Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Broccoli Cheese Casserole is a comforting and creamy dish that’s perfect for family meals or potlucks. Packed with tender broccoli, sharp cheddar, and a crunchy Ritz cracker topping, it’s both flavorful and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 4 cups chopped broccoli
• 1 (10 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup mayonnaise or Miracle Whip (mayo preferred; can substitute Greek yogurt or sour cream)
• 1/4 cup butter, melted (1/2 stick)
• 2 large eggs, slightly beaten
• 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 1/2 cups extra sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Step 2: Place the broccoli in a steaming basket on the stove and steam for about 5 minutes or until tender to a fork.
3. Step 3: Remove the broccoli and chop into bite-sized pieces, then transfer to a medium mixing bowl.
4. Step 4: Add the cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, melted butter, beaten eggs, chopped onion, salt, and pepper to the broccoli. Mix everything well.
5. Step 5: Stir in 3/4 cup of the cheddar cheese into the broccoli mixture until evenly combined.
6. Step 6: Spray an 8×8-inch square casserole dish with cooking spray.
7. Step 7: Pour the broccoli mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread evenly.
8. Step 8: Sprinkle the remaining 3/4 cup of cheddar cheese on top, then evenly cover with the crushed Ritz crackers.
9. Step 9: Bake for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the topping is golden brown.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, substitute the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup.
• Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a tangier flavor and lighter texture.
• Add cooked bacon bits or diced mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
• Use sharp or extra sharp cheddar cheese to enhance the cheesy taste.
• Try topping with crushed breadcrumbs or panko instead of Ritz crackers for a different crunch.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the whole casserole in a 350°F oven until warmed through. Adding a splash of milk before reheating can help maintain creaminess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, you can freeze the broccoli cheese casserole before baking. Cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.

Is it necessary to steam the broccoli first?

Steaming the broccoli softens it and ensures the casserole has a tender texture. If you prefer a crunchier bite, you can skip steaming and add raw chopped broccoli, but the texture will be firmer.

Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 74 reviews

This Broccoli Cheese Casserole is a comforting and cheesy baked dish featuring tender steamed broccoli mixed with creamy soup, mayonnaise, and sharp cheddar cheese, topped with crunchy Ritz crackers for the perfect golden crust. Ideal for a family dinner side or a vegetarian main, it offers rich flavors and a satisfying texture that’s easy to prepare.

• Author: Windy
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables

• 4 cups chopped broccoli
• 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely chopped

Dairy & Eggs

• 1 1/2 cups extra sharp cheddar cheese, divided
• 1/4 cup butter, melted (1/2 stick)
• 2 large eggs, slightly beaten

Condiments & Pantry

• 1 (10 ounce) can of cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup mayonnaise or Miracle Whip (or Greek yogurt or sour cream as alternatives)
• 1/2 sleeve of Ritz crackers, crushed

Seasonings

• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it is ready when your casserole mixture is prepared.
2. Steam Broccoli: Place the chopped broccoli in a steaming basket over boiling water on the stove and steam for 5 minutes or until tender when pierced with a fork.
3. Chop Broccoli: Remove the steamed broccoli from the stove, chop any large stems into bite-sized pieces, and transfer to a medium mixing bowl.
4. Combine Ingredients: Add cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, melted butter, beaten eggs, finely chopped onion, salt, and pepper to the broccoli. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
5. Add Cheese: Stir in 3/4 cup of the extra sharp cheddar cheese into the broccoli mixture evenly.
6. Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly spray an 8×8 inch square casserole dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
7. Assemble Casserole: Pour the broccoli and cheese mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread evenly.
8. Add Toppings: Sprinkle the remaining 3/4 cup of cheddar cheese over the top, followed by the crushed Ritz crackers for a crunchy topping.
9. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the top is golden brown.

Notes

• You can substitute Greek yogurt or sour cream for mayonnaise to add a tangier flavor and reduce fat.
• For a vegetarian version, use cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken.
• Make sure to steam broccoli just until tender to avoid a mushy casserole.
• Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving for easier slicing and serving.

Keywords: broccoli cheese casserole, baked broccoli dish, easy vegetable casserole, cheesy broccoli bake, comfort food casserole