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Broccoli Casserole

Long And Easy To Read Classic Broccoli Casserole

A timeless comfort food, this creamy and cheesy broccoli casserole features a rich sauce base and a crunchy, buttery Ritz cracker topping. Perfect as a quick weeknight side dish or a holiday favorite.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 640
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Casserole Base
  • 4 cups broccoli florets fresh or frozen
  • 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup or cream of chicken
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise or sour cream
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion optional
  • 1 large egg lightly beaten
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder optional
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded divided into 1 1/2 cups and 1/2 cup
For the Topping
  • 1 1/2 cups Ritz crackers, crushed about 1 sleeve
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Equipment

  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Saucepan or Steamer (for fresh broccoli)

Method
 

STEP 1: PREPARE THE BROCCOLI
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish (or an 8x8 inch dish for a thicker casserole).
  2. If using fresh broccoli, boil or steam the florets for 5 to 7 minutes until tender-crisp. If using frozen broccoli, microwave according to package directions until thawed and slightly tender.
  3. Drain the cooked broccoli well. Ensure excess moisture is removed to prevent a watery casserole. Set aside.
STEP 2: CREATE THE CREAMY MIXTURE
  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the condensed soup, mayonnaise (or sour cream), beaten egg, chopped onion (if using), pepper, salt, and garlic powder until the mixture is smooth.
  2. Stir 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese into the soup mixture until incorporated.
STEP 3: ASSEMBLE THE CASSEROLE
  1. Add the drained, cooked broccoli florets to the creamy soup and cheese mixture. Gently fold the ingredients together until the broccoli is evenly coated.
  2. Pour the broccoli mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
STEP 4: PREPARE AND ADD THE TOPPING
  1. In a separate small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers and the 4 tablespoons of melted butter. Stir until all the crumbs are fully moistened.
  2. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the broccoli mixture in the dish.
  3. Scatter the buttered cracker crumbs evenly over the layer of cheese.
STEP 5: BAKE AND SERVE
  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly around the edges and the cracker topping is deeply golden brown.
  2. Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This helps the casserole set properly.

Notes

For a richer flavor, you can sauté the chopped onion in 1 tablespoon of butter before mixing it into the sauce base. If you prefer a lighter texture, substitute the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt. This recipe is easily doubled in a 9x13 inch dish for larger gatherings, just increase the baking time slightly to 35-40 minutes.