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Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe
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.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
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 9x13-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.