Cheesy Broccoli Casserole Recipe

Creamy Cheesy Broccoli Casserole Recipe To Make

Broccoli casserole introduces comfort food to a whole new level when you need something warm and satisfying on the table.

Families gather around meals like this because they deliver that cozy, home-cooked feeling everyone craves after a long day.

The combination works beautifully for weeknight dinners or potluck gatherings where crowd-pleasers are always welcome.

Even picky eaters tend to enjoy this dish, making it a reliable option when feeding different tastes and preferences.

It pairs well with almost any main course while standing strong enough to shine on its own.

Leftovers reheat wonderfully, so you can enjoy the same delicious flavors multiple times throughout the week.

Whether hosting friends or simply feeding the family, this recipe gives every single time.

Why Broccoli Casserole Is a Classic

  • Quick Crowd-Pleaser: This broccoli casserole comes together faster than ordering takeout, making it perfect when friends drop by or your family wants something comforting.
  • Pantry-Friendly Dish: Chances are good you already have most ingredients hanging around your kitchen, so no special shopping trip is needed before creating this hearty side.
  • Veggie Sneaker: Kids who typically dodge vegetables will happily dig into this cheesy, creamy casserole without realizing how nutritious broccoli can be.
  • Flexible Favorite: Whether hosting a potluck, family dinner, or searching for a simple side dish, this casserole adapts beautifully to whatever meal you’re planning.

Ingredients at a Glance for Broccoli Casserole

Main Vegetables:
  • Frozen Chopped Broccoli (2 10-oz packages): The star of the dish, cooked and drained to create a tender base for your casserole.
Dairy and Creamy Elements:
  • Mayonnaise (1/2 cup), Sour Cream (1/2 cup), Sharp Cheddar Cheese (1 cup plus 1/2 cup): These ingredients bring richness and a creamy texture to your casserole, with extra cheese for topping.
Binding and Flavor Ingredients:
  • Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup (1 10 3/4-oz can): Adds depth and helps bind the casserole together.
  • Large Eggs (2, beaten): Provides structure and helps hold the casserole ingredients.
  • Garlic Powder (1/4 tsp): Gives a subtle background flavor to enhance the dish.
  • Salt and Pepper (to taste): Seasons the casserole perfectly to your preference.
  • Crackers (1 cup, crushed): Creates a crispy, golden topping that adds wonderful texture to your casserole.

What Tools Are Used for Broccoli Casserole

  • 9×13-inch Casserole Dish: Essential for mixing and baking your broccoli casserole, ensuring even cooking and easy serving.
  • Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining all your ingredients smoothly and thoroughly before transferring to the baking dish.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for getting your ingredient quantities just right and maintaining the recipe’s balance.
  • Cheese Grater: Helpful for grating fresh cheddar cheese if you prefer to shred your own instead of using pre-shredded cheese.
  • Whisk or Fork: Great for beating eggs and blending ingredients together until they’re well incorporated.
  • Aluminum Foil: Necessary for covering the casserole during initial baking to prevent over-browning.
  • Cutting Board: Useful for chopping broccoli or preparing any additional ingredients.
  • Sharp Knife: Needed for slicing and chopping vegetables or other recipe components.

Cheesy Broccoli Casserole Step-by-Step Directions

Cheesy Broccoli Casserole Step-by-Step Directions
1

Prepare Oven and Dish

Crank the oven up to 350°F and grab a casserole dish. Coat the inside with non-stick spray to prevent any sticky situations.

2

Mix Broccoli Base

Grab a large mixing bowl and toss in these ingredients:

  • 2 (10 oz) packages frozen chopped broccoli, already cooked and drained
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 (10 ¾ oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to make it taste just right

Stir everything together until it’s well combined and looks creamy.

3

Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the broccoli mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly so every bite gets the same delicious flavor.

4

Add Cheesy Topping

Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese over the top. Then scatter 1 cup of crushed crackers for a nice crunchy finish.

5

First Bake

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and slide it into the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes at 350°F.

6

Final Crisp

Remove the foil and pop the casserole back in the oven. Bake for another 10 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden brown.

7

Serve and Enjoy

Pull the casserole out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve it warm and watch everyone dig in!

Foolproof Tips for Broccoli Casserole

  • Chop broccoli into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and easy eating.
  • Blend all ingredients in a big bowl until everything is well combined and looks creamy.
  • Sprinkle extra cheese on top for a crispy, golden-brown crust that adds texture to your casserole.
  • Crush crackers just before adding to keep them crisp and prevent soggy topping.
  • Watch the casserole closely during the last 10 minutes to prevent burning the crackers.

Broccoli Casserole Variations With Alternate Versions

  • Dairy-Free Delight: Replace mayonnaise, sour cream, and cheddar cheese with non-dairy alternatives like vegan mayo, cashew cream, and dairy-free cheese shreds to make the casserole friendly for those avoiding dairy.
  • Protein Punch: Add cooked diced chicken or ground turkey to the broccoli mixture for extra protein, using about 1 cup of meat and reducing the broccoli by the same amount.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular crackers for gluten-free crackers or crushed gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the casserole safe for those with gluten sensitivities, keeping the same measurement of cracker topping.
  • Low-Carb Swap: Replace crackers with crushed pork rinds or almond flour mixed with grated Parmesan cheese to create a crispy topping that keeps the carb count low for your keto diet.

Serving Ideas That Work Well for Broccoli Casserole

  • Serve It Hot: Bring this creamy casserole straight from the oven to your dinner table for maximum comfort and flavor.
  • Perfect Side Dish: Pair this broccoli casserole with roasted chicken or grilled steak for a hearty meal that satisfies your whole family.
  • Crunch Factor: Crush extra crackers on top right before serving to give your dish a fresh, crispy texture that adds excitement to each bite.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the casserole earlier in the day and refrigerate, then bake when you’re ready for a stress-free dinner solution.

How to Store Cheesy Broccoli Casserole

  • Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping the crispy cracker topping separate to maintain its crunch.
  • Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, covering with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out.
  • For the best texture, warm the casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes, which helps restore the crispy topping and keeps the creamy interior smooth.
  • If freezing, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store for up to 2 months – thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Broccoli Casserole FAQs

FAQ

Can I use frozen broccoli for this casserole?

Absolutely! Just thaw and drain the broccoli completely before mixing. Frozen works great and saves you chopping time.

FAQ

What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?

No worries. Cream of celery or cream of chicken soup are perfect substitutes that won’t change the overall flavor profile.

FAQ

Are crackers necessary for the topping?

The crackers add wonderful crunch, but if your pantry is bare, breadcrumbs work perfectly as an alternative topping.

FAQ

Can this casserole be made ahead of time?

Definitely! Assemble the entire dish, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Just add 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time.

FAQ

Is this recipe good for potlucks?

This casserole travels well and tastes delicious at room temperature, making it an excellent potluck or party dish that everyone will enjoy.

FAQ

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Simply swap the cream of mushroom soup for a vegetarian version and use vegetable broth if needed. The rest of the recipe stays the same.

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Cheesy Broccoli Casserole Recipe

Cheesy Broccoli Casserole Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 to 8 1x

Description

Comfort meets classic with Paula Deen’s broccoli casserole that brings Southern charm right to your dinner table. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with wholesome goodness, this dish turns simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing side that makes your family smile.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 10 oz packages frozen chopped broccoli, cooked and drained
  • 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 can 10 ¾ oz condensed cream of mushroom soup

Supporting Ingredients:

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 2 large eggs

Seasoning and Topping:

  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 cup crackers, crushed
  • salt (to taste)
  • pepper (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and generously coat a 9×13 inch casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray.
  2. Drain the two 10 oz packages of cooked broccoli completely, pressing out excess moisture with paper towels.
  3. Whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, ½ cup sour cream, 1 cup grated cheddar cheese, 10¾ oz cream of mushroom soup, and 2 beaten eggs in a large mixing bowl.
  4. Add ¼ tsp garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the mixture, stirring until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
  5. Fold the prepared broccoli into the creamy mixture, ensuring even distribution.
  6. Transfer the broccoli mixture to the prepared casserole dish, spreading it smoothly to create an even layer.
  7. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese across the top of the casserole.
  8. Crush 1 cup of crackers into fine crumbs and distribute evenly over the cheese layer.
  9. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.
  10. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the top turns golden brown and crispy.
  11. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving to help it set and cool slightly.

Notes

  • Ensure broccoli is thoroughly drained to prevent a watery casserole that won’t set properly.
  • Crush crackers coarsely for maximum crunch and better texture across the top of your dish.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap regular crackers with gluten-free alternatives and use cornstarch instead of flour if needed.
  • Room temperature eggs blend more smoothly into the casserole mixture, creating a more consistent texture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Casseroles
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6 to 8
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 580 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 16 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Daniel Navarro

Daniel Navarro

Culinary Content Director

Expertise

Mexican-inspired Menus, Seasonal Restaurant Specials, Shared Plate Dining, Tequila Pairings, Chef-driven Recipes

Education

City Colleges of Chicago
  • Program: Culinary Arts, Associate in Applied Science
  • Focus: Trained in hands-on food production in a commercial food-service setting, with coursework that covers culinary technique, ethnic and classical menus, business planning, cost control, and merchandising.

Daniel writes about bold flavors, chef-driven dishes, and the kind of restaurant moments that turn tacos, mezcal, and shared plates into a night worth repeating.

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