If you’re searching for a supremely satisfying side that brings the whole table together, look no further than this Creamy Broccoli Casserole. Packed with tender broccoli, melty sharp cheddar, a rich mushroom-sour cream base, and topped off with a delightful buttery cracker crunch, this dish is irresistible for kids and adults alike. Comforting, cheesy, and vibrant, it easily claims a starring role on any occasion—weeknight dinners or festive holiday feasts. There’s something magic about how simple ingredients come together in this Creamy Broccoli Casserole, making everyone reach for seconds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Creamy Broccoli Casserole is in how each ingredient works hard for flavor, texture, and color—all without any fuss. Every element is both simple and essential, delivering the kind of creamy, savory result you’ll crave again and again.
- Broccoli florets (4 cups): The hearty, colorful base that softens just enough in the oven for a perfectly tender bite.
- Cream of mushroom soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): This pantry staple brings luscious creaminess and a subtle, earthy note to the sauce.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): Adds a tangy, ultra-creamy texture that keeps the casserole from ever tasting flat.
- Sharp cheddar cheese (1 cup shredded): Creamy, gooey, and bold—cheddar is the flavor powerhouse that melds the dish together.
- Chopped onion (1/2 cup): Fresh onion brings gentle sweetness and a little bite, balancing out the richness.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): A quick dash infuses the whole casserole with subtle savory depth.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Only a pinch, but it wakes up every single ingredient.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a gentle warmth and rounds out the flavor.
- Buttery crackers (1 cup crushed, like Ritz): The ultimate crunchy topping for big texture contrast and a hint of richness.
- Melted butter (2 tablespoons): Tossed with the cracker crumbs, it ensures that glorious, golden crunch on top.
How to Make Creamy Broccoli Casserole
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s good and hot by the time your casserole is ready. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish—this tiny step ensures nothing sticks and cleanup is a breeze!
Step 2: Blanch the Broccoli
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Drop in your broccoli florets and cook just 2-3 minutes; you want them bright green and still slightly crisp, not mushy. Drain immediately and set aside. This quick blanching keeps the broccoli vibrant and ensures it stays the star of the casserole.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Filling
Grab a large mixing bowl and combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything looks thick and luscious—this is the flavor-packed heart of your Creamy Broccoli Casserole.
Step 4: Fold in the Broccoli
Add your just-blanched broccoli to the creamy mixture. Gently fold it all together so every little floret gets coated in that delicious sauce. This is what turns ordinary broccoli into something truly special.
Step 5: Assemble in the Casserole Dish
Pour the cheesy, broccoli-packed mixture into your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it into an even layer, so every bite bakes up creamy and consistent.
Step 6: Make and Add the Topping
In a small bowl, mix your crushed buttery crackers with the melted butter until every crumb glistens. Sprinkle this irresistible topping all across the casserole so it’ll bake up golden and crunchy.
Step 7: Bake and Rest
Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until bubbly and the top is gorgeously browned. Let it rest for 5 minutes once out of the oven—trust me, that little wait helps everything set up beautifully and keeps the topping crisp.
How to Serve Creamy Broccoli Casserole
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, sprinkle a bit of freshly chopped parsley or extra cheddar cheese right before serving. It adds brightness, a pop of color, and a little hint that something special awaits underneath. A quick crack of black pepper on top never hurt, either!
Side Dishes
This Creamy Broccoli Casserole is right at home beside roasted chicken, glazed ham, or even a classic meatloaf. For a vegetarian meal, pair it with wild rice, garlic bread, or a crisp salad to round out the plate. It’s truly a versatile side that brings balance to any meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to make it even more festive, try serving the casserole in individual ramekins for dinner parties or holiday dinners. For a wholesome main dish, stir in cooked shredded chicken or cooked rice before baking—let your imagination guide you! Creamy Broccoli Casserole is always up for a little creative twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any extras can be cooled to room temperature, then transferred to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—honestly, it reheats beautifully and makes for an irresistible leftover lunch.
Freezing
To freeze, assemble the Creamy Broccoli Casserole but hold off on the cracker topping. Wrap tightly in plastic and then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, add the cracker topping, and bake as usual.
Reheating
For the best flavor and texture, reheat chilled portions in a 350°F oven until warmed through and the top crisps up again. A microwave works too in a pinch, but a quick bake helps revive the crunchy topping!
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain the broccoli really well so it doesn’t water down the casserole. The flavor and texture are still terrific thanks to all the creamy, cheesy goodness.
What are the best crackers for the topping?
Classic buttery crackers (like Ritz) are a favorite for their melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich flavor, but just about any mild, crispy cracker will do in a pinch. Gluten-free options work too if needed!
Can I make Creamy Broccoli Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble everything (except the cracker topping) up to a day in advance, then keep it covered in the fridge. Right before baking, add the crushed crackers and butter so they come out perfectly crisp.
How can I make this a complete meal?
Just stir in some cooked, shredded chicken or mix cooked white or brown rice right into the casserole before baking. Suddenly you’ve got a filling, comforting main dish with all the same amazing flavors.
Is Creamy Broccoli Casserole vegetarian?
It is! As long as your cream of mushroom soup doesn’t contain hidden meat stocks, this casserole is fully vegetarian. It’s hearty and satisfying, making it a crowd-pleaser at any vegetarian-friendly meal.
Final Thoughts
This easy, flavor-packed Creamy Broccoli Casserole has a way of winning hearts—whether at busy weeknight dinners or around a festive holiday table. It’s pure comfort in a dish and such a joy to share. Give it a try and you’ll soon see why it’s a forever favorite in so many kitchens!
Print
Creamy Broccoli Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy goodness of this broccoli casserole, a delightful side dish that pairs perfectly with any main course. With a cheesy, savory flavor and a crunchy topping, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Main ingredients:
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Seasonings:
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Topping:
- 1 cup crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare broccoli: Boil the broccoli florets for 2-3 minutes, then drain.
- Mix ingredients: In a bowl, combine mushroom soup, sour cream, cheese, onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add broccoli and mix.
- Bake: Spread the mixture in the baking dish. Combine crushed crackers and melted butter, then sprinkle over the casserole.
- Bake again: Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly. Rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can use frozen broccoli, thawed and drained.
- Enhance the dish by adding cooked chicken or rice for a heartier meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
