Creamy Broccoli Casserole

This Creamy Broccoli Casserole is the perfect comfort dish to complement any meal! Made with tender broccoli florets, rich and creamy sauce, and topped with a crispy, cheesy layer, this casserole is a favorite at family dinners, holiday gatherings, or any time you want a little extra warmth on your plate. It’s a quick and easy way to turn plain broccoli into a dish everyone will crave!

The first time I made this Creamy Broccoli Casserole, I was trying to find a way to get my family to eat more veggies, especially my picky little ones. I remember my husband giving me a skeptical look when I said it was “just broccoli.” But once he took a bite, his eyes widened in surprise and delight! It has since become a regular feature on our dinner table. Now, whenever I make it, my kids eagerly ask for seconds – something I never thought I’d hear them say about broccoli!

Why You’ll Love Creamy Broccoli Casserole

• Cheesy Goodness: Packed with a blend of creamy cheese sauce, this casserole is incredibly rich and indulgent.
• Simple and Quick: Using simple ingredients, it’s easy to whip up for a busy weeknight dinner or a holiday side dish.
• Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters will be reaching for seconds of this cheesy, comforting casserole.
• Customizable: Add your favorite toppings or mix-ins for extra flavor and texture.

Ingredients Notes for Creamy Broccoli Casserole

• Broccoli Florets: Fresh or frozen broccoli works perfectly for this dish. Just make sure to blanch the fresh ones before baking.
• Cheddar Cheese: A sharp cheddar cheese adds a tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with broccoli. Feel free to mix in other cheeses like mozzarella or Parmesan for more variety.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Adds creaminess and flavor to the casserole. For a homemade touch, use a made-from-scratch white sauce or a different cream soup.
• Bread Crumbs: For that irresistible crispy topping. Panko bread crumbs give an extra crunch, but you can also use crushed crackers or even fried onions.

Recipe Steps for Creamy Broccoli Casserole

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook Broccoli: If using fresh broccoli, blanch the florets in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. If using frozen broccoli, thaw it beforehand.
3. Mix the Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 can of cream of mushroom soup, 1 cup of sour cream, 1/2 cup of milk, 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, and 1/4 teaspoon each of garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
4. Combine: Add the broccoli florets to the creamy sauce and mix well to coat evenly.
5. Assemble: Pour the broccoli mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with an additional 1/2 cup of shredded cheese.
6. Add Topping: In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup of bread crumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly, and the topping is golden brown.
8. Serve: Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!

Storage Options

• Refrigerator: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: To freeze, assemble the casserole without the breadcrumb topping. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator, add the topping, and bake as directed.

Variations & Substitutions

• Add Protein: Stir in cooked chicken, bacon, or sausage to make it a heartier main dish.
• Spice It Up: Add a dash of red pepper flakes or a sprinkle of cayenne for a bit of heat.
• Change the Veggies: Mix in cauliflower, mushrooms, or spinach along with the broccoli for added variety.

Creamy Broccoli Casserole

Tender broccoli florets baked in a rich, cheesy sauce, topped with crispy breadcrumbs for a comforting and delicious side dish.

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Course: Main Course, Side Dish

Kitchen: American

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes minutes

Servings: 8

Ingredients

 

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• ▢ 1 1/2 lbs broccoli florets fresh or frozen
• ▢ 2 tablespoons butter
• ▢ 1 small onion finely chopped
• ▢ 2 cloves garlic minced
• ▢ 1 can 10.5 oz condensed cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
• ▢ 1/2 cup sour cream
• ▢ 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• ▢ 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese divided
• ▢ 1/2 teaspoon salt
• ▢ 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• ▢ 1/4 teaspoon paprika optional
• ▢ 1 cup crushed crackers like Ritz or saltines or breadcrumbs
• ▢ 2 tablespoons melted butter for topping

Instructions

• Prepare the Broccoli:
• Cook the Broccoli: If using fresh broccoli, steam the florets for 4-5 minutes until they are tender but still bright green. If using frozen, thaw the broccoli completely and pat dry to remove excess moisture. Set aside.
• Make the Creamy Mixture:
• Sauté Onions and Garlic: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute.
• Mix the Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, 3/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, and paprika (if using). Stir in the sautéed onions and garlic.
• Assemble the Casserole:
• Combine with Broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the creamy mixture and gently stir until the broccoli is well coated.
• Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the broccoli mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.
• Add Topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed crackers or breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top.
• Bake:
• Bake: Place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
• Serve:
• Cool Slightly: Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving.
• Enjoy your Creamy Broccoli Casserole as a comforting side dish or a light main course! Perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings.