Cheesy Broccoli Casserole (Full Detailed Recipe)

This Cheesy Broccoli Casserole is creamy, rich, and incredibly comforting. It’s an easy make-ahead side dish that works just as well for busy weeknights as it does for holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or potlucks.

 Time & Yield

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
• Total Time: ~55 minutes
• Servings: 6–8

 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
• 1 cup mozzarella or Colby-Jack cheese (optional, for extra melt)
• 1 can (10.5 oz / 300 g) cream of mushroom soup
  (or cream of chicken for non-vegetarian option)
• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ cup whole milk (or evaporated milk for extra richness)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp butter
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp paprika
• ¼ tsp mustard powder (optional but recommended)

Topping (Optional but Highly Recommended)

• 1 cup crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

 Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Broccoli

• Fresh broccoli: Steam or blanch in salted water for 2–3 minutes until just tender-crisp. Drain well.
• Frozen broccoli: Thaw completely and squeeze out excess water.

⚠️ Tip: Removing excess moisture prevents a watery casserole.

2️⃣ Make the Creamy Cheese Base

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter.
3. Sauté onion for 3–4 minutes until soft.
4. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
5. Remove from heat and stir in:
   • Cream of mushroom soup
   • Sour cream
   • Milk
   • Salt, pepper, paprika, and mustard powder
6. Fold in 1½ cups cheddar + mozzarella until creamy.

3️⃣ Assemble the Casserole

1. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Spread broccoli evenly in the dish.
3. Pour cheese mixture over broccoli and gently mix.
4. Sprinkle remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese on top.

4️⃣ Add the Topping

• Mix crushed crackers, melted butter, and Parmesan.
• Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.

5️⃣ Bake

• Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown.
• Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving.

 Make-Ahead Instructions

• Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance.
• Cover tightly and refrigerate.
• Bake straight from the fridge, adding 5–10 extra minutes.

 Freezing Instructions

• Assemble without the cracker topping.
• Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in fridge, add topping, and bake.

 Variations

• Protein Add-In: Cooked chicken, turkey, or ham
• Low-Carb: Skip crackers, top with extra cheese
• Healthier: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream
• Extra Veggies: Mushrooms, cauliflower, or spinach

 Nutrition (Approx. per Serving)

• Calories: 290–330
• Protein: 12–15 g
• Fat: 22 g
• Carbs: 10–14 g

 Q & A

Q: Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Yes! Fresh broccoli gives the best texture—just don’t overcook it.

Q: Why is my casserole watery?
Excess moisture from broccoli. Always drain well.

Q: Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes. Use gluten-free soup and GF breadcrumbs or skip topping.

Q: What cheese melts best?
Sharp cheddar for flavor, mozzarella or Colby-Jack for melt.

 Serving Suggestions

Perfect with:

• Roast chicken or turkey
• Grilled steak
• Holiday meals (Thanksgiving, Christmas)
• Simple weeknight dinners

• Author
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Sara Mitchell

Sara Mitchell is an expert restaurant content creator who writes easy-to-read guides about CAVA and other Mediterranean fast-casual chains in the United States. She covers locations, menus, prices, and hours, making it simple for visitors to find nearby restaurants and what to order quickly.

With years of experience in restaurant research and local SEO, Sara creates accurate, user-friendly guides that work for both people and search engines. Her goal is to help users go from search results to their nearest restaurant or menu choice with as few clicks as possible.

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