Cheesy Broccoli Casserole

After a long week, there’s nothing quite like the aroma of a comforting, home-cooked meal wafting through the house. And for my family, Cheesy Broccoli Casserole has become that quintessential dish. It’s the kind of recipe that manages to be both incredibly satisfying and surprisingly versatile. Even my broccoli-averse kids (yes, they exist!) find themselves digging into this creamy, cheesy concoction, often asking for seconds. The golden, bubbly top layer gives way to tender broccoli florets enveloped in a rich, flavorful cheese sauce. It’s the perfect side dish for a Sunday roast, a delightful addition to a potluck, or even a comforting main course on a chilly evening. Honestly, this casserole is a winner in our book, and I’m thrilled to share the recipe and all my tips for making it absolutely perfect every time.

Ingredients

• Fresh Broccoli Florets: (4 cups) The star of the show! Fresh broccoli provides the best texture and flavor for this casserole. Look for firm, tightly closed florets with a vibrant green color.
• Canned Cream of Mushroom Soup: (1 can, 10.5 oz) This classic casserole staple creates the creamy base. Choose a low-sodium option to control the salt content.
• Milk: (1/2 cup) Adds moisture and thins out the soup to the perfect consistency. Whole milk contributes richness, but 2% or skim milk can also be used.
• Mayonnaise: (1/2 cup) Mayonnaise lends a tangy creaminess and helps create a golden-brown topping. Full-fat mayonnaise provides the best flavor and texture.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: (2 cups) Sharp cheddar is my go-to for its bold flavor that complements the broccoli and creamy sauce beautifully. Pre-shredded or freshly grated both work well.
• Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese: (1 cup) Monterey Jack adds a mild, melty counterpoint to the sharp cheddar, creating a wonderfully cheesy blend.
• Onion Powder: (1 teaspoon) Adds a subtle savory depth to the casserole.
• Garlic Powder: (1 teaspoon) Enhances the overall flavor profile and complements the cheesy sauce.
• Salt: (1/2 teaspoon, or to taste) Seasoning is key! Salt balances the flavors and brings out the best in the ingredients.
• Black Pepper: (1/4 teaspoon, or to taste) A touch of pepper adds a subtle warmth and complexity.
• Butter: (2 tablespoons, melted) Used for greasing the baking dish and adding a touch of richness to the topping.
• Bread Crumbs: (1/2 cup, plain or panko) Provides a delightful crispy topping. Panko bread crumbs offer extra crunch.

Instructions

1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Broccoli: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, prepare your broccoli. If using fresh broccoli, wash it thoroughly and cut it into bite-sized florets. You can steam or blanch the broccoli florets for about 5-7 minutes until they are tender-crisp. Steaming is preferable as it retains more nutrients, but blanching in boiling water works too. Avoid overcooking, as the broccoli will continue to cook in the oven. Alternatively, you can use frozen broccoli florets. If using frozen, thaw them completely and drain any excess water. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure the casserole isn’t watery.
2. Grease Your Baking Dish: While the broccoli is steaming or thawing, take a 9×13 inch baking dish and grease it generously with the melted butter. Make sure to coat the bottom and sides of the dish evenly to prevent the casserole from sticking and to help create a nicely browned crust around the edges.
3. Combine the Sauce Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the canned cream of mushroom soup, milk, and mayonnaise. Whisk these ingredients together until they are smooth and well combined. This forms the creamy base of your casserole. Ensure there are no lumps of soup remaining.
4. Add Cheese and Spices: To the soup mixture, add the shredded cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the cheddar cheese to sprinkle on top of the casserole later. Stir in the onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together thoroughly until the cheeses are evenly distributed throughout the sauce and the spices are incorporated. Taste the sauce at this stage and adjust seasoning as needed. You might want to add a pinch more salt or pepper depending on your preference.
5. Incorporate the Broccoli: Gently fold the cooked broccoli florets into the cheese sauce mixture. Ensure that the broccoli is evenly coated with the sauce. Distribute the broccoli florets throughout the sauce so that each bite will have a good balance of broccoli and cheesy goodness.
6. Transfer to Baking Dish and Top: Pour the broccoli and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the reserved shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. Then, sprinkle the bread crumbs evenly over the cheese layer. The bread crumbs will create a delightful crispy topping as the casserole bakes.
7. Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through, bubbly, and the topping is golden brown and crispy. The cheese should be melted and gooey, and the bread crumbs should be nicely browned. You can check for doneness by inserting a knife into the center of the casserole; it should come out hot. If the topping is browning too quickly, you can loosely tent the dish with aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
8. Cool Slightly and Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly and makes it easier to serve. The aroma will be irresistible at this point! Serve hot and enjoy the cheesy, broccoli goodness!

Nutrition Facts

(Per Serving, Approximately 6 servings per casserole)

• Calories: 350 kcal
• Fat: 25g

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes (Includes broccoli preparation and sauce mixing)
• Cook Time: 30 minutes (Baking time in the oven)
• Total Time: 50 minutes (From start to finish, ready to serve!)

This Cheesy Broccoli Casserole is surprisingly quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a crowd-pleasing side dish in a hurry. Most of the time is hands-off baking time, allowing you to focus on other tasks while dinner cooks itself!

How to Serve

Cheesy Broccoli Casserole is incredibly versatile and can be served in numerous ways. Here are some delicious serving suggestions:

• As a Classic Side Dish:
  • Pair with Roasted Chicken or Turkey: A timeless combination! The creamy casserole complements the savory roasted poultry beautifully.
  • Serve Alongside Baked Ham: The cheesy richness of the casserole cuts through the saltiness of the ham, creating a balanced meal.
  • Accompany Steak or Pork Chops: A comforting and satisfying side to heartier main courses.
  • Perfect with Meatloaf: A classic comfort food duo that’s always a hit.
• As a Vegetarian Main Course:
  • Serve with a Side Salad: For a lighter but still satisfying vegetarian meal. Add a vibrant green salad with a vinaigrette dressing to balance the richness of the casserole.
  • Combine with Crusty Bread: Serve alongside slices of warm, crusty bread for dipping into the cheesy sauce.
  • Top with a Fried Egg: Add a fried egg on top for extra protein and richness, transforming it into a complete and flavorful meal.
• For Special Occasions and Gatherings:
  • Potlucks and Family Dinners: This casserole is always a crowd-pleaser and travels well, making it ideal for potlucks and family gatherings.
  • Holiday Side Dish: A welcome addition to Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter dinner menus.
  • Buffet Style: Perfect for buffet-style meals, as it holds its temperature well and is easy to serve.
• Creative Serving Ideas:
  • Stuffed Baked Potatoes: Scoop the cheesy broccoli casserole into baked potatoes for a loaded and satisfying meal.
  • Casserole Bowls: Serve individual portions in oven-safe bowls for an elegant presentation.
  • Top with Extra Crunch: Before serving, sprinkle with extra bread crumbs, crispy fried onions, or crushed crackers for added texture.

Additional Tips for the Best Cheesy Broccoli Casserole

1. Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: Whether you steam, blanch, or use frozen broccoli, avoid overcooking it. It should be tender-crisp as it will continue to cook in the oven. Overcooked broccoli will become mushy in the casserole.
2. Use Quality Cheese: The quality of your cheese significantly impacts the flavor of the casserole. Use good quality cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese for the best taste. Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese, which often contains cellulose to prevent clumping.
3. Adjust Cheese Types: Feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations! Gruyere, Colby Jack, or even a touch of Parmesan can add interesting flavor dimensions. For a spicier kick, consider adding a bit of pepper jack cheese.
4. Make it Creamier: For an extra creamy casserole, substitute heavy cream or half-and-half for part or all of the milk. You can also add a tablespoon or two of cream cheese to the sauce for added richness and tang.
5. Add Extra Flavor Boosters: Enhance the flavor by adding a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce, a dash of hot sauce for a subtle kick, or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors. A sprinkle of paprika on top before baking can also add visual appeal and a hint of smokiness.
6. Customize the Topping: Get creative with the topping! Instead of plain bread crumbs, try using crushed Ritz crackers, French fried onions, or even a mixture of bread crumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. For a gluten-free option, use crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour.
7. Prepare Ahead of Time: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Bake it as directed when ready to serve, adding an extra 10-15 minutes of baking time if baking straight from the refrigerator. This makes it a great make-ahead dish for parties or busy days.
8. Freezing for Later: Cheesy Broccoli Casserole can be frozen, although the texture might slightly change upon thawing. To freeze, let the baked casserole cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 30-40 minutes. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but the topping may not be as crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh broccoli?
A: Yes, absolutely! Frozen broccoli florets work perfectly well in this casserole. Just be sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess water before adding them to the recipe. Patting them dry with paper towels will help prevent a watery casserole.

Q2: I don’t have cream of mushroom soup. Can I use something else?
A: Yes, you can substitute cream of celery soup, cream of chicken soup, or even cream of cheddar cheese soup. For a mushroom flavor, you can also use condensed mushroom broth and thicken it with a roux (butter and flour) or cornstarch slurry.

Q3: Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can easily make this casserole gluten-free. Ensure your cream of mushroom soup is gluten-free (many brands offer gluten-free versions). Substitute gluten-free bread crumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers for the topping. Double-check all ingredient labels to confirm they are gluten-free.

Q4: How can I make this casserole healthier?
A: To make it healthier, you can use low-fat cream of mushroom soup, skim milk, and light mayonnaise. You can also increase the amount of broccoli and reduce the cheese slightly. Using whole wheat bread crumbs or omitting the bread crumb topping altogether will also reduce calories and add fiber.

Q5: Can I add meat to this casserole?
A: Yes, you can! Cooked and crumbled bacon, diced ham, shredded chicken, or cooked ground beef or sausage would all be delicious additions. Stir in about 1 cup of cooked meat along with the broccoli.

Q6: How do I prevent the bread crumb topping from burning?
A: If you notice the bread crumb topping browning too quickly, you can loosely tent the baking dish with aluminum foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking. This will prevent the topping from burning while allowing the casserole to continue baking through.

Q7: What is the best way to reheat leftover broccoli casserole?
A: The best way to reheat leftover broccoli casserole is in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but the topping may become softer. To help crisp up the topping when reheating in the oven, you can sprinkle a little fresh bread crumbs on top before reheating.

Q8: Can I make this casserole in advance and bake it later?
A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you are ready to bake it, remove it from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before baking to take the chill off slightly. Bake as directed, but you may need to add an extra 10-15 minutes of baking time since it’s starting cold.

Print