Description
Broccoli Cheese Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting vegetable side dish that’s perfect for family dinners and gatherings. Made with steamed broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, and a rich mixture of cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, and eggs, this casserole bakes to a golden, bubbly perfection topped with crunchy Ritz crackers for added texture. It’s easy to prepare and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 4 cups chopped broccoli
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
Dressing and Binding
- 1 (10 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup mayonnaise (or Miracle Whip; can substitute Greek yogurt or sour cream)
- 1/4 cup butter, melted (1/2 stick)
- 2 large eggs, slightly beaten
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Toppings
- 1 1/2 cups extra sharp cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1/2 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when your casserole mixture is assembled.
- Steam broccoli: Place the chopped broccoli in a steaming basket over boiling water and steam for about 5 minutes or until the broccoli is tender when pierced with a fork. This will soften the broccoli just enough for the casserole.
- Chop broccoli: Remove the steamed broccoli from the stove and chop it into bite-sized pieces for easier mixing and eating. Transfer the broccoli to a medium mixing bowl.
- Mix ingredients: Add the cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise (or your chosen substitute), melted butter, beaten eggs, finely chopped onions, salt, and pepper to the broccoli. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
- Add cheese: Stir in 3/4 cup of the extra sharp cheddar cheese into the broccoli mixture evenly.
- Prepare casserole dish: Lightly spray an 8×8 inch square baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Assemble casserole: Pour the broccoli mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Add topping: Sprinkle the remaining 3/4 cup of cheddar cheese over the top of the broccoli mixture. Then, add a layer of crushed Ritz crackers evenly over the cheese for a crunchy topping.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the cracker topping is golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your warm, cheesy broccoli casserole!
Notes
- You can substitute Greek yogurt or sour cream in place of mayonnaise for a tangier flavor and slightly lighter dish.
- Steaming broccoli helps preserve its bright green color and nutrients while softening it just enough for the casserole.
- For a vegetarian version, use a cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken soup.
- To make this dish gluten-free, substitute Ritz crackers with gluten-free crackers or crushed gluten-free bread crumbs.
- The casserole can be prepared in advance and refrigerated before baking; just add an extra 5 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
