If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, crowd-pleasing side dish, look no further than this Creamy Broccoli Casserole Recipe. It’s the perfect marriage of tender broccoli in a rich, cheesy sauce topped with a crispy, buttery cracker crust that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday feast or a simple weeknight dinner, this casserole brings warmth, flavor, and a touch of nostalgia to the table that everyone will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Creamy Broccoli Casserole Recipe plays an essential role in delivering that perfect balance of creaminess, texture, and flavor. Simple pantry staples combined with fresh broccoli create a dish that’s both approachable and irresistibly satisfying.
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (or frozen, thawed and drained): The star vegetable that provides a fresh, vibrant base and a healthy dose of green goodness.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if using fresh broccoli): Helps cook the broccoli evenly if sautéing or blanching and adds a subtle fruity note.
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup): The creamy backbone of the sauce that keeps everything smooth and delicious.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds tanginess and extra creaminess, elevating the casserole’s richness.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided: Provides gooey, melty cheese flavor and a beautifully golden finish.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Infuses a sharp, salty bite that deepens the overall flavor profile.
- 1/4 cup milk: Helps thin out the sauce slightly to ensure it’s luscious but not overly thick.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a warm, savory undertone that complements the cheese beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Boosts the savory depth without overpowering the other flavors.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that bring everything into harmonious balance.
- 1 cup crushed buttery crackers (such as Ritz): Creates a crunchy and buttery topping that contrasts delightfully with the creamy filling.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping): Binds the cracker topping and adds rich flavor and golden color.
How to Make Creamy Broccoli Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli
Start by getting your broccoli perfectly tender yet still vibrantly green. If you’re using fresh florets, steam or blanch them for about 5-6 minutes until just tender. This step ensures your broccoli stays crisp and doesn’t turn mushy in the bake. For frozen broccoli, simply thaw and drain it thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from watering down your sauce.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce
Grab a large mixing bowl and combine your cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together until it’s luxuriously smooth. Then fold in half of your shredded cheddar cheese—this will melt into the sauce, making it even more indulgent.
Step 3: Combine Broccoli and Sauce
Now add your cooked broccoli to the sauce bowl and gently toss everything until the florets are evenly coated. This makes sure every bite is packed with creamy, cheesy goodness. Give it a quick taste and season with salt and pepper to your liking—that little pinch makes a big difference!
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer this creamy broccoli mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Use a spatula to spread and smooth the top so it bakes evenly. A smooth top also gives a lovely surface for the crunchy topping to shine.
Step 5: Prepare the Topping
In a small bowl, mix the crushed buttery crackers with the melted butter until the crumbs are nicely coated. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole, creating a golden crust that adds texture and a buttery finish. Then, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top for an irresistibly cheesy crust that melts and bubbles as it bakes.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pop the casserole into your preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is beautifully golden brown and the edges are bubbling with hot cheesy goodness. The aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water!
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once out of the oven, let your creamy broccoli casserole rest for a few minutes. This helps everything to set slightly, making it easier to cut and keeping every serving perfectly creamy and packed with flavor.
How to Serve Creamy Broccoli Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Add a pop of color and fresh flavor by garnishing the casserole with finely chopped fresh parsley or chives. A little sprinkle of paprika also makes it look stunning and adds a subtle smoky touch that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Broccoli Casserole Recipe pairs wonderfully with roasted meats like chicken or pork, and it’s also fantastic alongside a simple garlic mashed potatoes or a crisp green salad. The contrast of textures and flavors will make your meal unforgettable.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the casserole in individual ramekins for personal portions, making it perfect for dinner parties. Or scoop it into hollowed-out bell peppers for a colorful, edible presentation that’s both impressive and delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover creamy broccoli casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes it an excellent option for meal prepping or quick reheats later in the week.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. Prepare and assemble your casserole but don’t bake it yet—wrap it tightly with aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as instructed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
Reheating
Reheat leftover casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and bubbly, about 15-20 minutes. This restores the crispy topping and creamy interior better than microwaving, though the microwave works in a pinch for a quicker meal.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain the frozen broccoli completely to avoid excess water making the casserole soggy. Frozen broccoli is a convenient and tasty alternative that works great here.
Can I substitute the cream of mushroom soup?
Yes! Cream of chicken soup is a popular substitute if you prefer a non-vegetarian option, or you can use cream of celery or a homemade white sauce for a different flavor twist.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The standard recipe uses buttery crackers that typically contain gluten. To make it gluten-free, simply swap the crackers with gluten-free bread crumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
How can I make this casserole vegan?
For a vegan version, use dairy-free sour cream and cheese alternatives, vegetable cream soup, and vegan buttery crackers. The creamy texture might differ slightly but it’s still delicious and comforting.
Can I add other vegetables to this casserole?
Definitely! Cauliflower, mushrooms, or diced carrots can add extra flavor and texture. Just make sure to cook these veggies beforehand so they’re tender in the finished dish.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Broccoli Casserole Recipe is truly one of those timeless dishes that never fails to bring joy to the table. It’s creamy, cheesy, and comforting in the best way possible, perfect for any occasion or just a cozy night in. Don’t hesitate to give it a try — once you do, it’s bound to become a favorite in your recipe rotation!
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Creamy Broccoli Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy broccoli casserole is a comforting and cheesy dish perfect for family dinners or potlucks. Fresh or frozen broccoli is coated in a rich mixture of cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, Parmesan, and cheddar cheeses, then topped with buttery crushed crackers and baked to golden perfection. The result is a warm, flavorful casserole with a crispy topping and a creamy, cheesy center.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (or frozen, thawed and drained)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if using fresh broccoli)
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup for non-vegetarian)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Topping
- 1 cup crushed buttery crackers (such as Ritz)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Broccoli: Steam or blanch fresh broccoli florets until tender but still bright green, about 5-6 minutes. Drain and set aside. If using frozen broccoli, thaw completely and drain.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until well blended. Add half of the shredded cheddar cheese and mix thoroughly.
- Combine Broccoli and Sauce: Add the cooked broccoli to the creamy mixture, stirring gently to coat evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the broccoli mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
- Prepare the Topping: Mix crushed buttery crackers with melted butter in a small bowl. Sprinkle the cracker mixture over the casserole evenly, then sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake the Casserole: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle and ensure safe eating temperature.
Notes
- For a non-vegetarian version, substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken soup.
- Using fresh broccoli steamed properly enhances the texture and flavor.
- Crushing crackers finely ensures an even crispy topping surface.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
