Description
A comforting Broccoli Stuffing Casserole featuring a creamy mixture of cream of celery soup, chive and onion cream cheese, and mayonnaise combined with tender broccoli and crunchy stuffing, baked to golden perfection. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect as a hearty side dish or a vegetarian main for family dinners or holiday meals.
Ingredients
Broccoli Mixture
- 10.5 ounce can cream of celery soup
- 7.5 ounce container chive and onion cream cheese
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pound frozen broccoli florets, thawed
Stuffing Mixture
- 12 ounce box stuffing mix (your preferred flavor)
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (1 ½ sticks)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Make the Creamy Broccoli Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the cream of celery soup, chive and onion cream cheese, mayonnaise, milk, and black pepper. Use an electric hand mixer or whisk to blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add Broccoli: Stir the thawed broccoli florets into the creamy mixture, making sure they are well coated. Set this bowl aside.
- Prepare Stuffing: In a medium bowl, combine the stuffing mix with the melted unsalted butter. Stir well to evenly coat the stuffing with butter.
- Layer the Stuffing Base: Spread half of the buttered stuffing mixture evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a solid base layer.
- Add Broccoli Mixture Layer: Spoon the broccoli and creamy mixture over the stuffing layer in the dish, smoothing it out for an even layer.
- Top with Remaining Stuffing: Sprinkle the remaining stuffing mixture evenly over the broccoli layer to create a crunchy topping.
- Bake Casserole: Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes. Around the 20-minute mark, check the casserole; if it is browning too quickly, cover loosely with foil. Remove the foil about 15 minutes before the end of baking to allow the top to crisp and turn golden brown. The casserole should be bubbly along the edges when done.
Notes
- Use your preferred stuffing flavor for a customized taste.
- Thaw the frozen broccoli completely and drain any excess water to prevent sogginess.
- If the top browns too quickly, covering with foil halfway through baking helps prevent burning.
- For a richer casserole, you can substitute whole milk or add a little shredded cheese to the broccoli mixture.
- This casserole pairs well with roasted meats or can be served as a vegetarian main dish.