Broccoli Cheddar Casserole Recipe
Introduction
This broccoli cheddar casserole is the perfect comfort food side dish, combining tender broccoli with a rich, cheesy sauce and a buttery cracker topping. It’s easy to prepare and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners or holiday meals alike.
Ingredients
- 4 cups frozen broccoli, thawed and rough chopped
- ¼ cup chopped onion
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1¼ cups shredded cheddar cheese (save ¼ cup for topping)
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- Topping:
- ½ stick melted butter
- ½ sleeve Ritz crackers
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Rough chop the thawed broccoli and place it in a medium-sized bowl.
- Step 2: Add the chopped onion, cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, egg, shredded cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, and garlic powder to the bowl. Mix everything together until evenly combined.
- Step 3: Transfer the mixture into a baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Step 4: Using a food processor, crush the Ritz crackers until they resemble breadcrumbs. Pour the melted butter over the crushed crackers and stir to coat them well.
- Step 5: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the casserole, then evenly top with the buttered cracker crumbs.
- Step 6: Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is hot and bubbly around the edges. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh broccoli steamed or boiled briefly instead of frozen for a different texture—just be sure to drain it well before mixing.
- Swap cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom, cream of cheddar, or any other cream soup you prefer.
- If you don’t have Ritz crackers, panko or seasoned breadcrumbs make excellent alternatives for the topping.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce into the cheese mixture.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to keep the topping crispy, or microwave individual portions for convenience.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh broccoli works well if it’s steamed or boiled briefly and drained thoroughly before using. This prevents extra moisture from making the casserole soggy.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the casserole up to the topping stage, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the topping just before baking to keep it crunchy and fresh.
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Broccoli Cheddar Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Broccoli Cheddar Casserole is a comforting, crowd-pleasing side dish featuring tender broccoli and sharp cheddar cheese baked in a buttery, crunchy Ritz cracker crust. Perfect for family dinners or holiday meals, it’s easy to prepare and loved even by picky eaters.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups frozen broccoli, thawed and rough chopped
- ¼ cup chopped onion
- 1 10.5 oz can Cream of Chicken Soup
- 2 tablespoons Mayonnaise
- 1 ¼ cups shredded Cheddar Cheese (reserve ¼ cup for topping)
- 1 Egg
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
Topping
- ½ stick (4 tablespoons) melted Butter
- ½ sleeve Ritz Crackers (about 15 crackers)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Prepare Broccoli: Roughly chop the thawed frozen broccoli and place it in a medium-sized mixing bowl.
- Mix Ingredients: Add the chopped onion, cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, egg, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, and garlic powder to the bowl with broccoli. Mix all ingredients thoroughly until evenly combined.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Spread the broccoli mixture evenly into a baking dish to prepare for the topping.
- Prepare Topping: Using a food processor, pulse the Ritz crackers until they resemble coarse breadcrumbs. In a separate bowl, stir the melted butter into the crushed crackers until evenly coated.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole, then add the buttered cracker crumbs on top to form a crunchy crust.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is hot and bubbly around the edges.
- Serve: Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly. Serve warm and enjoy this cheesy, comforting side dish.
Notes
- Fresh broccoli can be used instead of frozen; boil or steam it briefly and drain well before mixing.
- Alternative cream soups such as cream of cheddar, cream of mushroom, or cream of chicken with herbs work well for different flavors.
- If desired, substitute Ritz crackers with panko or seasoned breadcrumbs for the topping.
- This casserole pairs well with a variety of main dishes from casual dinners to holiday meals like Thanksgiving or Christmas.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: broccoli casserole, broccoli cheddar casserole, cheesy broccoli bake, comfort food side dish
