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Broccoli Cheese Casserole
Broccoli Cheese Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that brings families together around the dinner table. This creamy, cheesy dish transforms simple frozen broccoli into a golden, bubbly masterpiece that even picky eaters will love. With its rich texture and irresistible flavor, this casserole serves as the perfect side dish for any occasion.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Simple preparation with just 15 minutes of prep time using everyday ingredients you likely have on hand
- Kid-friendly recipe that makes vegetables appealing and helps get nutritious broccoli into reluctant eaters
- Feeds a crowd with 8 generous servings, making it perfect for family dinners and potluck gatherings
- Make-ahead friendly dish that can be assembled hours before baking, saving you time on busy weeknights
- Customizable base recipe that allows you to add your favorite seasonings, herbs, or additional vegetables
Why This Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe Works
This recipe succeeds because it balances creamy richness with nutritious vegetables. The condensed cream of mushroom soup creates a velvety base, while mayonnaise adds tangy depth. The beaten egg acts as a binding agent, ensuring everything holds together beautifully.
Sharp cheddar cheese provides bold flavor that complements the mild broccoli perfectly. Using frozen broccoli florets maintains the vegetable’s texture without becoming mushy during baking. The combination creates a satisfying dish that’s both indulgent and wholesome.
What You’ll Need for This Broccoli Cheese Casserole
Success starts with gathering the right ingredients and tools. This straightforward recipe requires common pantry staples and basic kitchen equipment. Having everything ready before you begin ensures smooth preparation and consistent results every time.
Ingredients
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 large egg, beaten
- ¼ cup chopped onion
- 3 (10 ounce) packages frozen broccoli florets
- 8 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 dash paprika
Tools
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- Wire whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cheese grater (if using block cheese)
How to Make Broccoli Cheese Casserole
Follow these simple steps to create your perfect casserole. The process involves mixing ingredients, combining with broccoli, and baking until golden. Each step builds flavor and ensures proper texture in the final dish.
| Step 1: | Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and butter a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly |
| Step 2: | Whisk condensed soup, mayonnaise, beaten egg, and chopped onions in medium bowl until well combined |
| Step 3: | Place frozen broccoli florets in large mixing bowl, breaking up any large clumps with your hands |
| Step 4: | Add soup mixture to broccoli and mix thoroughly until all florets are well coated |
| Step 5: | Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over mixture and stir until evenly distributed |
| Step 6: | Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish and spread evenly, then season with salt, pepper, and paprika |
| Step 7: | Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour until cheese melts and top becomes golden brown |
| Step 8: | Remove from oven, let cool for 5 minutes, then serve and enjoy |
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Don’t thaw frozen broccoli beforehand as it will release excess water and make your casserole watery
- Grate your own sharp cheddar cheese for better melting and superior flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties
- Test doneness by checking that the center is hot and bubbly, not just the edges
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow it to set properly before serving
- Cover with foil during the last 15 minutes if the top browns too quickly while baking
Serving and Storage Tips for Broccoli Cheese Casserole
This versatile casserole pairs wonderfully with various main dishes. Serve alongside roasted chicken, grilled meats, or as part of a holiday spread. The rich, creamy texture complements both simple and elaborate meals.
Serving Tips
Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving to prevent burns and help it hold its shape. Use a large spoon or spatula to portion servings. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added color and flavor.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in a 325°F oven until heated through. For meal prep, consider dividing into individual containers for easy reheating throughout the week.
Mistakes to Avoid while making Broccoli Cheese Casserole
Avoid thawing frozen broccoli before mixing, as this creates excess moisture that makes the casserole watery. Don’t skip the beaten egg, which helps bind ingredients and prevents separation during baking.
Resist the urge to over-mix once cheese is added, as this can make the texture gummy. Don’t use low-fat mayonnaise, which doesn’t provide the same richness and can cause the mixture to separate. Finally, avoid overbaking, which can dry out the casserole and make the broccoli mushy.
You Must Know
- Always use frozen broccoli florets rather than fresh to maintain proper texture and prevent excess moisture
- Sharp cheddar cheese is essential for bold flavor that stands up to the creamy base ingredients
- The casserole is done when the center reaches 165°F and the top is golden brown and bubbly
- This dish can be assembled up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerated before baking, just add 10-15 extra minutes to cooking time
Suggestions for Broccoli Cheese Casserole
Enhance your casserole with creative variations. Add cooked bacon bits for smoky flavor, or incorporate diced ham for extra protein. Try mixing in cauliflower florets for added vegetables, or substitute half the cheddar with cream cheese for extra richness.
For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt in place of half the mayonnaise. Experiment with different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar mixed with gruyere. Top with buttered breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for added crunch. These variations keep the basic recipe exciting and adaptable to different tastes.
This comforting side dish pairs beautifully with other creamy pasta dishes for a indulgent meal. For inspiration on similar crowd-pleasing recipes, check out this awesome broccoli-cheese casserole or explore homemade variations for additional techniques.
FAQs:
Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking and add 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
While frozen broccoli works best, you can use fresh broccoli. Blanch it first for 2-3 minutes in boiling water, then drain thoroughly and pat dry to remove excess moisture before adding to the casserole.
The casserole is ready when the center reaches 165°F, the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown. This typically takes 45 minutes to 1 hour at 350°F.
Yes, you can freeze the assembled unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator overnight before baking. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 2 months.
You can substitute with cream of celery soup, cream of chicken soup, or make a homemade white sauce using butter, flour, and milk. Each will create a slightly different flavor profile.
Conclusion
This Broccoli Cheese Casserole delivers comfort food satisfaction with minimal effort. The combination of creamy textures, sharp cheese, and tender vegetables creates a dish that pleases both adults and children. Whether served as a holiday side dish or weeknight dinner accompaniment, this recipe consistently delivers delicious results.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, you can create a restaurant-quality casserole at home. The make-ahead convenience and crowd-pleasing appeal make this recipe a valuable addition to your cooking repertoire. Try it once, and it’ll become a regular feature on your family’s dinner table.
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📖 Recipe Card
Easy Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 33 minute
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This creamy, cheesy broccoli casserole transforms frozen broccoli into a golden, bubbly comfort food masterpiece that even picky eaters will love.
Ingredients
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 large egg, beaten
- ¼ cup chopped onion
- 3 (10 ounce) packages frozen broccoli florets
- 8 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 dash paprika
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and butter a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly
- Whisk condensed soup, mayonnaise, beaten egg, and chopped onions in medium bowl until well combined
- Place frozen broccoli florets in large mixing bowl, breaking up any large clumps with your hands
- Add soup mixture to broccoli and mix thoroughly until all florets are well coated
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over mixture and stir until evenly distributed
- Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish and spread evenly, then season with salt, pepper, and paprika
- Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour until cheese melts and top becomes golden brown
- Remove from oven, let cool for 5 minutes, then serve and enjoy
Notes
- Don’t thaw frozen broccoli beforehand as it will release excess water and make your casserole watery
- Grate your own sharp cheddar cheese for better melting and superior flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties
- Test doneness by checking that the center is hot and bubbly, not just the edges
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow it to set properly before serving
- Cover with foil during the last 15 minutes if the top browns too quickly while baking
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-60 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of casserole
Keywords: cheesy broccoli bake, vegetable casserole recipe, comfort food sides, family dinner recipes, make ahead casseroles, kid friendly vegetables, holiday side dishes, creamy broccoli dish
