Creamy Broccoli Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This creamy broccoli casserole is a comforting side dish that’s perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings. With tender broccoli, melted cheddar cheese, and a crunchy cracker topping, it’s both flavorful and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 1 (14 or 16 oz.) package broccoli florets
• 1 cup shredded mild or medium cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 (10 3/4 oz.) can cream of mushroom soup
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups Ritz and/or Keebler Club cracker crumbs (about 1 sleeve; combination of 3/4 cup Ritz and 3/4 cup Keebler Club works well)
• 1/4 cup butter, melted

Instructions

1. Step 1: Thaw broccoli and warm it in the microwave for about 5 minutes. Drain very well and cut any large florets into smaller, bite-sized pieces.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, combine the broccoli, 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar, cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, milk, egg, and salt. Spoon this mixture into a greased 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese on top.
3. Step 3: Stir together the cracker crumbs and melted butter until the crumbs are evenly moistened. Sprinkle this crumb mixture evenly over the broccoli mixture.
4. Step 4: Bake at 350℉ for 45 to 50 minutes, until bubbly and the crumb topping is a light golden brown.

Tips & Variations

• Frozen chopped broccoli can be used instead of florets if preferred, though florets tend to hold their texture better.
• This casserole can be prepared ahead by assembling the broccoli mixture without the crumb topping, refrigerating, and adding the topping just before baking.
• For a larger crowd, double the recipe and bake in a 9×13-inch pan.
• If the topping browns too quickly, cover the dish loosely with foil partway through baking.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish covered in a 350℉ oven until heated through.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh broccoli can be used. Simply steam or blanch the broccoli until just tender before mixing with the other ingredients.

Can I make this casserole in advance?

Absolutely. Prepare the broccoli mixture and refrigerate it without the crumb topping. Add the topping right before baking, and increase the baking time slightly to ensure it cooks through.

Creamy Broccoli Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 101 reviews

This Creamy Broccoli Casserole is a comforting, cheesy baked dish featuring tender broccoli florets mixed with a creamy blend of cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, and cheddar cheese, topped with buttery cracker crumbs for a delightful crunch. Perfect as a side dish for family dinners or holiday gatherings, it combines creamy, cheesy, and crispy textures in every bite.

• Author: Sienna
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables

• 1 (14 or 16 oz.) package broccoli florets

Cheese

• 1 cup shredded mild or medium cheddar cheese, divided

Creamy Mixture

• 1 (10 3/4 oz.) can cream of mushroom soup
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1/8 teaspoon salt

Topping

• 1 1/2 cups Ritz and/or Keebler Club cracker crumbs (about 1 sleeve of crackers; a combination of 3/4 cup Ritz + 3/4 cup Keebler Club)
• 1/4 cup butter, melted

Instructions

1. Prepare Broccoli: Thaw the broccoli florets if frozen and warm them in the microwave for about 5 minutes. Drain thoroughly to remove excess moisture and cut any large florets into smaller, bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the drained broccoli, 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, milk, beaten egg, and salt. Mix well until all ingredients are incorporated evenly.
3. Assemble Casserole: Spoon the broccoli mixture into a greased 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top.
4. Prepare Cracker Topping: In a small bowl, mix the cracker crumbs with the melted butter until the crumbs are fully moistened. Evenly sprinkle this buttery cracker crumb topping over the broccoli mixture in the baking dish.
5. Bake: Bake the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the crumb topping turns a light golden brown.
6. Optional Preparation Tips: You can substitute frozen chopped broccoli if desired, though broccoli florets are preferred for texture. For make-ahead preparation, place the broccoli mixture in the casserole dish without the cracker topping and refrigerate. Add the cracker topping just before baking and bake for 75 to 80 minutes. Cover loosely with foil if the topping browns too quickly.
7. Adjust for Larger Portions: To serve a larger group, double the recipe and bake in a 9×13-inch pan following the same instructions.

Notes

• You can use frozen chopped broccoli as a substitute for florets, but florets are preferred for texture and visual appeal.
• To prepare the casserole ahead of time, refrigerate the broccoli mixture without the cracker topping and add the topping just before baking, increasing the bake time accordingly.
• Cover the casserole loosely with foil during baking if the crumb topping begins to brown too quickly to avoid burning.
• Doubling the recipe requires using a 9×13-inch baking dish and adjusting bake time.

Keywords: broccoli casserole, cheesy broccoli bake, creamy broccoli casserole, side dish, comfort food, baked broccoli