Are you craving a warm and comforting dish that’s both easy to make and incredibly delicious? Look no further than broccoli casserole! This classic broccoli casserole recipe combines tender broccoli florets with a creamy, cheesy sauce and a crunchy buttery topping for a dish that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish for a family dinner or bringing it to a potluck or holiday gathering, broccoli cheese casserole is always a crowd-pleaser. In this article, we’ll walk you through the simple steps to make this mouthwatering dish and share some tips and tricks along the way.

Broccoli Casserole

Broccoli casserole isn’t just a delicious side dish – it’s also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re hosting a casual weeknight dinner with family or celebrating a special occasion with friends, this dish fits the bill. Its comforting flavors and hearty texture make it a welcome addition to any meal, and it pairs beautifully with a wide range of main courses. From roasted meats to grilled seafood, broccoli casserole adds a touch of homemade goodness to every plate. Plus, with its simple preparation and minimal ingredients, it’s a stress-free option for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.

A Crowd-Pleasing Favorite

One of the best things about broccoli casserole is its universal appeal. Even the most finicky eaters can’t resist the combination of tender broccoli, creamy sauce, and crispy topping. Whether you’re serving it to kids who are wary of their greens or adults with more discerning palates, broccoli casserole is sure to win rave reviews. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together around the dinner table, sparking conversation and creating cherished memories. So why not add broccoli casserole to your menu rotation and see for yourself why it’s a timeless classic that never goes out of style?

What you’ll love about this recipe:

Comforting Flavor: Broccoli casserole boasts a rich and comforting flavor profile, with creamy sauce, melted cheese, and savory seasonings coming together to create a dish that’s both indulgent and satisfying.
Versatility: This dish is incredibly versatile and can be customized to suit individual tastes. You can add ingredients like bacon, ham, or mushrooms for added flavor and texture, making it adaptable to different preferences and dietary needs.
Ease of Preparation: Broccoli casserole is relatively easy to make, requiring simple ingredients and minimal prep work. It’s a great option for busy weeknights or when you need to feed a crowd without spending hours in the kitchen.
Family Favorite: Many people grew up enjoying broccoli casserole as a family favorite, often served at holiday gatherings and special occasions. The nostalgic appeal of this dish can evoke fond memories of home-cooked meals and shared moments with loved ones.
Nutritional Benefits: Despite its decadent taste, broccoli casserole can also be nutritious, especially when made with fresh broccoli and other wholesome ingredients. Broccoli is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it a healthy addition to any meal.

Air Fryer Diretions

If you would like to make this in your Air Fryer instead of baking, follow these directions.

Prepare the Broccoli: Start by steaming or blanching the broccoli florets until they are slightly tender. You can do this by microwaving them for a few minutes or blanching them in boiling water for a brief time. Be sure to drain any excess water from the broccoli before proceeding.
Prepare the Casserole Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, eggs, dried minced onion, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined.
Add the Broccoli: Gently fold the steamed broccoli florets into the casserole mixture until they are evenly coated.
Transfer to Air Fryer: Grease a suitable baking dish that fits into your air fryer basket. Pour the broccoli casserole mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly.
Prepare the Topping: In a separate bowl, crush the sleeve of Ritz crackers and mix them with melted butter until well combined. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the broccoli casserole in the baking dish.
Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Once preheated, place the baking dish with the broccoli casserole into the air fryer basket.
Cook: Air fry the broccoli casserole for about 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is heated through. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.
Serve: Once cooked to perfection, carefully remove the broccoli casserole from the air fryer and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this delicious and crispy twist on a classic comfort food dish!

Preparing Your Ingredients

Before diving into the recipe, gather all your ingredients to ensure a smooth cooking process. For this broccoli casserole recipe, you’ll need:

6 cups of fresh broccoli florets or ready-to-microwave broccoli
1 can (10.5 ounces) of cream of chicken soup
1 cup of mayonnaise
2 eggs
2 tablespoons of dried minced onion
1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
1 sleeve of Ritz crackers
2-3 tablespoons of melted butter

Cooking Your Broccoli

The first step in making broccoli casserole is preparing your broccoli. You can either boil the broccoli on the stove or microwave it for convenience. If boiling, simply bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the broccoli for about 2 minutes until slightly tender. Alternatively, if using ready-to-microwave broccoli, follow the package instructions, but cook it slightly less than recommended if you prefer your broccoli to have a firmer texture.

Pro Tip: I like my broccoli on the softer side, so I prefer to fully cook it. However, feel free to adjust the cooking time to suit your preference for broccoli texture.

Creating the Broccoli Casserole Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, eggs, dried minced onion, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix everything together until well combined, creating a creamy and flavorful base for your casserole. Once the mixture is ready, add the cooked broccoli florets and gently stir to coat them evenly with the sauce.

Once the mixture is ready, add the cooked broccoli florets and gently stir to coat them evenly with the sauce.

Next, transfer the broccoli mixture to a greased casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.

Now, it’s time to prepare the crunchy buttery topping that will take your broccoli casserole to the next level. In a separate bowl, crush the sleeve of Ritz crackers and mix them with melted butter until well combined. Spread this mixture evenly over the top of your casserole, creating a crispy and golden-brown crust.

Baking Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and bake the broccoli casserole for about 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges. If you notice the top getting too brown before the casserole is fully cooked, simply cover it with aluminum foil to prevent further browning.

Serving and Enjoying

Once baked to perfection, remove the broccoli casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This hearty and comforting dish pairs well with a variety of main courses, such as roasted chicken, grilled steak, or baked fish. Whether enjoyed as a side dish or a standalone meal, broccoli casserole is sure to become a family favorite.

Tips & Tricks

Use Fresh Broccoli: While frozen broccoli can be used in a pinch, fresh broccoli will yield the best results in terms of flavor and texture. Be sure to wash and chop the broccoli into bite-sized florets for even cooking.
Precook the Broccoli: To ensure that the broccoli is cooked to perfection and not too crunchy, consider precooking it before adding it to the casserole. You can steam the broccoli until just tender or blanch it in boiling water for a few minutes before draining.
Don’t Overcook: Be mindful not to overcook the casserole, as this can result in mushy broccoli and a soggy texture. Bake the casserole just until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is golden brown.
Let it Rest: Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven before serving. This will help the flavors meld together and make it easier to slice and serve.
Get Creative with Toppings: Don’t be afraid to get creative with toppings for your broccoli casserole. If you don’t have Ritz crackers, you can also try using breadcrumbs, or French-fried onions for added texture and flavor.

Can I use Frozen Broccoli Instead Of Fresh

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli instead of fresh for making broccoli casserole. When using frozen broccoli, it’s important to thaw it completely and drain any excess water before adding it to the casserole dish. This helps prevent excess moisture in the casserole, ensuring the proper texture and consistency. Simply thaw the frozen broccoli in the refrigerator overnight or microwave it according to the package instructions, then drain it well before incorporating it into the recipe. Frozen broccoli is a convenient alternative and works well in this dish, so feel free to use it if fresh broccoli is not available or if you prefer the convenience of using frozen vegetables.

FAQs For Making Broccoli Casserole

Yes, broccoli casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake. Simply cover the casserole dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

Yes, broccoli casserole can be frozen for longer storage. After assembling the casserole, allow it to cool completely, then wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or transfer it to an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.

Absolutely! Broccoli casserole is highly customizable, and you can add other ingredients like cooked bacon, diced ham, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture. Get creative and experiment with different combinations to suit your taste preferences

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Broccoli Casserole

Creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly delicious, our broccoli casserole is the perfect comfort food dish for any occasion. Tender broccoli florets are smothered in a creamy sauce, topped with a crispy buttery crust, and baked to golden perfection. It's a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Ingredients

6 cups fresh broccoli florets or ready to microwave broccoli.
10.5 ounce can of cream of chicken
1 cup mayonnaise
2 eggs
2 TBSP dried minced onion
1 cup cheddar cheese
1 sleeve ritz crackers
2-3 TBSP melted butter

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Boil broccoli or microwave. Boil for 2 minutes or microwave for a little less time called for on the package. I cooked mine fully because I prefer soft broccoli.

Combine, in a large bowl, the cream of chicken, mayonnaise, eggs, minced onions, & shredded cheese. Mix well to combine

Pour broccoli into the mixture. Combine to coat the broccoli.

Pour into a greased casserole dish.

Crush the sleeve of Ritz crackers & add to the melted butter. Combine well.

Pour buttered Ritz crackers over the top of your casserole.

Bake at 400 degrees for 40 minutes. If the top is getting too brown, cover it with aluminum foil.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 422Total Fat: 38gSaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 23gCholesterol: 99mgSodium: 674mgCarbohydrates: 13gFiber: 4gSugar: 2gProtein: 9g

Hey there, I am Melissa

Meet Melissa, the creative mind behind Sparkles to Sprinkles, where imagination thrives and joy abounds. A proud Jersey girl who fell in love with a New York boy, Melissa is a dedicated mom to four boys and a few fur babies. Her journey into blogging began when she chose to stay home and nurture her children. Formerly a workaholic, Melissa found solace and passion in blogging, inspired by her mother-in-law’s culinary prowess. Through family recipes and cooking classes, Melissa honed her skills, often attending with her son Michael, who shares her love for cooking. Her blog showcases diverse recipes, from beloved family classics to global cuisines, featuring her expertise with kitchen appliances like the Instant Pot and air fryer. Join Melissa on her culinary journey, where tried-and-true favorites meet exciting new discoveries!

Melissa

I’m Melissa, the imaginative force behind Sparkles to Sprinkles, where creativity comes to life, and sprinkles of joy are scattered generously. Melissa is a proud Jersey girl who found love with a New York boy. As a mom to four wonderful boys and a few fur babies, her journey into the world of blogging began after making the life-changing decision to stay home and raise her children. Previously a dedicated workaholic, Melissa’s blog became her creative outlet and passion project. Inspired by her mother-in-law, a masterful cook renowned for her delicious home-cooked meals and legendary holiday feasts (think mouthwatering sausage stuffing), Melissa honed her culinary skills through a combination of family recipes and countless cooking classes. She often attended these classes with her son Michael, who shared her enthusiasm for cooking from a young age. Melissa’s love for learning extends beyond familiar cuisines, as she enjoys exploring international recipes in hands-on cooking classes. Her blog features a diverse array of recipes, showcasing her expertise with various kitchen appliances such as the Instant Pot, air fryer, Slow Cooker, Ninja Foodi, Instant Vortex Plus, and more. Join Melissa on her culinary adventures as she shares tried-and-true family favorites alongside exciting new discoveries!

Broccoli Casserole