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Creamy Broccoli Casserole

Featured in Tasty Side Dishes.

This comforting casserole combines fresh broccoli with a creamy cheese sauce, topped with crispy buttered Ritz crackers. Ready in under an hour for the perfect side dish.
Clare Greco
Updated on Tue, 21 Jan 2025 13:32:00 GMT
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A close-up view of a creamy dish featuring broccoli topped with golden breadcrumbs. Pin it
A close-up view of a creamy dish featuring broccoli topped with golden breadcrumbs. | recipesim.com

Let me share my favorite broccoli casserole recipe with you. I've been making this dish for years and it never fails to bring smiles to our family table. That combination of tender broccoli wrapped in creamy cheese sauce topped with buttery crackers it's pure comfort food magic. Even my veggie-hesitant kids ask for seconds.

Why You'll Love Making This

There's something special about how the natural sweetness of broccoli plays with that rich cheesy sauce. And that crunchy topping? It's everyone's favorite part. I love how simple ingredients transform into something that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen when really it's so easy to put together.

Everything You Need

  • Broccoli: 4 cups fresh florets look for bright green heads.
  • Cream of Chicken Soup: 1 can my shortcut to creamy goodness.
  • Mayonnaise: ½ cup room temp works best.
  • Sour Cream: ½ cup adds such nice tang.
  • Cheddar Cheese: 1½ cups grate it yourself trust me.
  • Parmesan: ½ cup freshly grated makes a difference.
  • Eggs: 2 large they bind everything perfectly.
  • Seasonings: Garlic powder onion powder salt and pepper.
  • Ritz Crackers: 1 sleeve crushed into buttery bits.
  • Butter: 4 tablespoons melted for that golden top.

Let's Make It Together

Get Everything Ready
First thing's first heat your oven to 375°F and grab your favorite 8x8 baking dish give it a quick spray.
Cook That Broccoli
I like blanching my broccoli just until it turns bright green about 3 minutes. Quick cold water bath stops the cooking keeps that beautiful color.
Mix The Good Stuff
In your biggest bowl mix all those creamy ingredients the soup mayo sour cream cheeses beaten eggs and seasonings until they're happy together.
Bring It All Together
Fold in your broccoli making sure every piece gets coated in that wonderful sauce then spread it all in your dish.
Crown It With Crunch
Toss those crushed crackers with melted butter sprinkle them all over and into the oven it goes for about 30-35 minutes until it's golden and bubbly.
A creamy broccoli and cheese casserole is baked in a glass dish, featuring pieces of broccoli enveloped in a cheesy sauce. Pin it
A creamy broccoli and cheese casserole is baked in a glass dish, featuring pieces of broccoli enveloped in a cheesy sauce. | recipesim.com

Save Some For Later

If you're lucky enough to have leftovers they'll keep beautifully in the fridge for three days. Just cover it well and warm it up when you're ready. I actually think it tastes even better the next day when all those flavors have had time to mingle.

Make It Your Own

Sometimes I use cream of mushroom soup when I want to keep it vegetarian. Light mayo and sour cream work fine if you're watching calories. And feel free to play with different cheese combinations my sister loves using pepper jack for a little kick.

Perfect Partners

This casserole shows up at all our family dinners. It's amazing alongside a holiday turkey or just a simple roasted chicken. I always make extra for potlucks because everyone asks for the recipe and the dish comes home empty every time.

A flat lay arrangement of cooking ingredients, including broccoli, eggs, butter, milk, yogurt, cheese, and salt, presented in various glass bowls on a marble surface. Pin it
A flat lay arrangement of cooking ingredients, including broccoli, eggs, butter, milk, yogurt, cheese, and salt, presented in various glass bowls on a marble surface. | recipesim.com

My Best Tips

Make sure you drain that broccoli really well nobody wants a watery casserole. And please grate your own cheese those pre shredded bags just don't melt the same way. Take time to really mix the butter into your cracker crumbs it makes such a difference in that crispy topping.

Why We Can't Get Enough

What I love most about this casserole is how it turns simple broccoli into something everybody craves. That creamy sauce those crispy buttery bits on top it's comfort food at its finest. Whether it's a busy Wednesday or a holiday feast this dish never disappoints.

A slice of broccoli casserole is served on a white plate, with the rest of the dish in the background. Pin it
A slice of broccoli casserole is served on a white plate, with the rest of the dish in the background. | recipesim.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why blanch the broccoli first?
Blanching for 3 minutes makes the broccoli crisp-tender and bright green. The cold water rinse stops the cooking process so it won't get mushy in the casserole.
→ Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the casserole up to the point of adding the topping. Add the Ritz cracker topping just before baking to keep it crispy.
→ Why let it rest before serving?
The 5-10 minute rest allows the sauce to thicken and settle, making it easier to serve and ensuring it holds its shape better.
→ Can I use frozen broccoli?
Fresh broccoli is recommended for best texture, but frozen can work. Thaw and drain it well to prevent excess water in the casserole.
→ What makes the sauce so creamy?
The combination of cream soup, mayonnaise, sour cream, and two types of cheese creates a rich, creamy sauce that coats every piece of broccoli.

Creamy Broccoli Casserole

Tender broccoli baked in rich cheese sauce topped with buttery Ritz crackers. An easy, crowd-pleasing side dish perfect for any meal.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
40 Minutes
Total Time
55 Minutes

Category: Tasty Side Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings (1 8x8 casserole)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped.
02 10.5 ounces cream of chicken soup.
03 1/2 cup mayonnaise.
04 1/2 cup sour cream.
05 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded.
06 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated.
07 2 large eggs, beaten.
08 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.
09 1/4 teaspoon onion powder.
10 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt.
11 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
12 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed (about 1½ cups).
13 4 tablespoons butter, melted.

Instructions

Step 01

Heat oven to 375°F. Spray 8x8 baking dish with cooking spray.

Step 02

Boil broccoli 3 minutes until crisp-tender. Rinse with cold water and drain.

Step 03

Mix soups, mayo, sour cream, cheeses, eggs, and seasonings until well combined.

Step 04

Stir broccoli into sauce mixture until evenly coated. Spread in baking dish.

Step 05

Mix crushed crackers with melted butter. Sprinkle over broccoli mixture.

Step 06

Bake 30-35 minutes until bubbly and golden. Rest 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  1. Best served hot and bubbly.
  2. Can prepare ahead without topping.
  3. Resting helps sauce thicken.

Tools You'll Need

  • 8x8 baking dish.
  • Large pot.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Eggs.
  • Dairy.
  • Gluten.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 490
  • Total Fat: 41 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 20 g
  • Protein: 12 g