The Ultimate Creamy Broccoli Casserole Recipe: A Classic Comfort Food Side Dish

The Broccoli Casserole is more than just a side dish; it is a beloved staple on dinner tables across the country, especially during holidays, potlucks, and busy weeknights when maximum comfort with minimal effort is required. If you are searching for a recipe that delivers rich, cheesy flavor, tender-crisp broccoli, and a perfectly golden, buttery topping, your search ends here. This classic Broccoli Casserole recipe is the definition of easy elegance, relying on pantry heroes like condensed soup and crunchy crackers to create a creamy, nostalgic experience that everyone even the pickiest eaters will adore.

This particular version shines because of its straightforward approach. We skip complicated roux sauces in favor of a velvety base built upon cream of mushroom soup and sharp cheddar cheese, making prep time lightning fast. Whether you are serving it alongside a Thanksgiving turkey, a Sunday roast, or a simple weeknight chicken breast, this cheesy Broccoli Casserole is guaranteed to steal the show. Get ready to transform simple ingredients into a dish that tastes like home. We promise that once you try this method, this long and easy Broccoli Casserole will become a permanent fixture in your recipe rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Long and Easy Broccoli Casserole

This recipe is designed for maximum satisfaction with minimum fuss, hitting all the comfort food benchmarks while ensuring vibrant green color and tender texture in the vegetable component. If you are looking for a reliable, crowd-pleasing cheesy side dish, you will find several key reasons why this Broccoli Casserole stands out from the rest.

Firstly, the texture profile is impeccable. Many casseroles end up either too soupy or too dry. Our precise combination of condensed soup and mayonnaise (or sour cream) creates a wonderfully thick, creamy foundation that clings perfectly to the broccoli florets without becoming watery during baking. Every bite delivers that delightful, gooey mouthfeel that defines the perfect casserole.

Secondly, speed and simplicity are paramount. This recipe utilizes common, accessible pantry ingredients. There’s no need to spend time making a complex béchamel sauce or meticulously chopping dozens of specialty ingredients. With just 15 minutes of hands-on prep time, you can have this dish ready for the oven, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. The use of frozen broccoli, which can go straight into the mixture without thawing, further reduces preparation effort, eliminating the need for extra steaming or blanching steps when you’re short on time.

Thirdly, the topping is an absolute game-changer. We elevate the standard crunch with a mixture of buttery cracker crumbs, like Ritz, generously mixed with melted butter and sprinkled with extra cheddar. This creates a deeply satisfying, savory crust that provides a textural contrast to the soft, cheesy interior. When it comes to a classic Broccoli Casserole, the topping is the crown, and this recipe ensures a golden, crunchy finish every single time. It’s this combination of rich creaminess and crisp, savory crust that makes this easy Broccoli Casserole truly irresistible. This dish is versatile enough to pair with anything, from slow-cooked meats to other lighter fare, ensuring it finds a place on every table, regardless of the menu theme.

The Essential Ingredients That Make This Broccoli Casserole a Comfort Food Classic

There is a comforting, nostalgic quality to a classic Broccoli Casserole, and much of that comes down to the synergy of a few key pantry staples. Understanding the role each ingredient plays helps ensure you achieve that perfect balance of creaminess, saltiness, and savory depth. This specific formulation captures the essence of traditional American comfort food, relying on the magic of condensed soup as its backbone.

The foundation of this dish is built upon the condensed soup. While some prefer cream of chicken, using cream of mushroom soup offers a slightly earthier, more robust flavor that complements the sharpness of the cheddar and the mild flavor of the broccoli. The soup not only provides the liquid base but also contains the essential stabilizers and seasonings that prevent the casserole from separating or weeping during baking. It creates a ready-made, homogenous sauce base, which is why this recipe is categorized as “easy.”

The addition of mayonnaise or sour cream introduces necessary tang and richness. Mayonnaise, often overlooked, provides a high-fat content that results in an incredibly smooth, luxurious texture, while the slight acidity helps cut through the richness of the cheese and the soup, preventing the dish from tasting too heavy. If using sour cream, you achieve a similar velvety texture but with a slightly tangier note. This creamy element is crucial for achieving the signature gooeyness of this cheesy Broccoli Casserole.

Finally, the sharp cheddar cheese is non-negotiable. While mild cheddar melts beautifully, sharp cheddar provides the necessary punch of flavor that stands up to the creamy ingredients. When selecting your cheese, remember that grating it fresh from the block is always recommended over pre-shredded bags. Pre-shredded cheese often contains starches or anti-caking agents that can hinder smooth melting, leading to a slightly grainy texture. Using fresh, sharp cheddar ensures that when you dive into this delicious Broccoli Casserole, you get those long, stretchy, perfectly melted strings of cheese. This commitment to quality, even with simple ingredients, elevates this dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

Mastering the Ingredients and Tools for the Perfect Cheesy Broccoli Casserole

Achieving casserole excellence starts long before the oven preheats. It begins with selecting the right ingredients and ensuring you have the proper tools at hand. This section offers an in-depth look at every component required for this delicious Broccoli Casserole, ensuring your preparation is foolproof and your result is fantastic.

Detailed List of Ingredients with Precise Quantities

This Broccoli Casserole recipe is budget-friendly and uses ingredients readily available at any grocery store. Pay close attention to the small details, as they contribute significantly to the overall texture and flavor profile.

For the Casserole Base:

• 4 cups fresh or frozen broccoli florets: The star of the show! If using frozen, ensure they are not thawed, as thawing adds excess moisture. If using fresh, precooking is essential (more on that below).
• 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup: This is the backbone of the creamy sauce. Cream of chicken soup is a simple alternative if mushroom is disliked, though it changes the flavor depth slightly.
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise or sour cream: Provides richness and tang. Choose high-quality full-fat versions for the best flavor and texture.
• 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional): Adds savory depth. If you prefer less crunch, sauté the onion lightly before adding it to the mixture, or substitute it with 1 tablespoon of dried minced onion.
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded: Always shred your own cheese for optimal melting. Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor against the creamy sauce.
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the savory notes without adding texture, crucial for rounding out the base flavors.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground pepper offers a superior aroma and heat.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Necessary for balance, but remember condensed soup is already salty, so season conservatively.

For the Topping:

• 1 cup buttery cracker crumbs (such as Ritz crackers), crushed: These specific crackers are essential for the buttery, slightly sweet contrast to the savory filling. Crush them just until they resemble coarse sand, not a fine powder.
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Used to bind the topping and ensure it turns golden brown and crispy, not dry.
• 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese: This small amount, sprinkled over the topping, helps fuse the crust together and adds visual appeal.

When measuring the broccoli, aim for uniformity in floret size (about 1 to 1.5 inches) to ensure even cooking throughout the Broccoli Casserole. Uneven pieces can lead to some being mushy while others remain hard. Consistency is key to the perfect side dish.

If you enjoy creamy, hearty dishes that utilize simple components, you might also enjoy our recipe for Creamy Lasagna Soup, which shares that same satisfying comfort food essence found in this fantastic Broccoli Casserole.

Recommended Tools or Utensils for Recipe Success

Having the right equipment streamlines the process and ensures an excellent result. For this simple Broccoli Casserole, you won’t need anything specialized, but a few basics are necessary.

Essential Kitchen Tools:

• 9×13 inch Casserole Dish or 8×8 inch Square Baking Dish:
  • The 9×13 inch dish results in a standard-height casserole, ideal for serving a crowd.
  • The 8×8 inch dish creates a much thicker, deeper casserole, which requires slightly more baking time (closer to 35-40 minutes) but offers more layers of creamy filling.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Necessary for comfortably combining the soup base, cheese, and broccoli without spillage.
• Rubber Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Ideal for gently folding the ingredients. A rubber spatula ensures you scrape down the sides effectively and coat all the broccoli evenly.
• Small Bowl (for topping): Used for mixing the butter and cracker crumbs.
• Box Grater or Food Processor (for cheese): Highly recommended for shredding fresh cheese.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy in measuring the soup, mayonnaise, and seasonings is important for the desired consistency.

Remember, preparation is everything. Having your oven preheated, your dish greased, and your fresh broccoli (if using) pre-cooked and thoroughly drained before you start mixing will make the assembly of this easy Broccoli Casserole quick and stress-free.

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Best Broccoli Casserole

Follow these detailed steps carefully to achieve a creamy interior and a crunchy, golden topping. Each stage is simple, but precision ensures perfection in this beloved comfort food.

Step 1: Preparation – Setting the Stage for Success

1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Use butter or non-stick spray to thoroughly grease your chosen baking dish (9×13 inch for standard size, or 8×8 inch for extra depth). Proper greasing prevents the cheesy filling from sticking to the edges, making cleanup much easier.
2. Handle the Broccoli: If you are using frozen broccoli, you can use it straight from the freezer do not thaw it. Thawing adds excess water, which leads to a runny casserole.
3. Prep Fresh Broccoli: If you opt for fresh florets, they must be pre-cooked until crisp-tender (al dente). This can be done by steaming or blanching them in boiling water for approximately 3-4 minutes. Crucially, drain the fresh broccoli absolutely thoroughly after cooking. We want moisture from the soup, not from the vegetable.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients and Cheese – Creating the Creamy Core

1. Mix the Base: In the large mixing bowl, scoop in the entire can of condensed soup (cream of mushroom or chicken). Add the mayonnaise or sour cream, chopped onion (if using), onion powder, black pepper, and salt.
2. Achieve Smoothness: Use your whisk or spatula to stir these ingredients together vigorously until the mixture is completely smooth and uniform. This ensures the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the base of the Broccoli Casserole.
3. Fold in the Cheese: Gently fold in the 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Do not overmix here; you just want the cheese incorporated into the sauce base. This step sets up the gooey, cheesy interior.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole – Coating the Florets

1. Add the Broccoli: Add the prepared (or frozen) broccoli florets into the large bowl with the soup and cheese mixture.
2. Gentle Coating: Using a rubber spatula, carefully fold the broccoli into the base. The goal is to coat every floret evenly without breaking them apart. Take your time to ensure the sauce penetrates all the little crevices.
3. Transfer to Dish: Pour the entire mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Use the spatula to spread it into an even layer, making sure the top surface is relatively flat for the topping application.

Step 4: Prepare and Add the Topping – The Golden Crown

1. Butter and Crumb Mixture: In the separate small bowl, combine the 1 cup of crushed buttery cracker crumbs and the 4 tablespoons of melted butter. Stir until all the crumbs are thoroughly coated and appear moist and sandy. This butter saturation is essential for achieving the crunchy texture and preventing the topping from burning.
2. Apply the Crumb Topping: Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the top of the casserole base. Distribute it edge-to-edge for maximum crunch.
3. Final Cheese Layer: Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the cracker topping. This cheese acts as a binder and helps create a beautiful golden-brown appearance.

For a visual guide on assembling the perfect casserole, especially ensuring a crispy topping, check out our helpful tips on Pinterest!

Step 5: Bake and Rest – The Final Transformation

1. Bake Time: Place the assembled Broccoli Casserole in the preheated 350°F (175°C) oven. Bake for 25 to 35 minutes.
If using the 9×13 dish and thawed broccoli, bake closer to 25 minutes.
If using the 8×8 dish or frozen broccoli, bake closer to 35 minutes, or even slightly longer.
2. Check for Doneness: The casserole is fully cooked when the edges are visibly bubbling indicating the internal sauce is hot and the cracker topping is a rich, golden brown and crispy. If the topping browns too quickly, cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes.
3. Resting is Crucial: Remove the Broccoli Casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the sauce to settle and firm up slightly, ensuring that when you scoop out a portion, it holds its shape beautifully and remains creamy, not runny. Do not skip the rest period!

Tips, Tricks, and Delicious Variations for Your Next Broccoli Casserole

While the classic recipe is perfect as written, there are numerous ways to customize this cheesy Broccoli Casserole to meet specific dietary needs or simply switch up the flavor profile. These tips and variations will help you avoid common pitfalls and explore new ways to enjoy this classic dish.

Ingredient Alternatives and Specific Versions

This recipe is incredibly flexible. Feel free to substitute ingredients based on preference or pantry availability.

Protein Boost: Chicken or Ham

To turn this side dish into a complete one-pot meal, simply stir in cooked protein:

• Chicken Broccoli Casserole: Add 2 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken or diced cooked chicken breast along with the broccoli. This variation transforms the dish into a hearty main course.
• Ham or Bacon: Add 1 cup of diced cooked ham or 1/2 cup of crumbled cooked bacon for a smoky, salty depth that complements the cheddar exceptionally well.

Dietary Modifications:

• Gluten-Free Broccoli Casserole: Use gluten-free condensed cream of mushroom soup (available at many health food stores) and substitute the Ritz crackers with a gluten-free cracker alternative, or use crushed pork rinds for an extra savory, keto-friendly crunch.
• Vegan/Dairy-Free Version: Substitute the dairy cheese with a high-quality vegan cheddar shred. Replace the condensed soup with a scratch-made vegan béchamel sauce seasoned with mushroom powder, and use vegan mayonnaise or sour cream. Ensure the crackers are also dairy-free (most buttery crackers are not).
• Low-Sodium Option: Use low-sodium condensed soup and drastically reduce the added salt (or eliminate it entirely). Rely on onion powder, pepper, and potentially a dash of paprika for flavor enhancement instead of relying on sodium.

Cheese and Topping Swaps:

While cheddar is traditional for this Broccoli Casserole, you can experiment with other cheeses. Gruyère or Monterey Jack add excellent melting qualities. For the topping, crushed potato chips, fried onions (like French’s), or plain Panko breadcrumbs tossed in butter can be used instead of the buttery crackers.

Advice to Avoid Common Mistakes

Even the easiest recipes can go wrong if key steps are rushed. Here are the most common issues when making Broccoli Casserole and how to prevent them:

1. Soggy Casserole: This is almost always caused by excess moisture. If using fresh broccoli, ensure it is thoroughly drained. If using frozen broccoli, do not thaw it. The oven heat will manage the cooking process.
2. Runny Sauce: If your sauce separates or is too thin, you may have added too much liquid (like milk or cream, which this recipe thankfully avoids), or your broccoli may not have been drained. Another reason is over-baking, which can cause dairy ingredients to curdle. Stick to the recommended baking time until the edges bubble.
3. Burnt Topping: If your oven runs hot, or if the cracker crumbs are too fine, the topping can burn before the interior is heated through. If you notice the topping browning prematurely, simply cover the dish loosely with foil for the remainder of the baking time.
4. Under-seasoning: Condensed soup provides a lot of salt, but without the added pepper and onion powder, the Broccoli Casserole can taste flat. Don’t skip the seasonings they deepen the savory profile significantly.

For those interested in exploring more straightforward vegetable side dishes, especially those involving cheese and baking, take a look at our easy recipe for Cheesy Vegetable Casserole.

Nutritional Snapshot: The Benefits of a Delicious Broccoli Casserole

While this Broccoli Casserole is a decadent comfort food, it still provides a substantial amount of essential vitamins and minerals, thanks largely to the star vegetable itself. Understanding the nutritional breakdown can help you appreciate this dish as a satisfying and nutrient-dense side.

Estimated Nutritional Information

The exact nutritional values will vary depending on the type of soup (cream of mushroom vs. chicken), the fat content of the mayonnaise/sour cream, and the specific brand of crackers used. Based on an approximate serving size (1/12th of a 9×13 dish), here is a general estimate:

Explaining the Benefits of Key Ingredients

This Broccoli Casserole provides more than just a delicious taste; it contributes important nutritional benefits to your meal:

The Power of Broccoli

Broccoli is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with fiber, antioxidants, and a wide array of vitamins. As a cruciferous vegetable, it is known for its high content of Vitamin K (essential for bone health and blood clotting) and Vitamin C (crucial for immune function). Even when baked into a casserole, broccoli retains much of its beneficial fiber content, aiding in digestive health and promoting satiety, making this side dish surprisingly filling.

Calcium and Dairy

The cheese component is an excellent source of protein and calcium. Calcium is vital for maintaining strong bones and teeth, and the sharp cheddar provides this nutrient in a readily absorbable form. Furthermore, the protein content in the cheese and condensed soup contributes to muscle maintenance and growth, rounding out the nutritional profile of this comfort food classic.

Energy Source

The fats and carbohydrates from the crackers, butter, and creamy base provide a substantial energy boost, making this a satisfying component of any meal, particularly those served during colder months or holidays when a heartier menu is desired. The balance of creamy texture and savory flavor ensures that every serving of this Broccoli Casserole is gratifying, both to the palate and in terms of caloric energy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Broccoli Casserole

Conclusion: Your New Go-To Broccoli Casserole Recipe

We’ve reached the end of our journey in perfecting this long and easy Broccoli Casserole. This recipe is a proven winner, characterized by its creamy, luscious filling, the tender bite of perfectly cooked broccoli, and the satisfying crunch of its buttery, golden cracker topping. It proves that creating a classic, comforting side dish doesn’t require hours of complicated labor or specialty ingredients; rather, it hinges on simple techniques and quality pantry staples.

This cheesy Broccoli Casserole is versatile enough to grace any holiday table yet straightforward enough to whip up on a hectic Tuesday night. We encourage you to embrace the simplicity of the cream of mushroom soup base and the richness added by the cheddar and mayonnaise. Remember the critical steps: draining the fresh broccoli thoroughly, mixing the base gently, and ensuring the cracker topping is thoroughly saturated with butter for that irresistible crunch.

If you’ve enjoyed mastering this comfort food classic, we invite you to try it out this week and share your results! Whether you serve it alongside a hearty roast or simply enjoy it as a vegetarian main dish, this Broccoli Casserole will certainly earn rave reviews. We love hearing about your cooking experiences, so please leave a comment below and let us know how your casserole turned out! For more easy, delicious recipes and comfort food guides, be sure to explore our blog. Happy cooking!

Long And Easy Creamy Broccoli Casserole Recipe

This classic, creamy broccoli casserole is the perfect side dish for any occasion and requires minimal preparation, blending tender broccoli with a rich cheesy sauce and a crispy, buttery cracker topping.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Calories: 380

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Casserole Base

• 4 cups broccoli florets fresh or frozen (do not thaw if frozen)
• 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup or cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise or sour cream
• 1 small onion finely chopped (optional)
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Topping

• 1 cup buttery cracker crumbs (such as Ritz crackers), crushed
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
• 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese for sprinkling on top

Equipment

• Large Mixing Bowl
• 9x13 inch Casserole Dish
• Small Bowl

Method

 

Preparation and Mixing

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard 9x13 inch casserole dish or an 8x8 inch square baking dish (for a thicker casserole).
2. Prepare the broccoli: If using fresh broccoli, chop the florets and steam or blanch them until they are crisp-tender (about 3-4 minutes). Drain thoroughly. If using frozen broccoli, you may use it straight from the freezer.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the can of condensed soup, mayonnaise (or sour cream), chopped onion (if using), onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined.
4. Gently fold the 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the soup mixture.
5. Add the prepared broccoli florets to the cheese and soup mixture. Use a rubber spatula to fold the broccoli into the base, ensuring all the florets are coated evenly.

Assembly and Baking

1. Pour the entire mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it into an even layer.
2. Prepare the topping: In a separate small bowl, combine the crushed cracker crumbs and the 4 tablespoons of melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are thoroughly coated. Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the top of the casserole base, followed by the remaining 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
3. Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25 to 35 minutes. The casserole is done when the edges are bubbling and the topping is golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

For a less intense flavor, substitute the cream of mushroom soup with cream of celery or cream of chicken. If you prefer a lighter casserole, substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or light sour cream.