Creamy Broccoli Casserole Recipe
If cozy comfort is what you’re craving, look no further than this Creamy Broccoli Casserole. This beloved classic combines tender broccoli, a duo of gooey cheeses, and a crunchy cracker topping for the kind of side dish that steals the spotlight at family dinners and potlucks alike. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight hero or a holiday staple, this casserole is both nostalgic and undeniably delicious, bringing the best of creamy, cheesy, and crunchy together in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for Creamy Broccoli Casserole is wonderfully simple, but don’t let that fool you—each component plays a starring role. From the vibrant broccoli to the rich cheeses and that signature buttery topping, every ingredient adds something special to the final dish.
- Fresh Broccoli Florets (4 cups): The heart of this casserole, broccoli brings color, nutrition, and a satisfying bite. You can use frozen florets as well—just thaw and drain them first.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): This is the ingredient that makes the sauce rich and velvety, tying all the flavors together.
- Sour Cream (½ cup): Adds tanginess and extra creaminess, making the casserole irresistibly smooth.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1 cup): Melts into the sauce for that signature cheesy goodness everyone loves.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (¼ cup): Brings a salty, nutty depth that balances the richness of the cheddar.
- Garlic Powder (¼ teaspoon): A touch of savory flavor that elevates the dish without overpowering it.
- Onion Powder (¼ teaspoon): Adds subtle sweetness and warmth, complementing the broccoli and cheeses.
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the other flavors.
- Crushed Buttery Crackers (1 cup): Ritz or similar crackers give that signature golden crunch on top—don’t skip this part!
- Melted Butter (2 tablespoons): Tossed with the crackers for a topping that’s perfectly crisp and buttery.
How to Make Creamy Broccoli Casserole
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish (or something similar in size) with a bit of butter or nonstick spray. This step ensures your Creamy Broccoli Casserole lifts out easily for serving and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Steam the Broccoli
Steam your fresh broccoli florets just until they’re crisp-tender, about 3–4 minutes. If you’re using frozen broccoli, make sure it’s thawed and well-drained before proceeding. The broccoli should be vibrant green and just softened—it’ll finish cooking in the oven, so don’t overdo it!
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well blended and smooth. The mixture should look thick and creamy, promising that signature luscious texture in every bite.
Step 4: Fold in the Broccoli
Gently fold the steamed broccoli into the creamy mixture, making sure every floret is evenly coated. Take your time here—this is how each bite of the casserole ends up packed with flavor and creaminess.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the broccoli mixture evenly in your prepared baking dish. Level it out with a spatula so the surface is nice and smooth, ready for the crunchy topping that’s coming next.
Step 6: Make and Add the Topping
In a small bowl, combine the crushed buttery crackers with the melted butter. Toss until all the cracker crumbs are glistening and evenly coated, then sprinkle this mixture generously over the top of your casserole. This is the secret to that unforgettable crispy finish!
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake the casserole for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling. Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes to set—this makes serving much easier and lets the flavors meld beautifully.
How to Serve Creamy Broccoli Casserole
Garnishes
Give your Creamy Broccoli Casserole a finishing touch with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness. A little extra grated Parmesan or a dash of black pepper also looks lovely and adds a subtle flavor boost.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with just about anything! Serve it alongside roasted chicken, grilled steak, or baked fish for a well-rounded meal. It’s also right at home on a holiday table next to turkey or ham. For a vegetarian feast, pair with a hearty grain salad or crusty bread.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, bake Creamy Broccoli Casserole in individual ramekins to give each guest their own mini serving. Or, turn leftovers into a filling for baked potatoes or as a topping over rice—your creativity is the only limit!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Broccoli Casserole keeps beautifully covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container or simply cover the baking dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap. The flavors deepen as it sits, making it just as delicious the next day.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze the casserole, assemble it up to the point of adding the cracker topping. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Add the cracker topping just before baking to keep it crisp. Alternatively, freeze individual portions for quick lunches or dinners.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the casserole loosely with foil and bake at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes. For single servings, a few minutes in the microwave works well, but you can pop them under the broiler for a minute or two to revive that crispy topping.
FAQs
Can I use fresh or frozen broccoli?
Absolutely! Both fresh and frozen broccoli work well for Creamy Broccoli Casserole. If using frozen, just be sure to thaw and drain thoroughly before mixing in so the casserole doesn’t get watery.
How can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Simply swap the regular buttery crackers for your favorite gluten-free variety, and double-check that your cream of mushroom soup is certified gluten-free. The results will be just as creamy and satisfying!
Can I add protein to make it a main dish?
Yes! Stir in a cup of cooked, diced chicken or turkey, or even a handful of cooked rice before baking. It turns your Creamy Broccoli Casserole into a hearty one-dish meal.
Is there a substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
If you prefer, you can use cream of chicken soup or even a homemade white sauce. This keeps the casserole creamy while letting you tailor the flavors to your taste or dietary needs.
Can I prepare Creamy Broccoli Casserole ahead of time?
You sure can! Assemble the casserole (without the cracker topping) up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Add the topping right before baking for the best texture and crunch.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Broccoli Casserole is the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again, whether for a family dinner or a festive gathering. It’s easy, comforting, and full of flavor—give it a try and watch it become a new favorite in your home!
Print
Creamy Broccoli Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy broccoli casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make side dish perfect for any occasion. It features tender broccoli florets coated in a cheesy, savory mushroom soup mixture, topped with a buttery crushed cracker crust that bakes to golden perfection. A simple yet flavorful dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (or frozen, thawed and drained)
Base and Dairy
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Topping
- 1 cup crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×9-inch or similar-sized baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Steam the broccoli: If using fresh broccoli, steam the florets just until crisp-tender, about 3–4 minutes. If using frozen, ensure they are thawed and well drained.
- Mix casserole base: In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to create a creamy mixture.
- Combine broccoli and base: Gently fold the steamed broccoli into the soup and cheese mixture until evenly coated.
- Assemble casserole: Transfer the broccoli mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Prepare topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed buttery crackers with melted butter until the crumbs are fully coated.
- Add topping and bake: Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the casserole. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.
- Cool and serve: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving to let it set and enhance flavors.
Notes
- For added protein, stir in 1 cup of cooked diced chicken or a handful of cooked rice before baking.
- You can substitute the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken soup or a homemade white sauce for variation.
- Use gluten-free crackers to make this casserole gluten-free if needed.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
