Creamy Broccoli Casserole Recipe

Creamy Broccoli Casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that features tender broccoli florets in a rich, cheesy, and creamy sauce. This casserole is perfect as a side dish for family dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings. With its savory flavors and easy preparation, this casserole will quickly become a household favorite.

Ingredients

• 6 cups fresh broccoli florets (or 2 10-ounce bags frozen broccoli, thawed and drained)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)
• 1 cup sour cream
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers (or breadcrumbs)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Optional Add-Ins:

• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
• ½ cup chopped cooked bacon for extra flavor
• ½ cup cooked rice or quinoa to make the casserole more filling

For Serving:

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter.

Step 2: Prepare the Broccoli

1. If using fresh broccoli, blanch the broccoli florets in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until they are tender-crisp. Drain the broccoli and immediately plunge them into ice water to stop the cooking process. If using frozen broccoli, make sure it’s fully thawed and drained.
2. Spread the prepared broccoli evenly in the bottom of the baking dish.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the condensed soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well combined.
2. Pour the creamy mixture over the broccoli, spreading it evenly to coat the florets.

Step 4: Add the Topping

1. In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers (or breadcrumbs) with the melted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated.
2. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole, followed by the buttered cracker topping.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown and crispy.

Step 6: Serve

1. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.
2. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and enjoy this Creamy Broccoli Casserole as a side dish or a main course!

Cooking Notes

• Broccoli: For a softer texture, you can steam or microwave the broccoli for a few minutes before adding it to the casserole. If you prefer a crunchier bite, skip the blanching or steaming step.
• Soup: You can use cream of mushroom, cream of chicken, or cream of celery soup depending on your preference.

Variations

1. Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole

Add 1 cup of cooked rice or quinoa to the casserole before baking for a more filling version. This makes the casserole more like a hearty main dish.

2. Spicy Creamy Broccoli Casserole

Stir in ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the creamy mixture for a little heat. You can also use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a spicy kick.

3. Bacon Broccoli Casserole

For added flavor, mix in ½ cup of cooked, crumbled bacon to the creamy sauce before baking. The bacon adds a smoky richness that pairs well with the cheesy sauce.

4. Vegetarian Creamy Broccoli Casserole

For a vegetarian option, use cream of celery soup and add extra veggies like mushrooms, carrots, or zucchini to the casserole for more texture and flavor.

Keto Version and Low-Carb Adjustments

For a keto-friendly version:

• Replace the Ritz crackers with crushed pork rinds for a low-carb topping.
• Use full-fat sour cream, mayo, and cheese to keep the dish keto-compliant.
• Make sure the cream of mushroom soup is low-carb or use a homemade cream sauce made from heavy cream and broth.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make Creamy Broccoli Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to 1 day ahead of time. Cover it with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking, or add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking directly from the fridge.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Q: Can I freeze Creamy Broccoli Casserole?
Yes, you can freeze this casserole before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble the casserole, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed. If already baked, cool completely before freezing and thaw before reheating.

Q: What can I serve with Creamy Broccoli Casserole?
This casserole pairs wonderfully with roast chicken, grilled meats, or as a side dish for holiday dinners. It’s also great with a simple green salad or garlic bread.

This Creamy Broccoli Casserole is the perfect blend of tender broccoli, a rich and cheesy sauce, and a crispy topping. Whether you’re looking for a comforting side dish or a veggie-packed main, this casserole is easy to customize and perfect for any occasion. With simple ingredients and big flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.