Rich, tangy, and oh-so-cheesy, Broccoli Casserole may just become your favorite way to eat broccoli.
Broccoli can be polarizing. Haters claim they’d rather have a root canal than have to eat it, and lovers claim it as their most favorite vegetable. You can definitely count me in that latter group: I’m Team Broccoli all the way. But you know what’s funny about this veggie whose spears look like little trees? When part of other dishes, the haters often come around. Even people who don’t like broccoli by itself love broccoli soup, broccoli stir-fry, and an old-school broccoli-raisin salad. And while these all taste great, at my house, the one dish that everyone agrees is the best is this deliriously delicious broccoli casserole.
Creamy and cheesy, this deeply flavorful casserole checks all the boxes for a richly satisfying dish that pleases everyone. There are so many wonderfully strong savory flavors, including cream of mushroom soup, mayo, and universal favorite cheddar cheese, that broccoli is more of a background note (which seems to work for broccoli lovers and non-lovers alike). But it’s also the irresistible buttery, crispy cracker topping that makes this casserole a crowd-pleaser: one bite with the hot and bubbling broccoli in sauce and everyone is hooked.
Broccoli casserole is very easy to make. Except for the crushed crackers in melted butter that go on top, everything is mixed in one bowl and then transferred to the baking dish (no muss or fuss and very little to clean up). I also love this dish because it’s so customizable. You can use different kinds of condensed cream soup if you don’t like mushroom (cream of onion and cream of celery are both delish in this recipe), substitute your favorite shredded cheese for the cheddar (or combine two), and crush up the crackers of your choice—Ritz, clubhouse, saltines… they all work!
Broccoli: A Nutritional Powerhouse
One of the great things about broccoli casserole is that it’s an easy way to get picky eaters to enjoy a superfood. Low in calories and fat but high in fiber and essential nutrients, broccoli is one of the healthiest foods on the planet. It’s rich in vitamins (including C, K, A, and B9) and minerals (including iron, calcium, and potassium), as well as being a good source of protein. It also contains antioxidants and possesses anti-inflammatory properties, too. Go Team Broccoli!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Cooked and cooled broccoli casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days and in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions
Broccoli casserole is a perfect dish for a vegetarian meal, whether you’re serving it as a main or a side. If it’s the star of your meal, pair it with these Roasted Potatoes and some Honey-Glazed Carrots. If you want to serve it as a side, keep it veggie with these Vegan Meatballs on top of this yummy Easy Baked Pasta. And speaking of pasta, one of my favorite meal combinations is broccoli casserole with this Creamy Lemon Pasta. And since there’s no such thing as too much cheese, I usually bake up some Blue Cheese And Onion Flatbread to join this delicious party!
Another thing you can do with broccoli casserole, if your meal isn’t strictly vegetarian, is to add in some Shredded Chicken, top it with Sautéed Shrimp, or use it as a bed for sliced Beef Brisket.
Broccoli Casserole
Ingredients
- 6 cups fresh broccoli florets about 2 medium heads
- 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup (10.5 ounces)
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 large eggs lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 1/4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3/4 cup crushed crackers
- 1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
Instructions
- Boil water, add broccoli, cook 2 minutes, drain.
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- In a bowl, combine condensed cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, milk, eggs, chopped onion, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well and season with salt and pepper.
- Add the drained broccoli to the mixture and stir to coat.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Transfer the broccoli mixture to the baking dish.
- In a small bowl, combine the crushed crackers and melted butter.
- Scatter the cracker crumbs over the casserole.
- Place in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the casserole bubbles and the topping is golden brown.
- Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
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