Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Broccoli Cheese Casserole is a comforting, cheesy side dish perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings. Tender steamed broccoli is combined with a creamy mixture and baked to golden perfection with a crunchy cracker topping.

Ingredients

• 4 cups chopped broccoli
• 1 (10 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup mayonnaise or Miracle Whip (mayonnaise preferred; Greek yogurt or sour cream can be substituted)
• 1/4 cup butter, melted (1/2 stick)
• 2 large eggs, slightly beaten
• 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 1/2 cups extra sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: Place the chopped broccoli in a steaming basket over simmering water and steam for about 5 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender when pierced with a fork.
3. Step 3: Remove the broccoli from the steamer and chop it into bite-sized pieces. Transfer to a medium mixing bowl.
4. Step 4: Add the cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, melted butter, beaten eggs, chopped onion, salt, and pepper to the broccoli. Stir thoroughly to combine.
5. Step 5: Mix in 3/4 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese until evenly distributed.
6. Step 6: Lightly spray an 8×8-inch square casserole dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
7. Step 7: Pour the broccoli and cheese mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
8. Step 8: Sprinkle the remaining 3/4 cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top, then add the crushed Ritz crackers for a crispy topping.
9. Step 9: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the topping is golden brown.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter, tangier flavor.
• Add cooked bacon bits or diced ham for extra savory notes.
• Try mixing in some cooked rice or quinoa for a more filling casserole.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving to keep the cracker topping crisp.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli for this casserole?

Yes, frozen broccoli works well. Thaw and drain it thoroughly before steaming and proceeding with the recipe to avoid excess moisture.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe

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This Broccoli Cheese Casserole is a comforting and delicious side dish featuring tender steamed broccoli mixed with a creamy blend of cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, butter, eggs, and sharp cheddar cheese, topped with crunchy Ritz crackers. Baked to golden perfection, this casserole is perfect for family dinners or potlucks.

• Author: lina
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables

• 4 cups chopped broccoli
• 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely chopped

Dairy & Eggs

• 1 cup mayonnaise or Miracle Whip (substitute Greek yogurt or sour cream if preferred)
• 1/4 cup melted butter (1/2 stick)
• 2 large eggs, slightly beaten
• 1 1/2 cups extra sharp cheddar cheese, divided

Canned Goods

• 1 (10 ounce) can cream of chicken soup

Other

• 1/2 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking the casserole.
2. Steam Broccoli: Place the chopped broccoli in a steaming basket on the stove and steam for about 5 minutes or until the broccoli is tender enough to pierce with a fork.
3. Chop Broccoli: Remove the steamed broccoli from the stove and chop it further into bite-sized pieces to ensure even mixing and easy eating.
4. Combine Ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli with the cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, melted butter, slightly beaten eggs, finely chopped onion, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together thoroughly.
5. Add Cheese: Stir in 3/4 cup of the extra sharp cheddar cheese into the broccoli mixture to incorporate cheesy flavor throughout the casserole.
6. Prepare Baking Dish: Spray an 8×8 inch square casserole dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
7. Fill Dish: Pour the entire broccoli and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
8. Add Toppings: Sprinkle the remaining 3/4 cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole, then cover with the crushed Ritz crackers to create a crunchy topping.
9. Bake: Bake the casserole at 350°F for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted completely and the cracker topping turns golden brown.

Notes

• You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a tangier and lighter option.
• Steaming broccoli preserves nutrients better than boiling and keeps it tender yet firm for the casserole.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute the cream of chicken soup with a cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup.
• Make sure to crush the Ritz crackers finely for an even crispy topping layer.
• This casserole can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated before baking.
• To reheat leftovers, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes.

Keywords: broccoli cheese casserole, broccoli casserole, cheesy broccoli bake, comfort food, casserole recipe, vegetable side dish