Broccoli Casserole: Amazing 15-Min Comfort Food

Name: Broccoli Casserole: Amazing 15-Min Comfort Food
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups fresh broccoli florets; 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1 large egg, lightly beaten; 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided; 1/2 cup chopped onion; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz); 2 tablespoons melted butter

by Manar Jota

August 24, 2025

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Broccoli Casserole has always been my go-to comfort food, especially when I want something that feels both nourishing and incredibly satisfying. I remember my mom making this dish when I was a kid, the aroma of melted cheese and buttery crackers filling our kitchen. It was always the first thing to disappear at family gatherings! This easy broccoli casserole is perfect for those busy weeknights, and making this broccoli casserole from scratch brings back such wonderful memories. The creamy, cheesy texture combined with tender broccoli is just divine. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Casserole

Unbeatable Taste: Get ready for a flavor explosion with tender broccoli enveloped in a rich, cheesy sauce.
Quick Prep: You can whip up this dish in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Surprisingly Healthy: Packed with nutrient-rich broccoli, it’s a side dish you can feel good about serving.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients that create a gourmet taste without breaking the bank.
Family Favorite: This creamy broccoli casserole is a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike.
Crowd-Pleaser: It’s the perfect addition to holidays, potlucks, and any gathering where delicious food is key.
Ultimate Comfort: This creamy broccoli casserole offers that cozy, satisfying feeling we all crave.

Broccoli Casserole Ingredients

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this delicious broccoli casserole with cheese. You’ll need 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, which give the dish its vibrant color and texture. For that signature creamy base, we’re using 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup and 1/2 cup mayonnaise. The soup provides a savory depth, while the mayo adds richness. Don’t forget 1 large egg, lightly beaten, to help bind everything together. We’ll also use 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided, for that irresistible cheesy flavor, plus 1/2 cup chopped onion for a little bite.

To season this simple broccoli bake recipe, grab 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. For the perfect crunchy topping, you’ll want 1 cup crushed buttery crackers, like Ritz, mixed with 2 tablespoons melted butter. This combination creates a golden, savory crust that truly elevates the whole dish.

How to Make Broccoli Casserole

Making this delicious broccoli bake recipe is super straightforward, even if you’re new to cooking. It’s all about layering those simple flavors to create something truly special. Let’s get this homemade broccoli casserole rolling!

Step 1: Start by getting your oven ready. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a good grease. Next, prepare your broccoli. You can either steam or blanch the broccoli florets for about 3-4 minutes until they turn a vibrant green and are just starting to soften. Make sure to drain them really well afterward – we don’t want a watery casserole!
Step 2: Now for the creamy base! In a large mixing bowl, combine the 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup, 1/2 cup mayonnaise, and 1 large egg that you’ve lightly beaten. Stir in 1 cup of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, the 1/2 cup chopped onion, and all your seasonings: 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Mix it all up until it’s smooth and well combined. Gently fold in those drained broccoli florets until they’re evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
Step 3: Pour the broccoli mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Now, take the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese and sprinkle it all over the top. For that irresistible crunchy topping, mix the 1 cup crushed buttery crackers with the 2 tablespoons melted butter. Sprinkle this buttery, crumbly mixture evenly over the cheese layer.
Step 4: Time to bake! Place the dish in the preheated oven, uncovered. Bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’re looking for the casserole to be bubbly around the edges and for that cracker topping to turn a beautiful golden brown. The aroma filling your kitchen will tell you it’s ready!
Step 5: Once it’s perfectly golden and bubbly, carefully take the broccoli bake recipe out of the oven. Let it rest on a cooling rack for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This little break helps the casserole set up, making it easier to serve and ensuring every bite is just right.

Broccoli Casserole: Amazing 15-Min Comfort Food - Broccoli Casserole - additional detail

Pro Tips for the Best Broccoli Casserole

Want to elevate your broccoli bake recipe from good to absolutely amazing? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that guarantee a perfect result every time. These simple tips will help you achieve that creamy, cheesy goodness that makes this dish so beloved.

Don’t overcrowd the pan: Ensure your broccoli is spread in a single layer in the baking dish. This helps it cook evenly and prevents a soggy bottom, crucial for a great homemade broccoli casserole.
Pat your broccoli dry: After steaming or blanching, thoroughly pat the broccoli florets dry with paper towels. Excess moisture can dilute the sauce and make your casserole watery.
Toast the cracker topping: For an extra crispy topping, mix the crushed crackers and butter, then spread them on a separate baking sheet and toast them lightly for about 5 minutes before adding them to the casserole.
Adjust cheese for desired cheesiness: If you want an extra cheesy broccoli casserole, feel free to increase the cheddar cheese slightly, or even mix in a different melting cheese like Gruyere or Monterey Jack.

What’s the secret to perfect broccoli casserole?

The real secret to a perfect cheesy broccoli casserole lies in two things: not overcooking the broccoli initially and ensuring your sauce is rich and creamy. Using quality cheese and a good binder like the egg helps create that irresistible texture everyone loves. For more culinary inspiration, explore our collection of delicious recipes.

Can I make broccoli casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble this broccoli casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, you might need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it’s heated through.

How do I avoid common mistakes with broccoli casserole?

The most common mistakes are using watery broccoli or overcooking it, which leads to mushiness. Another pitfall is not toasting the cracker topping enough, resulting in a soft rather than crispy crust. Make sure to drain your broccoli extremely well! For more tips on cooking vegetables, check out this guide on how to cook vegetables.

Best Ways to Serve Broccoli Casserole

This versatile broccoli bake recipe isn’t just a side; it’s a star player on any table! Its creamy, cheesy goodness makes it the perfect complement to a variety of main courses. For a classic Sunday dinner, pair it with roasted chicken or a juicy pork loin. It also shines as a comforting broccoli casserole side dish alongside steak or grilled fish. If you’re looking for a vegetarian meal, this dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, perhaps with a fresh green salad and some crusty bread. For a similar comforting side, try our ground beef zucchini casserole.

Nutrition Facts for Broccoli Casserole

This classic broccoli casserole is a satisfying side dish. Here’s a nutritional breakdown per serving, based on the recipe as written:

Calories: 220
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Protein: 8g
Carbohydrates: 17g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 650mg

Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use.

Broccoli Casserole: Amazing 15-Min Comfort Food - Broccoli Casserole - additional detail

How to Store and Reheat Broccoli Casserole

Properly storing and reheating your homemade broccoli casserole ensures it tastes just as delicious as when it was first made. After baking, let the casserole cool on a wire rack for about 10-15 minutes. This helps it set up, making it easier to handle. Once slightly cooled, you can cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer portions to airtight containers. This simple broccoli casserole will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, this dish freezes beautifully! Wrap individual portions securely in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is a breeze. For refrigerated portions, you can simply microwave them until heated through, or for a crispier topping, reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes. If reheating from frozen, it’s best to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight first. Then, reheat using the oven method, likely adding a few extra minutes to ensure it’s piping hot all the way through. For other comforting dishes, check out our hamburger mushroom bake.

Frequently Asked Questions About Broccoli Casserole

What is broccoli casserole?

Broccoli casserole is a classic American comfort food dish made with tender broccoli florets baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce, often topped with buttery crushed crackers or breadcrumbs. It’s a versatile side dish that’s perfect for holidays, potlucks, or a simple weeknight meal. This easy broccoli casserole is beloved for its rich flavor and satisfying texture.

Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?

Yes, you absolutely can! If you’re using frozen broccoli, make sure to thaw it completely and drain it very well before adding it to the casserole mixture. Excess moisture can make your creamy broccoli casserole watery, so pressing out as much liquid as possible is key. This ensures your broccoli bake recipe turns out perfectly. For more ideas on preparing vegetables, you might find this article on how to steam broccoli helpful.

How do I make this a healthier broccoli casserole?

To make this a healthy broccoli casserole, you can make a few simple swaps. Consider using Greek yogurt or a lighter mayonnaise for the sauce base, and opt for whole-wheat crackers or even toasted almonds for the topping. Using a reduced-sodium cream of mushroom soup also helps. It’s still a delicious broccoli casserole with cheese, just with a lighter touch! For another healthy option, try our mediterranean chicken gyros.

What are some good broccoli casserole variations?

There are so many delicious broccoli casserole variations! You can add cooked bacon bits, shredded chicken, or even sautéed mushrooms for a heartier dish. Some people love to add a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce for extra warmth, or swap cheddar for Gruyere or Monterey Jack cheese for a different flavor profile. These broccoli casserole twists keep things exciting! If you enjoy flavorful dishes, you might also like our Indian butter chicken recipe.

Variations of Broccoli Casserole You Can Try

This beloved broccoli casserole is fantastic as is, but it’s also incredibly adaptable! I love experimenting with different flavors and methods to keep things interesting. Here are a few of my favorite broccoli casserole variations.

Spicy Kick: Add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a finely minced jalapeño to the creamy sauce for a little heat.
Heartier Meal: Mix in 1 cup of cooked, shredded chicken or crumbled bacon for a more substantial dish that can almost stand alone as a main course.
Gluten-Free Delight: Easily make this a healthy broccoli casserole by swapping the buttery crackers for gluten-free crushed crackers or even toasted pecans. Ensure your cream of mushroom soup is also gluten-free.
Lighter Version: For a lighter take, use Greek yogurt or light mayonnaise instead of regular mayonnaise, and opt for a reduced-sodium cream of mushroom soup. This still gives you a wonderfully creamy broccoli casserole.