly in aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for 2-3 weeks.
• Portion Perfect Strategy: Divide leftovers into individual meal-sized containers for quick grab-and-go lunches. These single servings reheat beautifully in the microwave within 2-3 minutes.
• Freshness Guardian Technique: Store any remaining casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Consume within 3-4 days for optimal taste and texture. Always use clean utensils when scooping to prevent bacterial growth.
• Temperature Safety Method: Cool the casserole completely before refrigerating. Never leave the dish at room temperature for more than 2 hours to maintain food safety standards. Reheat until the internal temperature reaches 165°F to ensure thorough warming.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients You’ll Need For Easy Broccoli Cheese Casserole

• Broccoli: Fresh, vibrant green florets packed with nutrients, choose firm and crisp stalks for the best texture.
• Condensed Soup: Creamy base that adds richness and binds ingredients together, select low-sodium varieties for better control of saltiness.
• Mayonnaise: Provides silky smoothness and subtle tanginess, opt for real egg-based versions for authentic flavor.
• Sour Cream: Offers additional creaminess and light acidic note, full-fat versions create more luxurious texture.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, melty cheese that delivers robust flavor, select high-quality aged varieties for deeper taste.
• Garlic Powder: Adds subtle aromatic warmth without harsh raw garlic intensity, ensure freshness for maximum flavor.
• Dijon Mustard: Introduces gentle zesty undertone, choose smooth, high-quality French-style mustard.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers, use freshly ground black pepper for more vibrant taste.

• Crackers: Provides delightful crunchy texture, buttery varieties work best for golden, crispy layer.
• Butter: Helps crackers achieve beautiful golden-brown color and adds rich, nutty undertone, use unsalted for better seasoning control.

Gear To Grab For Easy Broccoli Cheese Casserole

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining all casserole ingredients smoothly.
• 9×13-inch baking dish: Perfect for even cooking and serving the casserole.
• Cutting board: Useful for preparing broccoli if using fresh vegetables.
• Chef's knife: Needed to chop or prepare broccoli if necessary.
• Small bowl: Great for mixing cracker topping and melting butter.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Critical for accurate ingredient proportions.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Helps mix ingredients and fold broccoli into the mixture.
• Cheese grater: Useful if grating cheese from a block instead of using pre-shredded.

Step-By-Step For Easy Broccoli Cheese Casserole

• Oven Preparation

Warm up your kitchen by setting the oven to a cozy 350F. Grab a baking dish and give it a quick spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.

• Broccoli Magic

Soften your green goodness by gently steaming or blanching until it’s tender but still vibrant. If using frozen broccoli, make sure it’s completely thawed and drained.

• Flavor Fusion

In a spacious mixing bowl, blend together creamy soup, tangy mayo, a whisper of garlic, and a generous handful of sharp cheddar. Gently fold in the broccoli, coating each floret with cheesy goodness.

• Casserole Construction

Pour the luscious mixture into your prepared dish. Sprinkle an extra layer of cheese on top for maximum deliciousness.

• Crunchy Crown

Crush some crackers and mix with melted butter. Scatter this golden, crispy topping across the casserole for a delightful crunch.

• Baking Transformation

Slide the dish into the oven and let it bubble and transform for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and the edges are temptingly bubbly.

• Serving Celebration

Let the casserole rest for a few moments, then dive into this comforting, cheesy masterpiece. Enjoy every creamy, crunchy bite!

Tips That Work For Easy Broccoli Cheese Casserole

• Smart Seasoning Tricks: Experiment with different cheese blends like gruyère or monterey jack for a more complex flavor profile that elevates the classic cheddar taste.
• Texture-Boosting Technique: Toast the cracker crumbs in a dry skillet before adding to the topping for extra crunchiness and a deeper golden-brown color that adds irresistible texture.
• Low-Carb Transformation: Replace crackers with crushed pork rinds or almond flour breadcrumbs to make the casserole keto-friendly while maintaining the signature crispy topping.
• Veggie Volume Upgrade: Mix in additional vegetables like cauliflower, carrots, or spinach to increase nutritional value and create a more colorful, diverse side dish that appeals to vegetable lovers.
• Protein Power Move: Incorporate diced chicken, ham, or cooked bacon into the casserole to turn this side dish into a hearty main course that satisfies hungry family members and provides extra protein.

Serving Suggestions For Easy Broccoli Cheese Casserole

• Brunch Brilliance: Pair this cheesy broccoli casserole with crispy bacon strips and soft scrambled eggs for a hearty morning feast.
• Family-Style Feast: Serve alongside roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, or grilled salmon to create a complete and satisfying dinner plate.
• Potluck Perfection: Transport this casserole in a covered dish to gatherings, where it'll become an instant crowd-pleasing side that stays warm and delicious.
• Healthy Twist: Add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or spinach to boost nutrition and create more colorful, interesting layers in the casserole.

Cheesy Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Hearty easy broccoli cheese casserole warms family dinner tables with classic comfort. Rich Wisconsin cheddar and tender broccoli florets blend perfectly for a creamy side dish you cannot resist.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (200 g) shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 cups (1 lb / 450 g) broccoli florets
• 1 can (10.5 oz / 300 g) condensed cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup
• ½ cup (120 ml) mayonnaise or sour cream
• 1 cup (100 g) crushed buttery crackers
• 2 tbsps (30 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prep Station: Position oven rack and preheat to 350F (175C). Select a baking dish and generously coat with cooking spray to prevent adherence.
2. Broccoli Preparation: Steam fresh florets until tender-crisp or thoroughly drain thawed frozen broccoli to eliminate excess moisture.
3. Flavor Foundation: Whisk condensed soup, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and half the cheddar cheese in a large mixing bowl until smooth and well-integrated.
4. Assemble Casserole: Fold broccoli into creamy mixture, ensuring complete and even coating. Transfer to prepared baking dish, spreading mixture uniformly.
5. Cheese and Crunch Layer: Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese over broccoli mixture. Combine crushed crackers with melted butter and scatter evenly across the top to create a golden, crispy crown.
6. Baking Process: Slide casserole into preheated oven and bake until edges bubble vigorously and topping turns a rich, appetizing golden-brown, approximately 25-30 minutes.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Allow casserole to rest briefly after removing from oven, permitting flavors to meld and texture to set. Serve warm as a comforting side dish or standalone meal.

Notes

• Optimize Broccoli Texture: Blanch fresh broccoli briefly to maintain vibrant color and crisp-tender texture, preventing mushiness and preserving nutritional value.
• Moisture Management: Drain thawed or blanched broccoli thoroughly using a colander or paper towels to eliminate excess water, ensuring a creamy and not watery casserole.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Use freshly grated cheese for superior melting quality and enhanced flavor, avoiding pre-shredded varieties that contain anti-caking agents.
• Cracker Topping Hack: Experiment with different cracker types like Ritz or panko breadcrumbs for varied crunch levels, adjusting butter quantity to achieve perfect golden-brown coverage.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 730 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 11 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg