The Best Cheesy Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe for Family Dinners

Comfort knows no bounds when creamy broccoli cheese casserole arrives at the dinner table.

This classic side dish brings warmth and nostalgia to every gathering.

Melted cheese cascades through tender broccoli florets, creating a delectable symphony of flavors.

Families have cherished this recipe for generations, passing down its simple yet irresistible charm.

Each bite promises a rich, velvety experience that satisfies deep cravings for hearty, wholesome food.

The combination of crisp broccoli and smooth cheese creates a perfect balance of textures and tastes.

Serve this crowd-pleasing casserole and watch as smiles spread around the table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 335 kcal

Servings: 6

Broccoli Cheese Casserole Ingredients to Have Ready

• Broccoli: Provides hearty, nutritious green foundation with crisp texture and subtle earthy flavor. Choose vibrant green, firm florets without yellow spots or wilting.
• Frozen Broccoli: Convenient alternative with consistent quality and pre-cut convenience. Drain thoroughly to prevent excess moisture.

• Condensed Soup, Mayonnaise, Sour Cream: Creates rich, velvety sauce that holds ingredients together. Select full-fat versions for maximum creaminess and depth of flavor.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds tangy undertone and enhances overall sauce complexity. Use smooth, high-quality mustard for best results.

• Cheddar Cheese: Delivers sharp, melty goodness and golden color. Select aged cheddar for more intense flavor profile.
• Garlic Powder: Provides subtle aromatic warmth without raw garlic intensity.
• Ritz Crackers: Offers crispy, buttery crunch for textural contrast. Crush into fine, even pieces for uniform topping.
• Butter: Helps cracker topping achieve golden, crisp finish. Use unsalted for better control of overall saltiness.
• Salt, Pepper: Fundamental seasonings that balance and elevate entire dish's taste. Use freshly ground black pepper for best results.

Equipment for Making Broccoli Cheese Casserole

• Large bowl: Essential for mixing casserole ingredients thoroughly.
• 9×13-inch baking dish: Perfect for spreading and baking the casserole evenly.
• Cheese grater: Helps shred fresh cheddar cheese for better melting.
• Small bowl: Used for mixing cracker topping with melted butter.
• Measuring cups: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for folding broccoli into the cheese mixture.
• Sharp knife: Useful for cutting fresh broccoli if needed.
• Colander: Helpful for draining thawed frozen broccoli.

Cooking a Broccoli Cheese Casserole at Home

• Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350F and lightly grease a rectangular baking dish with a quick butter swipe.

• Soften The Green Goodness

Toss broccoli into boiling water for a quick 2-3 minute bath to make it tender and bright. Drain completely and shake off excess moisture.

• Create The Creamy Mixture

Blend condensed soup, creamy mayo, a dash of mustard, garlic powder, and most of the cheese in a large mixing bowl. Gently fold in the broccoli until every floret gets coated with deliciousness.

• Build The Casserole Base

Slide the broccoli mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle remaining cheese across the top for an extra cheesy layer.

• Add The Crunchy Topping

Crush crackers and mix with melted butter until they become a golden, crumbly blanket. Scatter this crispy mixture over the casserole.

• Bake To Perfection

Pop the dish into the oven and let it bubble and brown for 25-30 minutes. The top should turn a gorgeous golden color.

• Serve And Enjoy

Pull out the bubbling masterpiece and let it rest for a few minutes. Scoop out generous portions and savor every cheesy, crunchy bite.

Tips That Add Depth to Broccoli Cheese Casserole

• Steam broccoli just until bright green to maintain crisp texture and maximum nutrients.
• Replace buttery cracker topping with crushed pork rinds or almond flour for a keto-friendly option.
• Substitute dairy cheese with nutritional yeast and coconut milk-based cream soup for vegan companions.
• Experiment with adding crispy bacon bits, caramelized onions, or roasted garlic for deeper taste dimensions.
• Prepare casserole ahead and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking; simply add extra 5-10 minutes to cooking time when ready to serve.

Serve Broccoli Cheese Casserole Warm and Cheesy

• Hearty Companion Dishes: Pair this broccoli cheese casserole with roasted chicken for a complete protein-packed meal that satisfies every taste bud.
• Quick Lunch Hero: Transform leftovers into a delightful next-day lunch by packing a portion with a simple green salad for a balanced midday meal.
• Party-Perfect Side Dish: Bring this casserole to potlucks or family gatherings – its creamy texture and golden cracker topping will make it an instant crowd-pleaser that disappears quickly from the serving table.
• Veggie Lover's Delight: Customize the recipe by adding extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or mushrooms to boost nutrition and create exciting flavor variations that keep everyone coming back for more.

Storage Tips for Broccoli Cheese Casserole Leftovers

• Refrigerate leftover casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days when sealed properly, maintaining delicious flavor and texture.
• Prepare the entire casserole up to the baking stage, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Perfect for meal planning and busy schedules.
• Wrap the unbaked casserole securely in aluminum foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time to ensure even heating.
• Divide leftovers into individual serving containers for easy grab-and-go lunches. Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or in the oven at 350F for 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy on top.

FAQs

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, simply use vegetable condensed soup instead of cream of chicken soup to make the casserole completely vegetarian-friendly.

• Is this a kid-friendly recipe?

Absolutely! Most children love cheesy broccoli dishes, and the cracker topping adds a fun crunch that kids typically enjoy.

• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just add the cracker topping right before baking to keep it crispy.

• What type of crackers work best for the topping?

Ritz crackers are classic, but you can also use buttery saltine crackers or whole wheat crackers for a different texture and flavor profile.

Cheesy Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy Easy Broccoli Cheese Casserole brings comfort to dinner tables with nostalgic midwestern charm. Cheesy goodness and tender broccoli combine in a simple side dish you’ll crave at family gatherings.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cups / 1 lb / 450 g broccoli florets
• 2 cups / 200 g shredded cheddar cheese
• 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 (such as Ritz)
• 2 tbsps / 30 g unsalted butter, melted
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
• ½ tsp garlic powder

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350F (175C) and coat a rectangular baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Broccoli Preparation: Transform broccoli into tender florets. For fresh produce, blanch in boiling water and quickly cool in ice water. Drain frozen broccoli thoroughly to remove excess moisture.
3. Creamy Fusion: Whisk condensed soup, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and most of the cheddar cheese into a smooth mixture. Fold broccoli into the creamy sauce, ensuring complete coverage.
4. Assembly: Transfer the broccoli mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly. Scatter remaining cheese across the top for a rich, melted finish.
5. Crispy Topping: Crush crackers and blend with melted butter. Distribute the golden crumb mixture uniformly over the casserole, creating a crunchy layer.
6. Baking: Position the casserole in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until edges bubble and the topping turns golden brown, signaling perfect doneness.
7. Serving: Rest the casserole briefly to allow flavors to meld and temperature to stabilize. Plate as a delectable side dish or comforting main course.

Notes

• Broccoli Blanching Technique: Perfectly blanch broccoli to maintain vibrant green color and crisp texture by boiling for 2-3 minutes, then immediately transferring to ice water to stop cooking process.
• Moisture Management: Thoroughly drain frozen or fresh broccoli to prevent watery casserole, using a colander or paper towels to remove excess liquid before mixing.
• Cheese Selection Flexibility: Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, gruyere, or mixed cheese blends to customize flavor profile and add depth to the dish.
• Cracker Topping Alternatives: Replace traditional crackers with gluten-free options, panko breadcrumbs, or crushed nuts for dietary modifications and added crunch.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 19 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg