Broccoli Cheese Casserole is one of those timeless comfort dishes that’s simple to make and always a hit at the table. It combines tender broccoli with a creamy, cheesy sauce and a golden cracker topping. This dish works great as a side for family dinners, potlucks, or holiday meals. It’s also a smart way to get more veggies into your meal without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients
4 cups fresh broccoli florets
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup milk
1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a casserole dish.
Step 2
In a large mixing bowl, stir together the cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Step 3
Add the broccoli florets and half of the cheddar cheese. Mix until everything is well coated.
Step 4
Spoon the mixture into the prepared dish and spread it out evenly.
Step 5
Top with the remaining cheese, then sprinkle the crushed Ritz crackers over the top.
Step 6
Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes until the top is golden and the edges are bubbly.
Step 7
Let cool slightly before serving.
How to Serve
Serve warm as a side dish with chicken, turkey, or roast beef. It also pairs well with salads or as part of a vegetarian plate. You can sprinkle extra cheese on top when serving if you like more richness.
How to Store
Allow leftovers to cool completely. Cover the dish or place the casserole in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until hot, or microwave individual portions as needed.
Tips
Use fresh broccoli for the best texture, but frozen broccoli also works if it’s thawed and drained. For a crispier topping, mix the crackers with a tablespoon of melted butter before sprinkling. Add cooked chicken or ham to make this dish a full meal. You can also swap the soup for cream of chicken or cream of broccoli.
Variation
Try adding cooked rice to the mix for a broccoli rice casserole. Use different cheeses like Monterey Jack or a blend for more flavor. You can also stir in chopped mushrooms or sautéed onions for extra texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, just make sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid extra water in the casserole.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the casserole and refrigerate it unbaked for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.
Is it vegetarian?
As long as your cream of mushroom soup is vegetarian, the whole dish is too.
Broccoli Cheese Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add the broccoli florets and half of the shredded cheddar cheese, mixing until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top, followed by the crushed Ritz crackers.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve warm as a side dish for any meal.