Introduction
If you’re looking for a dish that is warm, comforting, and sure to please everyone at the table, you need to try this broccoli and cheese casserole. It is the kind of recipe that brings people together. Whether you are planning a family dinner, prepping for the holidays, or just craving something cheesy and satisfying, this dish checks all the boxes. It is rich, hearty, and loaded with flavor. Plus, it is incredibly easy to make.
The great thing about this casserole is that it turns a simple vegetable like broccoli into the star of the show. Combined with creamy soup, melted cheese, and a crispy topping, broccoli becomes something that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy. It is one of those recipes that feels indulgent, but still gives you the benefit of a healthy vegetable at the heart of the dish.
You do not have to be a kitchen pro to make it either. With a few basic ingredients and simple steps, you can create a dish that looks and tastes like it took a lot of effort. But really, you will have it prepped and in the oven in under 20 minutes. Whether served as a side or a main, this casserole is always a hit. Once you try it, you will want to make it again and again.
Ingredients Needed
Making this casserole is simple and requires only a handful of ingredients. You might already have most of them in your pantry or fridge. The combination of broccoli, cheese, soup, and seasoning creates a rich and satisfying dish that is full of comfort. Here is everything you will need to make the best broccoli and cheese casserole.
Ingredients List
4 cups fresh or frozen broccoli florets
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1 large egg, beaten
1 and a half cups shredded cheddar cheese
Half a cup grated Parmesan cheese
Half a cup mayonnaise or sour cream
Half a teaspoon garlic powder
Half a teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup crushed crackers or breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons melted butter
Ingredients Table with Calorie Count
| Ingredient | Quantity | Calories (approx) |
|---|---|---|
| Broccoli florets | 4 cups | 120 |
| Cream of mushroom soup | 1 can | 220 |
| Egg | 1 large | 70 |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | 1.5 cups | 600 |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | 0.5 cup | 215 |
| Mayonnaise or sour cream | 0.5 cup | 400 |
| Garlic powder | 0.5 tsp | 5 |
| Onion powder | 0.5 tsp | 5 |
| Crushed crackers or breadcrumbs | 1 cup | 200 |
| Butter | 2 tbsp | 200 |
| Total Calories | — | 2,035 |
This recipe makes about 8 servings. That is roughly 255 calories per serving, depending on exact ingredients used.
Read More: How to Make a Cheesy Bacon and Broccoli Dip
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures the casserole will bake evenly and get that golden brown finish on top. Lightly grease a 9 by 13 inch baking dish so nothing sticks during baking.
If you are using fresh broccoli, steam or blanch it for about 4 to 5 minutes. It should be just tender but not mushy. If using frozen broccoli, thaw it completely and drain any extra moisture to avoid a watery casserole.
In a large mixing bowl, add the cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise or sour cream, the beaten egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until it is smooth and well combined. Stir in the shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese. The mixture will be thick and creamy.
Add the cooked broccoli into the bowl and gently fold everything together until the broccoli is coated in the cheesy mixture. Then transfer the entire mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
For the topping, mix the crushed crackers or breadcrumbs with the melted butter in a small bowl. Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the casserole. It adds a satisfying crunch that pairs perfectly with the creamy filling.
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You will know it is ready when the top is golden and the edges are bubbling. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the casserole set and makes it easier to cut into portions.
Read More: Creamy Rice and Chicken Casserole Recipe
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
This casserole is very flexible, and you can easily adjust it to your preferences. If you want to make it heartier, add in some cooked and shredded chicken. It turns the side dish into a full meal. Turkey or ham work great too, especially with leftovers after a big holiday.
For a lighter version, use light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt. You can also cut down on the cheese a bit or use low-fat cheese. If you are trying to avoid canned soup, you can make your own with a simple homemade white sauce or use a healthier soup alternative.
Want to add more vegetables? Go for it. Mushrooms, bell peppers, or even cauliflower blend in well and add more flavor and nutrition. You can also mix in a little cooked rice or quinoa if you want to make it more filling.
If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to the mixture. For a crispy topping with more flavor, try mixing in some grated cheese or crushed cornflakes.
Nutritional Information
This broccoli and cheese casserole is filling, flavorful, and offers a decent nutritional balance. Below is the approximate nutritional breakdown per serving, based on eight servings per recipe.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 255 |
| Protein | 10 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 15 grams |
| Fat | 18 grams |
| Fiber | 2 grams |
| Sugar | 2 grams |
| Sodium | 480 mg |
This dish is a rich source of calcium from the cheese and a great way to enjoy more broccoli. It is also high in healthy fats and provides a moderate amount of protein.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole makes a wonderful side dish but can easily stand on its own with just a simple side. It pairs well with roasted meats like chicken, turkey, or ham. It is also a great match for grilled fish or pork chops.
If you are serving it as a main course, try pairing it with a fresh green salad or a bowl of soup. You can also add a warm dinner roll or slice of crusty bread to complete the meal.
For holiday gatherings, it fits right in with stuffing, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce. At casual weeknight dinners, it adds comfort to even the simplest main dish. Leftovers store well in the fridge and reheat beautifully, so you can enjoy it again the next day.
Read More: Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
Conclusion
This broccoli and cheese casserole is everything you want in a comfort food dish. It is creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor. The crispy topping adds just the right amount of crunch, and the whole thing comes together quickly with minimal effort. Whether you are cooking for a crowd or just for your family, this recipe is sure to impress.
It is a great way to get more vegetables on the table while still satisfying everyone’s craving for something rich and delicious. And because it is so customizable, you can make it your own every time you prepare it. Save this recipe, share it with your friends, and enjoy the comfort of homemade goodness whenever you need it.