One-Pot Wonder: Broccoli Casserole Recipe for Effortless Dinners
What is Broccoli Casserole Made Of?
🧑🍳 Broccoli casserole usually has fresh or frozen broccoli florets mixed with a creamy sauce, often with cheese, cream of mushroom soup, or sour cream. It’s topped with breadcrumbs for texture and baked until golden and bubbly. Other versions may have onions, garlic, bacon, or various cheeses to match different preferences.
Ready to step up your dinner game with a delicious spin on a classic? Check out our irresistible broccoli casserole recipe! Imagine tender broccoli in a creamy cheese sauce. It’s an easy one-pot dish that will make your weeknight meals special with minimal effort.
This isn’t your ordinary side dish. It’s a culinary masterpiece that combines convenience with indulgence, perfect for those evenings when you crave comfort without sacrificing flavor. Whether you’re hosting a cozy family dinner or simply treating yourself to a satisfying meal after a long day, this broccoli casserole is sure to steal the show.
In this blog post, we’ll guide you through creating this cheesy delight with insider tips. Prepare to impress your taste buds and loved ones with an easy, delicious dish. So, grab your apron, and let’s explore our broccoli casserole recipe!
Table of Contents
- Why Make This Cheesy Broccoli Casserole
- How to Make Broccoli Casserole
- Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe Tips
- What to Serve with Broccoli Casserole
- How to Store Broccoli Casserole
- More Healthy Recipes
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts
Why Make This Cheesy Broccoli Casserole
There are plenty of reasons to pick this cheesy broccoli casserole as your new go-to dish! It pairs fresh broccoli with creamy cheese for a delicious combo.
Enjoy it as a side or a comforting main meal. Use our easy recipe or tweak a few ingredients to suit your taste and dietary requirements.
This casserole stands out for its simplicity. With only a few ingredients and minimal prep, it’s an easy choice for busy nights or relaxed weekends. It’s also a great way to add more veggies to your diet without compromising on taste.
The cheesy broccoli casserole is a great dish to bring people together. Whether enjoyed with family or friends, it’s sure to be a hit. Don’t hesitate! Make a batch today and discover why this casserole belongs in every kitchen!
How to Make Broccoli Casserole
This easy broccoli cheese casserole recipe includes fresh broccoli florets in a creamy sauce, topped with crushed cheese crackers, and baked to perfection. It’s comforting, tasty, and super easy to make. A fantastic side dish that pairs well with anything!
The cheese crackers complement the creamy sauce and fresh broccoli perfectly. It’s a hit with everyone and can be prepped ahead to save time for weeknight meals or weekend get-togethers.
Ingredients
Broccoli: We use fresh broccoli florets for this recipe, but frozen will also work.
Shredded Cheese: Opt for sharp cheddar cheese or any of your preferred types like Monterey jack and cream cheese. Grate fresh cheese yourself for better melting and flavor, instead of opting for pre-grated cheese.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: You can use canned cream of mushroom soup or try this simple homemade low-carb soup.
Seasoning: Use a mix of dried minced onion (or onion powder), garlic powder, parsley, salt, and black pepper.
Cheese Crackers: Use cheese crackers crushed into crumbs. You can also use Ritz crackers, or breadcrumbs.
Here are the exact ingredients you will need:
- 6 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 10.5 ounce can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 large eggs
- 2 Tablespoons dried minced onion
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cheese crackers, crushed
Instructions
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Boil broccoli for 2 minutes. Drain thoroughly.
In a big mixing bowl, mix mushroom soup, mayonnaise, eggs, onions, and shredded cheese until well combined.
Pour the mixture over the broccoli and toss together. Then transfer everything into the prepared baking dish.
Sprinkle crushed cheese crackers on top and bake at 400°F for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
Nutrition
This easy broccoli casserole recipe makes up to 10 servings perfect for the whole family. Each serving contains:
- Calories: 277
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
- Sodium: 512mg
- Potassium: 245mg
Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe Tips
When it comes to broccoli casserole, a few simple tips and variations can take your dish from ordinary to extraordinary.
Feel free to get creative with your cheese selection. While cheddar cheese is a classic choice, experimenting with different cheeses like Gruyère, mozzarella, or even blue cheese can add depth and complexity to your casserole’s flavor profile.
Another tip is to consider the texture of your broccoli. Some prefer their broccoli to be tender-crisp, while others enjoy it more soft and well-cooked.
Adjusting the cooking time or blanching the broccoli before adding it to the casserole can help you achieve the perfect consistency to suit your taste.
For those looking to lighten up their dish or adhere to a low-carb lifestyle, there are plenty of alternatives to traditional broccoli casserole recipes.
Swap out the cream of mushroom soup or chicken soup for a homemade, low-carb cream sauce made with ingredients like sour cream, cream cheese, and a touch of garlic powder.
You can also replace breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour for a crunchy, keto-friendly topping that’s just as satisfying as the original.
Finally, don’t be afraid to add extra ingredients to customize your casserole to your liking. Crumbled bacon, fried onions, diced bell peppers, or even cooked chicken or turkey can take your broccoli casserole to the next level, adding layers of flavor and texture that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
With these tips and variations in mind, you’re sure to create a broccoli casserole that’s as unique and delicious as you are.
What to Serve with Broccoli Casserole
Broccoli casserole is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of other foods, making it a fantastic addition to any meal. Here are some delicious options to serve alongside your broccoli casserole:
Rotisserie Chicken: The savory flavors of roasted chicken (or turkey) complement the creamy richness of the broccoli casserole perfectly. Plus, it’s a hearty main course that will satisfy even the hungriest appetites.
Grilled Steak: For a more indulgent pairing, serve your broccoli casserole alongside a juicy grilled steak. The combination of the tender, flavorful meat with the creamy, cheesy casserole is sure to be a hit.
Mixed Green Salad: Balance out the richness of the casserole with a light and refreshing mixed green salad. A simple vinaigrette dressing or a creamy ranch dressing pairs well with the flavors of the broccoli and cheese.
Garlic Bread: Crusty garlic bread is the perfect accompaniment to any casserole dish. The garlic-infused butter and crunchy texture of the bread provide a delicious contrast to the creamy broccoli casserole.
Grilled Vegetables: Keep the veggie theme going by serving your broccoli casserole alongside a medley of grilled vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus. The smoky char from the grill adds depth of flavor to the meal.
Quinoa or Brown Rice: For a healthier option, serve your broccoli casserole with a side of quinoa or brown rice. These nutritious grains provide a satisfying base for the casserole and help round out the meal.
Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a special occasion, pairing your broccoli casserole with one of these delicious sides is sure to make for a memorable meal.
How to Store Broccoli Casserole
Store broccoli cheese casserole leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
To reheat leftovers, use the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until hot. Alternatively, warm in the casserole dish in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. Serve when heated through and the cheese has melted.
Freeze the whole casserole in a large freezer-safe container or individual servings. Thaw the casserole in the fridge before reheating for best results.
For preparing in advance, make the whole dish and keep the cheese crackers in a separate ziplock bag. Refrigerate the casserole 1-2 days before. Let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before topping with cheese crackers and baking.
More Healthy Recipes
Casseroles are comforting, easy-to-make dishes. If you liked this dish, try more of our casserole recipes:
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli instead of fresh in your broccoli casserole. Frozen broccoli is a convenient alternative that still retains much of the nutritional value and flavor of fresh broccoli. Plus, it’s already cleaned, trimmed, and chopped, saving you time and effort in the kitchen.
When using frozen broccoli in your casserole, remember to thaw it first. You can thaw it in the fridge overnight or quickly in the microwave. Frozen broccoli releases more moisture when cooked, which may affect your casserole’s texture. To avoid sogginess, drain any excess liquid from the thawed broccoli before adding it to the casserole.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the broccoli casserole recipe described is suitable for vegetarians. It features broccoli as the main ingredient, along with a creamy sauce and cheese for flavor. As long as the cheese used is vegetarian-friendly, the dish is entirely vegetarian.
You can adjust the recipe to suit various dietary preferences by opting for vegetarian-friendly ingredients in the sauce and toppings. For instance, use vegetable broth or a cream-based sauce with milk, flour, and butter instead of cream of mushroom soup, which may have meat-based broth.
Why is my broccoli casserole watery?
Your broccoli cheese casserole might end up watery due to excess moisture, often from the broccoli itself. If the broccoli isn’t well-drained post-cooking or if you’re using frozen broccoli that hasn’t been properly thawed and drained, it can release excess water while baking, leading to a watery dish.
Moreover, the choice of cheese or sauce in the casserole can add excess moisture. Cheese with high moisture content or thin sauce can result in a watery consistency. Avoid this by draining cooked broccoli well and opting for a thicker sauce or reducing the liquid in the recipe.
How long do you cook broccoli so it’s not mushy?
For perfectly cooked broccoli without turning it mushy, blanch it instead of boiling it. Blanching means briefly cooking broccoli in boiling water, then placing it in ice water to stop cooking. This method maintains broccoli’s texture and green color.
Broccoli florets should be blanched for 2-3 minutes, depending on size, until just tender-crisp. Watch closely to avoid overcooking, even a few extra minutes can make it mushy. After blanching, drain and dry the broccoli well before adding it to your dishes for optimal results.
Final Thoughts
Broccoli cheese casserole is a versatile dish loved by both vegetarians and meat-eaters. Whether you want a tasty side dish for a family dinner or a satisfying main course for a cozy night in, this cheesy comfort food will surely please your taste buds. With easy tips, you can make sure your casserole turns out delicious every time.
Moreover, with the option to customize your casserole with different cheeses, sauces, and additional ingredients, the possibilities are endless. Whether you prefer a traditional recipe or want to experiment with low-carb alternatives, there’s a broccoli casserole variation to suit every palate and dietary preference.
So why wait? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness of broccoli casserole tonight.
With its ease of preparation, crowd-pleasing appeal, and deliciously comforting flavor, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire for years to come.