Quick & Creamy Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe Everyone Loves

Here’s a delightful broccoli cheese casserole that will make your taste buds dance with joy.

My grandmother shared this incredible recipe decades ago, and it remains a crowd-pleaser at every gathering.

Comfort food meets nutritious ingredients in this simple yet satisfying dish.

Crisp broccoli florets nestle perfectly between layers of creamy, melted cheese and golden breadcrumbs.

The magical combination creates a side that transforms ordinary meals into memorable experiences.

Serving this gorgeous casserole that looks like it took hours but comes together in minutes.

You won’t believe how easy and delicious this classic comfort food can be.

Grab a spoon and get ready to become the kitchen hero everyone adores.

Top Reasons To Love Easy Broccoli Cheese Casserole

• Whip Up Creamy Comfort: This casserole delivers rich, cheesy goodness with minimal effort, transforming simple broccoli into a crowd-pleasing dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like different cheeses, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise, or add protein like chicken to make this recipe incredibly versatile for any meal plan.
• Quick Family Favorite: Ready in under 45 minutes, this one-dish wonder requires basic ingredients and simple preparation, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or potluck gatherings where you want maximum flavor with minimal stress.
• Texture Sensation: Enjoy the delightful contrast between the crispy buttery cracker topping and the creamy, tender broccoli beneath, creating a multi-dimensional eating experience that keeps every bite interesting.

What Goes Into Easy Broccoli Cheese Casserole

Main Ingredients:

Broccoli: – Fresh or Frozen Broccoli: A green vegetable that provides nutrition and texture, with fresh being crispier and frozen more convenient.

Cheese: – Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty cheese that adds rich flavor and creamy texture, best when freshly shredded.

Binding and Creamy Ingredients:

Cream Base: – Condensed Soup, Mayonnaise, Sour Cream: Creates smooth and rich foundation for the casserole, helps bind ingredients together.

Seasonings: – Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper, Dijon Mustard: Enhances overall flavor profile with subtle spiciness and depth.

Topping Ingredients:

Cracker Topping: – Crackers, Butter: Provides crunchy golden layer with rich buttery taste, adds textural contrast to creamy base.

How To Make Easy Broccoli Cheese Casserole Step By Step

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Green Goodness

• Grab a pot of boiling water
• Dunk the broccoli for 2-3 minutes
• Quickly transfer to ice water to stop the cooking
• Drain thoroughly

• Thaw completely
• Pat dry with paper towels

Step 3: Create the Creamy Magic

• Condensed cream soup
• Mayonnaise
• Dijon mustard
• Garlic powder
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt
• Black pepper

Gently fold in the broccoli until every green bite is beautifully coated.

Step 4: Layer and Arrange

Transfer the creamy broccoli mixture into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle an extra handful of cheese on top for that irresistible golden crust.

Step 5: Add the Crunchy Topping

• Crushed buttery crackers
• Melted butter

Sprinkle this crunchy mixture evenly over the casserole.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and the edges are bubbling with cheesy goodness.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven. This helps it set and makes serving easier. Scoop out generous portions and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

Helpful Pointers For Easy Broccoli Cheese Casserole

• Optimize Broccoli Texture: Steam or blanch fresh broccoli for 2-3 minutes to prevent overcooking, ensuring crisp-tender vegetables with vibrant green color and maximum nutritional value.
• Customize Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheese blends like sharp cheddar, Gruyère, or pepper jack to add depth and personalize the casserole's flavor profile.
• Create Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular crackers with gluten-free alternatives like crushed rice crackers or almond flour-based breadcrumbs for those with dietary restrictions.
• Boost Protein Content: Add cooked diced chicken or ham to transform the side dish into a hearty main course, increasing protein and making the meal more filling.
• Enhance Vegetable Nutrition: Consider adding extra vegetables like cauliflower or spinach to increase nutritional value and create a more complex, colorful casserole.

How To Store And Warm Up Easy Broccoli Cheese Casserole

• Refrigerate: Transfer cooled casserole into an airtight container or cover tightly with plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freeze: Wrap the casserole securely in freezer-safe wrap or container. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Reheat Oven Method: Preheat oven to 350F. Cover casserole with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through, checking temperature midway.
• Microwave Option: Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute warmth evenly. Stop when the casserole reaches steaming temperature.

What To Serve With Easy Broccoli Cheese Casserole

• Pair with Protein Power: Serve this cheesy broccoli casserole alongside grilled chicken breast or roasted turkey for a complete meal that balances the rich, creamy texture with lean protein.
• Wine Wonderland: Choose a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or unoaked Chardonnay to cut through the casserole's richness, providing a refreshing contrast that enhances the dish's creamy and cheesy flavors.
• Salad Sidekick: Complement the casserole with a light, tangy green salad featuring mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette to balance the dish's creamy and buttery elements.
• Rustic Bread Buddy: Offer crusty artisan bread or warm garlic rolls to soak up the delicious cheese sauce, adding a satisfying textural element to the meal and making it more filling.

Ways To Change Up Easy Broccoli Cheese Casserole

• Southwestern Spice Splash: Add diced green chiles, swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese, and sprinkle crushed tortilla chips instead of crackers for a zesty southwestern kick.
• Mediterranean Garden Blend: Incorporate roasted red peppers, crumbled feta cheese, and replace crackers with herbed breadcrumbs for a Mediterranean-inspired variation.
• Protein Power Boost: Mix in cooked diced chicken or crispy bacon bits, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise, and top with sliced almonds for extra protein and crunch.
• Veggie Lover's Dream: Include roasted cauliflower alongside broccoli, add spinach, use a blend of three cheeses (mozzarella, parmesan, cheddar), and garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley.

Answers About Easy Broccoli Cheese Casserole

• What makes this broccoli cheese casserole special?

This casserole combines creamy cheese sauce, tender broccoli, and a crispy cracker topping for a delicious comfort food that’s both easy to make and crowd-pleasing. The combination of condensed soup, cheese, and buttery cracker crumbs creates a rich and satisfying dish.

• Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?

Absolutely! While cheddar cheese works perfectly, you can experiment with other melting cheeses like monterey jack, colby, or a blend of cheeses to create your own unique flavor profile. Just make sure to use cheeses that melt well.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes! The creamy texture and cheesy flavor make this casserole a hit with children. The crispy cracker topping adds an extra layer of appeal that most kids love. It’s a great way to sneak some vegetables into a meal that children will actually enjoy eating.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Definitely! You can prepare the casserole up to a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply bake it as directed in the recipe. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the refrigerator.

Easy Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets classic with this mouthwatering Broccoli Cheese Casserole, blending tender broccoli and creamy cheese into a delightful side dish. Cheesy, creamy goodness awaits you at the dinner table, promising a satisfying experience that elevates any meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein and Vegetable Ingredients:

• 4 cups (1 lb / 450 g) broccoli florets
• 2 cups (200 g) shredded cheddar cheese

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 can (10.5 oz / 300 g) condensed cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup
• ½ cup (120 ml) mayonnaise or sour cream
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Topping Ingredients:

• 1 cup (100 g) crushed buttery crackers
• 2 tablespoons (30 g) unsalted butter, melted

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Instructions

1. Prepare the kitchen workspace by selecting a suitable baking dish and greasing its interior to prevent sticking. Position the oven rack and set the temperature to 350F (175C) for optimal cooking.
2. Assess the broccoli’s condition: if fresh, briefly steam or blanch the florets until they reach a tender-crisp texture. For frozen broccoli, ensure complete thawing and thorough drainage to prevent excess moisture.
3. Create a creamy base by combining condensed soup, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and half the cheddar cheese in a spacious mixing bowl. Season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor profile.
4. Gently incorporate the prepared broccoli into the creamy mixture, ensuring each floret receives an even coating of the rich sauce. Strive for a uniform distribution of ingredients.
5. Transfer the broccoli mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a consistent layer. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese across the top for an additional layer of cheesy goodness.
6. Craft a crispy topping by combining crushed crackers with melted butter, creating a golden, crunchy element. Distribute the mixture evenly over the cheese-topped casserole.
7. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake until the edges bubble enthusiastically and the topping transforms into a beautiful golden-brown crust, typically requiring 25-30 minutes.
8. Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest briefly, enabling the flavors to settle and the dish to set. Serve warm as a delectable side or satisfying main course.

Notes

• Maximize flavor by using sharp cheddar cheese for a more intense taste profile.
• Ensure broccoli is not overcooked to maintain a crisp texture and vibrant green color.
• Drain frozen broccoli thoroughly to prevent excess moisture in the casserole.
• Experiment with different types of crackers for a unique crunchy topping variation.
• Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier alternative.
• Add cooked diced chicken to transform this side dish into a complete meal.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium condensed soup and unsalted butter.
• Boost nutrition by incorporating additional vegetables like cauliflower or spinach.
• Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free crackers and soup.
• Create a vegetarian version by substituting cream of mushroom soup for a plant-based option.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 328
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 759 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg