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
Scale
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.
