Broccoli Cheese Casserole is a comforting, creamy dish that combines tender broccoli with a rich and cheesy sauce, all baked to perfection. The broccoli is cooked until just tender, then smothered in a velvety cheese sauce made from cheddar (or a blend of cheeses), sour cream, and a touch of seasonings for extra flavor. Topped with a crunchy breadcrumb topping, the casserole is baked until golden and bubbly. It’s the ultimate side dish for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday feast, family dinner, or potluck.
I first made Broccoli Cheese Casserole when I wanted to create a dish that would be a hit with both kids and adults, and it quickly became a favorite. The combination of gooey cheese and tender broccoli is both satisfying and comforting. What I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is—you can add in some cooked chicken or beef bacon for extra protein, or swap out the breadcrumbs for crushed crackers for a different texture. It’s a foolproof side that everyone will love!
Perfect for:
- Family dinners
- Holiday feasts
- Potlucks
- Comfort food lovers
- Vegetables lovers
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why this Broccoli Cheese Casserole will become your go-to comfort dish:
- Cheesy Goodness: The combination of sharp cheddar and creamy sauce is irresistible and indulgent.
- Tender Broccoli: The broccoli is perfectly tender while retaining a slight bite, providing the ideal balance to the creamy sauce.
- Crispy Topping: A golden breadcrumb topping gives the casserole an irresistible crunch.
- Simple to Make: With minimal prep time, this casserole is easy to put together and bake.
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the casserole ahead of time and bake it just before serving, perfect for busy days.
- Versatile Dish: This casserole can be served as a side dish or even as a main for vegetarian meals.
- Crowd-Pleasing: It’s a family favorite that’s sure to please both kids and adults alike.
- Comforting Flavors: A cozy dish that offers all the warmth and comfort of homemade cooking.
- Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to adjust the cheese or add a bit of spice to tailor it to your tastes.
- Freezer-Friendly: Make extra and freeze for a quick and easy meal later.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 1 hour (including baking time)
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6-8 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 300-350 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 15g, Carbs: 20g, Fat: 25g
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Topping:
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Ingredient Highlights
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Adds a rich, tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.
- Sour Cream and Mayonnaise: Create a creamy, tangy base that complements the broccoli.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: Acts as the base of the sauce, providing richness and depth of flavor.
- Breadcrumb Topping: Adds a satisfying crunch, contrasting the soft, cheesy casserole.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Broccoli:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Blanch the Broccoli: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and blanch the broccoli for 2-3 minutes, then drain and set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce:
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, and cream of mushroom soup.
- Season the Sauce: Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the mixture. Stir to combine.
- Add Cheese: Stir in 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese, reserving the rest for topping.
Assemble the Casserole:
- Combine Broccoli and Sauce: Add the cooked broccoli to the cheese sauce and stir gently to coat the broccoli evenly.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the broccoli mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
Prepare the Topping:
- Make the Topping: In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter and Parmesan cheese.
- Top the Casserole: Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
Bake the Casserole:
- Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is golden brown.
Serve:
- Cool Slightly: Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving.
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Broccoli Cheese Casserole:
- As a Side Dish: Serve alongside roasted meats or grilled chicken for a complete meal.
- With Mashed Potatoes: Pair with mashed potatoes for a comforting, hearty meal.
- At Family Gatherings: Perfect for Thanksgiving or holiday dinners.
- With a Salad: Serve with a crisp salad for a well-rounded meal.
- For Brunch: A great addition to a brunch spread.
- As a Main Dish: For a vegetarian meal, serve as the main dish with a side of bread.
- With Crusty Bread: Pair with warm, crusty bread for dipping into the creamy sauce.
- On the Go: Pack in lunch boxes for a quick and satisfying meal.
- With Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside other roasted vegetables like carrots and potatoes.
- For Meal Prep: Portion out into individual servings for easy lunches throughout the week.
Additional Tips
- Use Fresh Broccoli: Fresh broccoli holds up better in casseroles than frozen, ensuring a nice texture.
- Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: Blanch the broccoli just until tender to maintain its flavor and texture.
- Customize the Cheese: Try using a combination of cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.
- Make It Spicy: Add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a little kick.
- Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-grated cheese may contain anti-caking agents, which can affect the texture of your casserole. Grate your own cheese for the best result.
Recipe Variations
- Cheesy Beef Bacon Broccoli Casserole: Add crumbled cooked beef bacon to the casserole for a smoky flavor.
- Cauliflower Cheese Casserole: Replace broccoli with cauliflower for a different twist.
- Gluten-Free Broccoli Cheese Casserole: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the topping and check that your cream of mushroom soup is gluten-free.
- Vegan Broccoli Cheese Casserole: Replace dairy ingredients with vegan cheese and plant-based sour cream and mayonnaise.
- Spicy Broccoli Cheese Casserole: Add chopped jalapeños or green chilies to the sauce for a spicy version.
- Chicken Broccoli Cheese Casserole: Add cooked, shredded chicken to the casserole for extra protein.
Special Equipment
- Baking Dish: A 9×13-inch baking dish works best for this casserole.
- Large Pot: For blanching the broccoli.
- Mixing Bowls: For preparing the cheese sauce and topping.
- Grater: To shred cheese for the casserole and topping.
- Whisk: For mixing the sauce ingredients.
- Oven Mitts: For handling the hot casserole during baking.
- Spoon: For serving the casserole once it’s ready to eat.
FAQ Section
- Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, but be sure to thaw and drain the frozen broccoli to avoid excess moisture in the casserole. - How long will this casserole last in the fridge?
The casserole can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. - Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day ahead and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. - Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes, freeze the casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking. - Can I make this casserole dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use dairy-free cheese and sour cream for a dairy-free version. - Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, feel free to add mushrooms, carrots, or bell peppers for added flavor and texture. - Can I use a different kind of cheese?
Yes, mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese can be substituted for cheddar if you prefer. - How do I prevent the topping from getting too soggy?
Make sure to toast the breadcrumbs lightly before adding them to the casserole, and don’t cover the casserole while baking. - Can I add meat to this casserole?
Yes, cooked chicken, sausage, or bacon can be added to the casserole for extra protein. - How can I make this casserole spicier?
Add chili flakes, hot sauce, or chopped jalapeños to the cheese sauce for an extra kick.
Conclusion
Broccoli Cheese Casserole is a creamy, cheesy comfort food that brings together tender broccoli, rich cheese sauce, and a crispy breadcrumb topping. This dish is perfect for holidays, family dinners, or as a side to any meal. The combination of soft broccoli and gooey, melted cheese is irresistibly delicious, while the crispy, golden topping adds a satisfying crunch.
This recipe is easy to make and can be customized by adding extras like cooked chicken, garlic, or even beef bacon for extra flavor. You can also adjust the cheese to your preference, using sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix of both. It’s a great way to sneak in some vegetables while still indulging in a rich and flavorful dish.
I can’t wait to see how your Broccoli Cheese Casserole turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your cheesy, comforting creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!