Cheesy Broccoli Casserole

There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm, bubbling casserole, especially when it’s brimming with creamy cheese and tender vegetables. For years, my family dinners have been graced by the presence of this Cheesy Broccoli Casserole, and it’s become a dish that consistently earns rave reviews. Even my pickiest eaters, who might otherwise turn their noses up at broccoli, eagerly reach for seconds (and sometimes thirds!). The magic lies in the perfect balance of textures and flavors – the slightly crisp broccoli, the velvety smooth cheese sauce, and the satisfyingly crunchy topping. It’s a dish that’s both simple to prepare and utterly delightful to eat, making it a weeknight staple and a potluck superstar. If you’re searching for a recipe that’s guaranteed to please a crowd, look no further. This Cheesy Broccoli Casserole is about to become your new go-to for comfort food at its finest.

Ingredients for the Ultimate Cheesy Broccoli Casserole

• Fresh Broccoli Florets (5 cups): The star of the show! Fresh broccoli provides a wonderful texture and slightly sweet, earthy flavor that balances the richness of the cheese. You can also use frozen broccoli florets, just ensure they are thawed and drained well.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): This classic casserole staple creates a creamy base and adds a depth of savory flavor. Look for a low-sodium option to control the salt content.
• Milk (½ cup): Milk thins out the soup and creates the perfect creamy consistency for the sauce. You can use whole milk for extra richness or 2% for a slightly lighter version.
• Mayonnaise (½ cup): Mayonnaise adds a tangy richness and helps create a smooth and luscious sauce. Use your favorite brand of mayonnaise, or even try a light version for fewer calories.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese (2 cups): Cheddar cheese provides a sharp and classic cheesy flavor that complements broccoli beautifully. Use a sharp or medium cheddar for the best taste, and feel free to mix it up with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Colby.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (1 cup): Mozzarella adds a melty, gooey texture and a mild, milky flavor that blends perfectly with cheddar. It also contributes to that beautiful cheese pull we all love!
• Butter (2 tablespoons): Butter is essential for creating a flavorful and golden brown breadcrumb topping. You can use salted or unsalted butter, adjusting the salt in the recipe accordingly.
• Breadcrumbs (1 cup): Breadcrumbs provide a delightful crunch and textural contrast to the creamy casserole. Panko breadcrumbs offer a particularly crispy texture, but regular breadcrumbs work just as well. You can also use crushed crackers or French fried onions for a different topping.
• Onion Powder (1 teaspoon): Onion powder adds a subtle savory note that enhances the overall flavor profile of the casserole without being overpowering.
• Garlic Powder (½ teaspoon): Garlic powder provides a hint of aromatic garlic flavor that complements the cheese and broccoli.
• Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to balance the flavors and bring out the best in all the ingredients. Adjust to your personal preference.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Cheesy Broccoli Casserole

1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Broccoli: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, prepare your broccoli. If using fresh broccoli, cut the florets into bite-sized pieces. You can steam, boil, or microwave the broccoli florets until they are tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Avoid overcooking, as the broccoli will continue to cook in the oven. If using frozen broccoli, thaw it completely and drain any excess water. This step is crucial to prevent a watery casserole.
2. Combine the Creamy Sauce Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and mayonnaise until smooth and well combined. This mixture will form the base of your delicious cheese sauce. Ensure there are no lumps for a perfectly creamy texture.
3. Incorporate the Cheeses and Seasonings: Add 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese and all of the shredded mozzarella cheese to the soup mixture. Stir until the cheeses are mostly melted and incorporated into the sauce. Then, add the onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the cheese sauce. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed to your preference. Remember that the cheese and soup already contain salt, so start with a smaller amount and add more as needed.
4. Combine Broccoli and Sauce: Gently fold the cooked broccoli florets into the cheese sauce. Make sure the broccoli is evenly coated in the sauce. Distribute the broccoli florets throughout the sauce so that each bite is cheesy and flavorful.
5. Prepare the Breadcrumb Topping: In a small skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the breadcrumbs to the skillet and cook, stirring constantly, until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and crispy, about 3-5 minutes. Be careful not to burn the breadcrumbs; stir frequently and reduce heat if necessary. Toasting the breadcrumbs in butter adds a wonderful nutty flavor and enhances their texture.
6. Assemble the Casserole: Pour the broccoli and cheese mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread the mixture evenly in the dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Finally, sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs evenly over the cheese layer.
7. Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown and crispy. The cheese should be melted and gooey, and the casserole should be heated through. If the breadcrumbs are browning too quickly, you can loosely tent the casserole with aluminum foil for the last few minutes of baking.
8. Cool Slightly and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly and prevents burning your mouth on the hot cheese. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting and cheesy dish!

Nutrition Facts for Cheesy Broccoli Casserole (Per Serving)

(Please note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.)

• Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup
• Servings Per Recipe: 10-12 servings
• Calories: Approximately 280-320 calories
• Fat: 18-22 grams

Preparation Time: Quick and Easy Casserole Creation

This Cheesy Broccoli Casserole is wonderfully convenient, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you need to whip up a crowd-pleasing dish with minimal fuss. The active preparation time, which includes chopping the broccoli, making the sauce, and preparing the breadcrumb topping, is approximately 20-25 minutes. The baking time in the oven is an additional 20-25 minutes. Therefore, from start to finish, you can have a delicious and satisfying Cheesy Broccoli Casserole on the table in about 40-50 minutes. This makes it a fantastic option when you want a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

How to Serve Cheesy Broccoli Casserole: Versatile Serving Suggestions

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

• As a Classic Side Dish: This casserole is a perfect accompaniment to a wide range of main courses. It pairs exceptionally well with:
  • Roasted Chicken or Turkey: The creamy casserole complements the savory roasted flavors beautifully.
  • Baked Ham: The richness of the casserole balances the saltiness of ham.
  • Pork Chops: Adds a creamy and cheesy element to simple pork chops.
  • Beef Roast: Provides a comforting and flavorful side to a hearty beef roast.
  • Meatloaf: A classic comfort food pairing that is always a hit.
• As a Vegetarian Main Course: For a satisfying vegetarian meal, serve Cheesy Broccoli Casserole as the main course. To make it a more complete meal, consider adding:
  • A side salad: A fresh green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a light and refreshing contrast to the rich casserole.
  • Crusty bread: Perfect for soaking up the delicious cheese sauce.
  • A protein boost: Add cooked lentils, white beans, or chickpeas to the casserole itself or serve them alongside for added protein and fiber.
• Potluck and Holiday Favorite: Cheesy Broccoli Casserole is always a welcome dish at potlucks, holiday gatherings, and family celebrations. It travels well and can be made ahead of time, making it a stress-free option for entertaining.
• Leftovers Delight: Leftover Cheesy Broccoli Casserole reheats beautifully in the microwave or oven. It’s just as delicious the next day, making it perfect for meal prepping or enjoying for lunch.

Additional Tips for the Best Cheesy Broccoli Casserole

1. Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: Whether you steam, boil, or microwave your broccoli, ensure it remains tender-crisp. Overcooked broccoli will become mushy in the casserole and lose its pleasant texture. Aim for slightly undercooked broccoli as it will continue cooking in the oven.
2. Thoroughly Drain Frozen Broccoli: If using frozen broccoli, make sure to thaw it completely and drain it very well. Excess water from frozen broccoli can make your casserole watery and less flavorful. Squeezing out excess moisture after thawing is highly recommended.
3. Customize Your Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations. Monterey Jack, Colby, Gruyere, or even a touch of Parmesan can add unique flavor profiles to your casserole. A blend of cheeses will create a more complex and interesting flavor.
4. Spice it Up! For a little extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce or sprinkle some hot sauce on top before baking. You can also incorporate a dash of Dijon mustard or Worcestershire sauce into the sauce for added depth of flavor.
5. Make it Healthier: To lighten up the casserole, use light mayonnaise, low-fat cream of mushroom soup, and reduce the amount of cheese. You can also add more vegetables like diced onions, mushrooms, or bell peppers to increase the nutritional value and bulk up the casserole. Consider using whole wheat breadcrumbs for a healthier topping.
6. Prepare Ahead of Time: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it, unbaked, in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply add the breadcrumb topping and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed. This makes it a great dish for meal prepping or entertaining.
7. Get Creative with Toppings: While breadcrumbs are classic, you can get creative with your toppings. Crushed crackers (like Ritz or buttery crackers), French fried onions, or even a sprinkle of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts can add different textures and flavors to the casserole.
8. Double the Recipe for a Crowd: This recipe is easily doubled or tripled to serve a larger group. Simply adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly and use a larger baking dish or multiple dishes. Baking time may need to be slightly increased for larger casseroles.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cheesy Broccoli Casserole (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh broccoli?
A: Yes, absolutely! Frozen broccoli florets are a convenient and perfectly acceptable substitute for fresh broccoli in this casserole. Just be sure to thaw the frozen broccoli completely and drain it very well to remove excess moisture before adding it to the casserole. This will prevent a watery casserole and ensure the best texture.

Q2: Can I make Cheesy Broccoli Casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can! This casserole is a great make-ahead dish. You can assemble the entire casserole, up to the point of baking, and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, simply add the breadcrumb topping and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed since it will be starting cold.

Q3: How do I store leftover Cheesy Broccoli Casserole?
A: Store leftover Cheesy Broccoli Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat leftovers in the microwave or oven until heated through. For oven reheating, cover the casserole dish with foil to prevent the top from browning too much.

Q4: Can I freeze Cheesy Broccoli Casserole?
A: Yes, you can freeze Cheesy Broccoli Casserole, although the texture may change slightly upon thawing and reheating. For best results, freeze the casserole before baking. Assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed, you may need to add a little extra baking time. Baked casserole can also be frozen, but the topping might lose some crispness.

Q5: I don’t have cream of mushroom soup, can I substitute something else?
A: Yes, you can substitute cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, or even cream of cheddar soup for cream of mushroom soup. You can also make a homemade cream sauce using butter, flour, milk, and seasonings as a substitute if you prefer to avoid canned soup.

Q6: How can I make this casserole vegetarian?
A: This recipe is already vegetarian! Ensure you are using vegetarian-friendly breadcrumbs and cream of mushroom soup (some brands may contain animal-derived ingredients, so always check labels if you are strictly vegetarian or vegan). To make it vegan, you would need to substitute the dairy cheese and mayonnaise with vegan alternatives.

Q7: Can I add other vegetables to this casserole?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables to your Cheesy Broccoli Casserole. Cauliflower, carrots, peas, corn, or diced onions and mushrooms would all be delicious additions. You can roast or sauté any additional vegetables before adding them to the casserole to enhance their flavor and texture.

Q8: My breadcrumb topping is getting too brown, what should I do?
A: If your breadcrumb topping is browning too quickly before the casserole is fully heated through, you can loosely tent the casserole dish with aluminum foil. This will protect the breadcrumbs from further browning while allowing the casserole to continue baking until it’s bubbly and heated through.

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