Description: This Creamy Broccoli Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, transforming humble broccoli into a cheesy, creamy delight. It’s a quick and easy recipe perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings. The creamy base combined with tender broccoli and a crispy, buttery cracker topping creates a symphony of textures and flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. This classic dish is easily adaptable to your preferences and dietary needs, making it a versatile staple in your recipe repertoire.
Ingredients:
- 1 (16 ounce) package frozen broccoli florets (or about 4 cups fresh broccoli florets), thawed and well-drained
- 1 (6 ounce) can condensed cream of celery soup (can substitute cream of mushroom, cream of chicken, or cream of broccoli for variation)
- 1 cup mayonnaise (use full-fat for the richest flavor, or light mayonnaise for a lighter option)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar provides a more pronounced flavor, but mild or a cheddar blend also works well)
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- ½ cup cheese crackers (such as Cheez-Its), crushed into coarse crumbs
- 1-2 tablespoon instant minced onion (or 1-2 tablespoon onion powder; adjust to your preferred onion intensity)
- 1 tablespoon butter (or margarine), melted
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is preheating, grease a 1 ½ quart baking dish. This will prevent the casserole from sticking and make serving easier. A glass or ceramic baking dish works best, as it distributes heat evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the broccoli. If using frozen broccoli, thaw it completely and drain very well. Excess moisture will make the casserole watery. You can squeeze the broccoli gently to remove any remaining water. If using fresh broccoli, wash and cut the florets into bite-sized pieces. Steam, boil, or microwave the broccoli until it’s tender-crisp – about 5-7 minutes. Drain it thoroughly. Overcooked broccoli will become mushy in the casserole.
Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the cream of celery soup, mayonnaise, shredded cheddar cheese, and lightly beaten eggs. Whisk the ingredients together until they are smooth and well combined. This forms the creamy base of the casserole. Ensure that there are no lumps in the soup mixture.
Step 4: Add the prepared broccoli and instant minced onion (or onion powder) to the bowl with the creamy mixture. Gently fold the broccoli into the mixture until it is evenly coated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can break down the broccoli florets.
Step 5: Pour the broccoli mixture into the prepared greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Step 6: Prepare the topping. In a small bowl, melt the butter (or margarine). You can do this in the microwave or on the stovetop. Crush the cheese crackers into coarse crumbs. You can use a food processor for this, or place the crackers in a resealable bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
Step 7: Combine the crushed cheese crackers with the melted butter in the small bowl. Toss to coat the cracker crumbs evenly with the melted butter.
Step 8: Sprinkle the buttery cheese cracker mixture evenly over the top of the broccoli casserole. Make sure to distribute the crumbs evenly for a consistent crispy topping.
Step 9: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). To prevent the topping from browning too quickly, you can loosely tent the casserole with aluminum foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
Step 10: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the casserole to set slightly and make it easier to slice and serve.
Why you will love this recipe:
This Creamy Broccoli Casserole is more than just a side dish; it’s a nostalgic hug in a baking dish. You’ll love it because:
- It’s incredibly easy: The recipe requires minimal prep time and uses pantry-friendly ingredients. Even a beginner cook can master it.
- It’s customizable: You can easily adapt the recipe to your preferences by using different types of soup, cheese, or toppings. Add cooked ham, chicken, or bacon for a heartier meal.
- It’s kid-friendly: The creamy texture and cheesy flavor make broccoli appealing even to picky eaters.
- It’s perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a holiday feast, this casserole is always a crowd-pleaser.
- It’s a great way to sneak in vegetables: This casserole makes broccoli irresistibly delicious, encouraging everyone to eat their greens.
- The combination of textures is divine: the creamy interior contrasted by the crunchy cheesy, buttery cracker topping is the perfect bite.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a side dish with roasted chicken, baked ham, or grilled steak.
- Pair it with a simple green salad for a complete meal.
- Add cooked protein (such as diced ham, chicken, or bacon) to make it a main course.
- Serve it at potlucks, Thanksgiving, Christmas, or other holiday gatherings.
- It’s also great reheated for lunch the next day!
Tips:
- Ensure the broccoli is well-drained to prevent a watery casserole.
- Don’t overcook the broccoli during the initial preparation stage. It should be tender-crisp, not mushy.
- Adjust the amount of onion to your preference.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the broccoli mixture.
- To prevent the topping from burning, cover the casserole with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
- If you don’t have cheese crackers, you can use bread crumbs or Ritz crackers instead.
- Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack.
- To make ahead, assemble the casserole and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Add the topping just before baking.
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 45-55 minutes Total Time: 1 hour – 1 hour 10 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Approximate, per serving; will vary based on specific ingredients)
- Calories: 350-450
- Protein: 15-20g
- Sodium: 500-700mg (This can vary greatly depending on the sodium content of your soup and crackers. Using low-sodium options will significantly reduce this number.)
Conclusion:
Creamy Broccoli Casserole is a timeless classic for good reason. Its simplicity, versatility, and comforting flavors make it a go-to recipe for cooks of all skill levels. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight side dish or a crowd-pleasing contribution to a potluck, this casserole is sure to be a hit. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the joy of this cheesy, creamy, and utterly satisfying dish. Enjoy!
Questions and Answers about Creamy Broccoli Casserole:
Q1: Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
A: Absolutely! Fresh broccoli is a wonderful alternative to frozen. You’ll need about 4 cups of fresh broccoli florets. Wash and cut them into bite-sized pieces, then steam, boil, or microwave them until they are tender-crisp – about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to drain them thoroughly before adding them to the casserole mixture. The key is to avoid overcooking them, as they will continue to cook in the oven and can become mushy. Using fresh broccoli can actually enhance the flavor and texture of the casserole, giving it a slightly more vibrant and less “processed” taste.
Q2: I’m not a fan of cream of celery soup. What else can I use?
A: No problem! Cream of celery soup is just one option; there are several great substitutes that will work beautifully. Cream of mushroom soup is a classic and widely available alternative that adds a rich, earthy flavor. Cream of chicken soup offers a more savory and comforting taste. You could even use cream of broccoli soup to really emphasize the broccoli flavor! If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can try a reduced-fat or low-sodium version of any of these soups. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your personal preferences and what you have on hand. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite combination!
Q3: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes, you definitely can! This makes it a great option for busy weeknights or when you’re preparing for a large gathering. Assemble the casserole completely, but don’t add the cracker topping yet. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven, add the cracker topping, and bake as directed. Adding the topping just before baking ensures that it stays nice and crispy. You may need to add a few minutes to the baking time since the casserole will be starting from a cold temperature.
Q4: How can I make this recipe healthier?
A: There are several ways to lighten up this Creamy Broccoli Casserole without sacrificing flavor:
- Use light mayonnaise: Opt for a reduced-fat or light mayonnaise to cut down on calories and fat.
- Choose low-fat or fat-free cream soup: Many brands offer lower-fat versions of cream soups that can significantly reduce the overall fat content.
- Use less cheese: Reduce the amount of cheese or use a lower-fat cheese option.
- Add more vegetables: Boost the nutritional value by adding other vegetables like diced carrots, onions, or mushrooms to the broccoli mixture.
- Use whole-wheat crackers: Opt for whole-wheat cheese crackers or bread crumbs for a slightly healthier topping.
- Steam the broccoli: Steam, rather than boil the broccoli, to retain more nutrients.
Q5: My casserole is getting too brown on top. What should I do?
A: This is a common issue, especially if your oven runs hot. If you notice that the cracker topping is browning too quickly before the casserole is fully heated through, simply loosely tent the baking dish with aluminum foil. This will shield the topping from direct heat and prevent it from burning. You can remove the foil for the last few minutes of baking to allow the topping to crisp up slightly if needed. Keep a close eye on it, and you’ll achieve that perfect golden-brown color without any burnt bits!
