If you’re craving a comforting dish that perfectly blends hearty vegetables with cheesy indulgence, this Creamy Broccoli Casserole Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to. It’s the kind of casserole that hugs you from the inside out, loaded with tender broccoli enveloped in a luscious, cheesy sauce and topped with a crispy, buttery cracker crust. This recipe strikes an irresistible balance between creamy richness and satisfying texture, making it a fantastic side dish for family dinners or a star attraction at holiday spreads.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Creamy Broccoli Casserole Recipe starts with a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays an important role, contributing layers of flavor, creaminess, and crunch that turn humble broccoli into something truly special.
- Fresh broccoli florets (4 cups): The vibrant, nutritious base that brings a bright green color and crisp-tender texture.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Used only if using fresh broccoli, helps to lightly coat and enhance natural flavors.
- Cream of mushroom soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): Creates the velvety, savory sauce that binds everything together effortlessly.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): Adds a tangy creaminess that balances the richness from cheese and soup.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup, divided): Melts into gooey goodness, divided to infuse the casserole and crown it with cheesy perfection.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Introduces a sharp, nutty depth for extra flavor complexity.
- Milk (1/4 cup): Lightens the sauce keeping it smooth without being too thick.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Brings a subtle but unmistakable savory warmth.
- Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a gentle onion aroma that rounds out the seasoning.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for bringing all the flavors into harmony.
- Crushed buttery crackers (1 cup): Creates a crispy, golden topping that adds delightful texture contrast.
- Melted butter (2 tablespoons): Binds the cracker topping and enhances its rich flavor.
How to Make Creamy Broccoli Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli
If you’re starting with fresh broccoli, steaming or blanching it just right is key — you want it tender yet holding onto that bright green vibrancy that makes this dish so inviting. For frozen broccoli, simply thaw and drain it fully to avoid sogginess in your casserole.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce
The heart of this Creamy Broccoli Casserole Recipe is the perfect sauce blend. Stir together cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and Parmesan cheese in a bowl until smooth. Then fold in half of the cheddar cheese for that gooey richness that everyone will love.
Step 3: Combine with Broccoli
Now, toss your perfectly cooked broccoli in the creamy sauce. This step ensures every floret is luxuriously coated and seasoned, making the casserole bursting with flavor in every bite. Don’t forget to taste and adjust salt and pepper here.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer your saucy broccoli mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly so every bite gets its share of cheesy goodness. This sets the stage for the delightful crunch to come.
Step 5: Prepare the Topping
Mix the crushed buttery crackers with melted butter until well combined. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the broccoli, then grate the remaining cheddar cheese on top to create an irresistible golden crust once baked.
Step 6: Bake
Pop your casserole in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll want to look for that bubbly edge and a golden crust on top — the moment when the Creamy Broccoli Casserole Recipe goes from good to unforgettable.
Step 7: Serve
Allow it to cool for a few minutes after baking so the casserole sets perfectly, making it easier to serve. Then dig into this creamy, crunchy masterpiece!
How to Serve Creamy Broccoli Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Creamy Broccoli Casserole Recipe even further, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives over the top for a pop of color and fresh flavor. A light dusting of paprika can also add a pleasant warmth and lovely appearance.
Side Dishes
This casserole is wonderfully versatile and pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, grilled meats, or even a hearty bowl of soup. For a vegetarian feast, serve alongside quinoa salad or garlic bread to complete your meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving this casserole in individual ramekins for personal portions, perfect for dinner parties. Alternatively, layering it with some cooked rice or crispy bacon bits on top can transform it into a more substantial main dish everyone will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Broccoli Casserole Recipe keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to cover your casserole tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to airtight containers to maintain freshness and moisture.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this casserole either before or after baking. If freezing before, assemble in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as instructed. If freezing after baking, wrap it well to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating
Reheat your casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through and sauce bubbly again. For quicker reheating, the microwave works too but may sacrifice some of the crispy topping texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain the frozen broccoli well to avoid excess moisture that could make the casserole soggy.
What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
You can substitute with cream of chicken soup if you prefer a slightly different flavor profile, or make a homemade white sauce for a fresher version.
Is this casserole vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, using cream of mushroom soup keeps this recipe vegetarian. For a vegan option, consider plant-based substitutes for cheese and sour cream.
How do I make the casserole less creamy and more crispy?
Try reducing the sour cream slightly and increasing the cracker topping for more crunch. Adding a sprinkle of panko crumbs with the crackers can also boost crispiness.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Cauliflower, carrots, or mushrooms can be great additions. Just adjust cooking times to ensure all vegetables are tender but not mushy.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Broccoli Casserole Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that brings warmth and comfort to any table with its perfect blend of creamy sauce, tender broccoli, and irresistible crunchy topping. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it’s bound to become a beloved staple. So gather your ingredients, and give this cozy casserole a try — you might just find yourself making it again and again.
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Creamy Broccoli Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy broccoli casserole is a comforting and cheesy baked dish perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings. Fresh or thawed broccoli is coated in a rich mixture of cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, and cheese, then topped with a buttery cracker crust and extra shredded cheddar cheese for a golden, crispy finish.
Ingredients
Broccoli
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (or frozen, thawed and drained)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if using fresh broccoli)
Cheesy Cream Sauce
- 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 (for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the Broccoli: If using fresh broccoli, steam or blanch the florets until tender but still bright green, about 5-6 minutes. Drain well and set aside. For frozen broccoli, ensure it is completely thawed and drained to avoid excess moisture.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir thoroughly to create a smooth, creamy mixture. Add half of the shredded cheddar cheese (1/2 cup) and mix well.
- Combine with Broccoli: Add the prepared broccoli to the creamy sauce and gently toss until all florets are evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper to your taste preference.
- Assemble the Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with butter or non-stick spray. Transfer the broccoli mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, combine the crushed buttery crackers with melted butter, mixing so the crumbs are evenly coated. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole. Then, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese on top to add extra cheesy goodness.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. This resting time helps the casserole set for easier serving and enhances the flavors.
Notes
- Using fresh broccoli yields a firmer texture, while frozen broccoli speeds up preparation.
- You can substitute cream of chicken soup if you prefer a non-vegetarian option.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free crackers or crushed nuts for the topping.
- Make sure to drain broccoli thoroughly to prevent a watery casserole.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for 3-4 days and reheated in the oven to restore crispiness.
