Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe

I just made this Broccoli Cheese Casserole recipe for a family dinner, and wow—it was a hit! It’s cheesy, creamy, and incredibly satisfying. I couldn’t believe how quickly it came together with ingredients I already had at home.

If you’re someone who loves comfort food that’s easy to prep and even easier to love, this one’s for you. While cooking it, I even jotted down some tweaks for next time that made it better than ever. Oh, and by the way—if you also enjoy rich pasta meals, you might love my Mushroom Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe too!

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

After cooking this casserole more than once, I’ve found a few helpful tricks that take it to the next level. These little changes make it even creamier, cheesier, and just plain better.

• Use freshly grated cheddar cheese – It melts better and doesn’t have the anti-caking agents that pre-shredded cheese has. I noticed the sauce turns silkier.
• Steam fresh broccoli only until just tender – Overcooked broccoli gets mushy. I steam it for 5 minutes max.
• Add a splash of milk or broth – Just a couple of tablespoons mixed into the soup base loosens the sauce and keeps it creamy while baking.
• Season gradually – Taste your mixture before adding salt since the soup and cheese are already salty.
• Bake uncovered – This helps the cracker topping get perfectly crisp and golden, which I find adds a great texture contrast.

Delicious Variations to Try

This recipe is already delicious, but it’s super versatile too. If you’re looking to adjust it for dietary needs or just want to switch up the flavor, here are some ideas I’ve tried and loved.

• Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free cheese, coconut yogurt instead of sour cream, and vegan mayo.
• Low-Carb Version: Replace crackers with crushed pork rinds or almond flour “breadcrumbs.”
• Add-Ins: Toss in sautéed mushrooms, cooked bacon bits, or caramelized onions for extra flavor.
• Protein Boost: Add diced grilled chicken or leftover rotisserie chicken for a full meal.
• Spice It Up: Sprinkle in red chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne for a subtle kick.

This dish fits right in with other hearty dinner recipes, especially when you’re cooking for a crowd or meal-prepping ahead of a busy week.

Essential Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Having the right tools can make prep and cleanup much easier. Here’s what I use every time:

• 9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal for evenly baking and serving the casserole.
• Large mixing bowl – For combining all ingredients without spills.
• Small bowl – For mixing the melted butter and cracker crumbs.
• Steamer or pot with colander – To lightly steam fresh broccoli.
• Cheese grater – For freshly shredding cheddar cheese.
• Oven – Preheated to 350°F for golden, bubbly results.

How to Serve Broccoli Cheese Casserole?

Once it’s out of the oven and rested for 5 minutes, this dish is ready to shine. The golden, buttery cracker topping contrasts perfectly with the creamy broccoli base.

You can serve it as a side with roasted meats or as a vegetarian main dish. For extra flair, garnish it with fresh chopped parsley or a sprinkle of paprika. I like to pair it with something crispy for contrast, like a fresh salad or the Crispy Roasted Fingerling Potatoes Recipe—it’s a perfect match.

If you’re entertaining, spoon the casserole into individual ramekins for a fancy touch. It’s easy to portion and looks extra special on the plate!

How to Store Broccoli Cheese Casserole?

Knowing how to store this dish means you can enjoy it again and again. Here’s how I keep it fresh:

• Refrigerate: Let the casserole cool completely, then cover tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then foil, or use freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes or microwave in 1-minute bursts until hot. I like to sprinkle a little fresh cheese on top before reheating to freshen up the texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

There are so many reasons this casserole keeps making it back onto my weekly dinner list. Here’s why it’ll probably become one of your favorites too:

• Quick and easy to make
  Everything comes together in under an hour using pantry staples and minimal prep.
• Perfect for meal prep
  Make it ahead and refrigerate or freeze—just reheat and eat anytime!
• Customizable to your taste
  From add-ins to toppings, you can make it your own with endless combinations.
• Comfort food at its best
  Rich, cheesy, creamy, and crunchy all in one—what more could you want?
• Great for gatherings
  Feeds a crowd with very little effort and always gets compliments.

More Useful Tips for Making the Perfect Casserole

When it comes to casseroles, small things make a big difference. Here are some extra tips that have helped me perfect this dish every time:

• Let it rest before serving – This gives the casserole time to firm up, making it easier to slice and serve cleanly.
• Layer toppings last – Always add cracker crumbs just before baking so they don’t get soggy.
• Don’t over-mix – Stir the broccoli in gently so the florets stay intact and don’t break down too much.
• Use quality ingredients – The better the cheese and soup, the richer and more delicious your casserole will taste.

Ben Carraoli

Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe

There’s something deeply satisfying about a warm, cheesy casserole that brings everyone to the table. This Broccoli Cheese Casserole is a cozy favorite—loaded with tender broccoli, rich mushroom soup, and gooey cheddar, it makes a perfect side dish or even a vegetarian main.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Dinner

Calories: 290

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• 4 cups fresh or frozen broccoli florets: Fresh works best for texture but thawed frozen broccoli can be used if squeezed dry to remove water.
• 1 can 10.5 oz condensed cream of mushroom soup: Adds richness and earthy depth; use low sodium if preferred.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Grate it fresh from a block for the best melt and flavor—pre-shredded can be drier and coated.
• ½ cup mayonnaise: Helps bind everything together while adding creamy tang.
• ¼ cup sour cream: Balances the mayo with a slightly tangier richer note.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Boosts savory flavor and enhances the cheesy profile.
• ½ teaspoon onion powder: Adds subtle sharpness without actual chunks of onion.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Season carefully—remember the soup and cheese already add salt.
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Just enough to balance the richness with mild heat.
• ½ cup crushed butter crackers such as Ritz: Provides that essential golden, crunchy topping.
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted: Mixes with crackers to create that perfect toasted texture on top.

Method

 

1. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This ensures the casserole doesn’t stick and gets a crisp edge. If using fresh broccoli, lightly steam it for about 5 minutes until just tender. Frozen broccoli should be thawed and squeezed to remove any excess moisture to avoid a watery casserole.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, freshly shredded cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything until smooth and creamy. Add in the broccoli and gently fold it into the mixture, ensuring all florets are well coated. This will help infuse every bite with cheesy, savory flavor.
3. Spoon the broccoli mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly with a spatula. In a smaller bowl, combine the crushed butter crackers with melted butter and mix until the crumbs are fully coated. Sprinkle this mixture evenly across the top of the casserole. This crunchy topping adds irresistible texture and flavor.
4. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes. The casserole should be bubbling and the topping golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the casserole set up a bit, making it easier to serve clean portions.