Creamy Broccoli Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This creamy broccoli casserole is a comforting and cheesy side dish that’s perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings. With tender broccoli, a rich mushroom soup base, and a crispy cracker crumb topping, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

• 1 (14 or 16 oz.) package broccoli florets
• 1 cup shredded mild or medium cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 (10 3/4 oz.) can cream of mushroom soup
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups Ritz and/or Keebler Club cracker crumbs (about 1 sleeve of crackers; a combination of 3/4 cup Ritz and 3/4 cup Keebler Club is recommended)
• 1/4 cup butter, melted

Instructions

1. Step 1: Thaw and warm the broccoli in the microwave for about 5 minutes. Drain very well, then cut any large florets into smaller, bite-sized pieces.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, combine the broccoli, 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar, cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, milk, egg, and salt. Spoon this mixture into a greased 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese evenly on top.
3. Step 3: Stir together the cracker crumbs and melted butter until the crumbs are moistened. Sprinkle this crumb mixture evenly over the broccoli mixture.
4. Step 4: Bake at 350℉ for 45 to 50 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and the crumb topping is lightly golden brown.

Tips & Variations

• Use frozen chopped broccoli in place of florets if preferred, though florets tend to hold their texture better.
• Prepare the casserole ahead by assembling the broccoli mixture in the baking dish without the crumb topping and refrigerate. Add the topping just before baking and extend baking time to 75–80 minutes. Cover loosely with foil if the topping browns too quickly.
• Double the recipe to fit a 9×13-inch pan for larger gatherings.

Storage

Store leftover casserole covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350℉ oven until warmed through and the topping is crisp again, about 15 to 20 minutes.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh broccoli can be used. Steam or blanch it until just tender, then proceed with the recipe. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

Is there a substitute for cream of mushroom soup?

You can substitute cream of chicken or cream of celery soup if preferred. For a homemade version, mix cream, chicken broth, and sautéed mushrooms with a thickener like flour or cornstarch.

Creamy Broccoli Casserole Recipe

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 115 reviews

This creamy broccoli casserole is a comforting, cheesy side dish perfect for family dinners or potlucks. Featuring tender broccoli florets baked in a rich mixture of cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, milk, and cheddar cheese, topped with a buttery cracker crumb crust that bakes to golden perfection.

• Author: Jeannette
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Broccoli Mixture

• 1 (14 or 16 oz.) package broccoli florets
• 1 cup shredded mild or medium cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 (10 3/4 oz.) can cream of mushroom soup
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1/8 tsp salt

Topping

• 1 1/2 cups Ritz and/or Keebler Club cracker crumbs (about 1 sleeve; combination of 3/4 cup Ritz + 3/4 cup Keebler Club)
• 1/4 cup butter, melted

Instructions

1. Prepare Broccoli: Thaw the broccoli florets and warm them in the microwave for about 5 minutes. Drain them very well, then cut any large florets into smaller, bite-sized pieces to ensure even baking.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the drained broccoli, 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, milk, lightly beaten egg, and salt. Stir until well incorporated. Spoon this mixture evenly into a greased 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
3. Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, mix cracker crumbs with melted butter until the crumbs are fully moistened. Evenly sprinkle this buttery crumb mixture over the broccoli mixture in the baking dish.
4. Bake Casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the mixture is bubbly and the cracker crumb topping turns a light golden brown.
5. Optional Make-Ahead: For preparing ahead of time, place the broccoli mixture (without the cracker topping) in the casserole dish and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add the cracker topping and increase baking time to 75 to 80 minutes. If the topping browns too quickly, cover the dish loosely with foil partway through baking.
6. Serving Size Adjustments: To serve a larger group, double the recipe and bake in a 9×13-inch pan following the same instructions.

Notes

• Frozen chopped broccoli can be used instead of florets, but the texture will differ slightly.
• The casserole can be made ahead by assembling the broccoli mixture in advance and adding the crumb topping before baking.
• If topping browns too fast during baking, cover loosely with foil to prevent burning.
• Using a combination of Ritz and Keebler Club crackers gives a nice texture and flavor balance, but you can use one type if preferred.

Keywords: broccoli casserole, creamy broccoli, cheesy side dish, comforting casserole