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Ultimate Cheesy Broccoli Casserole Recipe
This cheesy broccoli casserole combines tender broccoli florets with a rich, creamy sauce and melted cheddar cheese for the ultimate comfort food experience. Perfect for busy weeknights or special family gatherings, this budget-friendly dish costs under $8 to make and serves four people generously. Packed with vitamin C, fiber, and calcium, it transforms healthy broccoli into a crowd-pleasing side dish that even picky eaters will love.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Budget-friendly comfort food that costs less than $8 to feed a family of four with wholesome ingredients you likely have on hand
- Nutritional powerhouse packed with vitamin C from fresh broccoli, calcium from cheese, and protein from dairy ingredients
- Make-ahead friendly recipe that can be assembled hours in advance and baked when needed, perfect for busy schedules
- Kid-approved way to serve vegetables that transforms broccoli into a creamy, cheesy delight even picky eaters request
- Versatile side dish that pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, grilled fish, or holiday meals throughout the year
Why This Cheesy Broccoli Casserole Recipe Works
The secret to this exceptional cheesy broccoli casserole lies in the perfect balance of textures and flavors. Blanching the broccoli for exactly two minutes preserves its vibrant color while ensuring it doesn’t become mushy during baking.
The creamy base combines cream of mushroom soup with sour cream, creating a rich sauce that coats every floret. This combination provides tanginess from the sour cream while the soup adds depth and body. The layering technique ensures cheese distribution throughout, not just on top.
Baking at 350°F allows the flavors to meld without overcooking the broccoli. The result is a golden, bubbly casserole with tender-crisp vegetables and perfectly melted cheese that brings families together around the dinner table.
What You’ll Need for the Perfect Cheesy Broccoli Casserole
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity (Approx) | Purpose / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh broccoli florets | 4 cups | Main vegetable base, provides fiber and vitamin C |
| Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded | 1 cup | Creates creamy texture and rich flavor throughout |
| Cream of mushroom soup | 10.5 oz can | Forms creamy base sauce, adds umami depth |
| Sour cream | 1 cup | Adds tanginess and extra creaminess to sauce |
| Onion powder | 1 tsp | Enhances savory flavor without texture |
| Garlic powder | 1 tsp | Adds aromatic depth and complements cheese |
| Salt and pepper | To taste | Balances and enhances all flavors |
Tools
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Large pot | Blanching broccoli florets quickly and evenly |
| Colander | Draining blanched broccoli thoroughly |
| Mixing bowl | Combining sauce ingredients smoothly |
| Baking dish (9×13 inch) | Holding casserole for even baking |
| Measuring cups and spoons | Accurate ingredient portions for best results |
How to Make Cheesy Broccoli Casserole
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1. Prep and Preheat | Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray |
| 2. Blanch Broccoli | Bring large pot of water to boil, add broccoli florets for exactly 2 minutes until bright green, then drain immediately |
| 3. Make Sauce | In mixing bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth |
| 4. Combine Ingredients | Fold blanched broccoli into creamy sauce mixture until all florets are well coated |
| 5. Layer Casserole | Spread half the broccoli mixture in prepared baking dish, sprinkle with half the cheese, add remaining broccoli, top with remaining cheese |
| 6. Bake | Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until golden brown on top and bubbly around edges |
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Don’t skip blanching the broccoli – it prevents mushy texture and maintains vibrant green color during baking
- Use room temperature sour cream and soup for smoother sauce mixing without lumps or separation
- Shred cheese from a block rather than buying pre-shredded for better melting and creamier texture
- Layer half the cheese in the middle for even distribution and extra gooeyness throughout the casserole
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the sauce to thicken before serving
Serving and Storage Tips for Cheesy Broccoli Casserole
Serving Tips
This cheesy broccoli casserole shines as a versatile side dish for numerous occasions. Serve it alongside roasted chicken for Sunday dinner or pair it with grilled salmon for a balanced weeknight meal.
For holiday gatherings, this casserole complements turkey, ham, or beef roast beautifully. The creamy texture and mild flavor make it kid-friendly while sophisticated enough for adult palates. Garnish with fresh chives or crispy breadcrumbs for extra appeal.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to four days in a covered container. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or warm the entire dish in a 325°F oven for 15 minutes until heated through.
Mistakes to Avoid while making Cheesy Broccoli Casserole
The most common mistake is overcooking the broccoli during blanching, which results in mushy vegetables that break apart during baking. Stick to exactly two minutes in boiling water for perfect texture.
Another frequent error is using cold ingredients when making the sauce. Cold sour cream and soup don’t blend smoothly, creating lumpy texture. Allow ingredients to reach room temperature before mixing.
Avoid overbaking the casserole, which can cause the sauce to separate and become grainy. Watch for golden brown color and bubbling edges as your cues for doneness. For more casserole inspiration, check out this classic broccoli cheese casserole variation.
You Must Know
- Fresh broccoli works significantly better than frozen – frozen releases excess water that dilutes the creamy sauce
- Sharp cheddar provides the best flavor balance, but you can substitute with Gruyere or Swiss for different taste profiles
- The casserole can be assembled up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerated before baking – add 10 extra minutes to baking time
- For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for half the sour cream without compromising creaminess or flavor
Suggestions for Cheesy Broccoli Casserole
Transform this basic recipe into exciting variations by adding cooked bacon bits or diced ham for protein. Cauliflower florets can replace half the broccoli for different flavors and textures while maintaining nutritional value.
For extra richness, stir in cream cheese or substitute Gruyere for the cheddar. Breadcrumb topping adds delightful crunch – mix panko with melted butter and sprinkle over cheese before baking.
Make it a complete meal by adding cooked rice or pasta to create a hearty one-dish dinner. This family-style approach works perfectly for busy weeknights. Pair with creamy pasta dishes for an indulgent dinner spread.
FAQs:
Yes, you can assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it covered. When ready to bake, add an extra 10 minutes to the cooking time since it will be cold from the refrigerator.
While possible, fresh broccoli works much better. Frozen broccoli releases excess water during baking, which can make the casserole watery and dilute the creamy sauce. If using frozen, thaw completely and drain thoroughly first.
Ensure you drain the blanched broccoli completely and don’t overcook it. Use room temperature ingredients for the sauce, and avoid overbaking which can cause the sauce to separate and become watery.
Sharp cheddar provides the best flavor and melting properties. You can substitute with Gruyere, Swiss, or a blend of cheeses. Always shred from a block rather than using pre-shredded for better melting.
Properly stored in the refrigerator, leftover casserole will keep for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or warm the entire dish in a 325°F oven for about 15 minutes.
Conclusion
This ultimate cheesy broccoli casserole recipe delivers everything you want in comfort food – creamy texture, rich flavor, and nutritious vegetables your family will actually enjoy. With simple ingredients and straightforward techniques, you can create a restaurant-quality side dish that costs less than $8 to make.
The combination of perfectly blanched broccoli, tangy sour cream sauce, and melted sharp cheddar creates a dish that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner or holiday feast, this versatile casserole adapts to any occasion and pairs beautifully with countless main dishes.
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📖 Recipe Card
Cheesy Broccoli Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 5 minutes after baking to allow the sauce to thicken before serving 1x
Description
A creamy and delicious cheesy broccoli casserole that combines tender blanched broccoli with a rich, savory sauce and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect as a side dish or light main course.
Ingredients
- 4 cups Fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 10.5 oz can Cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup Sour cream
- 1 tsp Onion powder
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- To taste Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Prep and Preheat: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray
- Blanch Broccoli: Bring large pot of water to boil, add broccoli florets for exactly 2 minutes until bright green, then drain immediately
- Make Sauce: In mixing bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth
- Combine Ingredients: Fold blanched broccoli into creamy sauce mixture until all florets are well coated
- Layer Casserole: Spread half the broccoli mixture in prepared baking dish, sprinkle with half the cheese, add remaining broccoli, top with remaining cheese
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until golden brown on top and bubbly around edges
Notes
- Don’t skip blanching the broccoli – it prevents mushy texture and maintains vibrant green color during baking
- Use room temperature sour cream and soup for smoother sauce mixing without lumps or separation
- Shred cheese from a block rather than buying pre-shredded for better melting and creamier texture
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the sauce to thicken before serving
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/6 of casserole)
- Calories: 285 calories
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: cheesy broccoli casserole, broccoli recipe, casserole dish, comfort food, vegetarian casserole, easy side dish
