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Broccoli Casserole

Long And Easy To Read Classic Broccoli Casserole

This creamy, cheesy broccoli casserole features tender florets blended with a rich soup base and topped with savory, buttery Ritz crackers for the ultimate comfort side dish.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Casserole Base
  • 4 cups fresh or frozen broccoli florets
  • 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)
  • 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (for mixing)
For the Topping
  • 1 1/2 cups Ritz crackers, crushed (about 1 sleeve)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (for topping)

Equipment

  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • 9x13 inch Baking Dish
  • Saucepan or Steamer

Method
 

STEP 1: PREPARE THE BROCCOLI AND OVEN
  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. Drain the broccoli very well and 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 AND TOP
  1. Add the drained, cooked broccoli florets to the creamy soup mixture. Gently fold the ingredients together until the broccoli is evenly coated. Pour the broccoli mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
  2. In a separate small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers and the 4 tablespoons of melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are fully moistened.
  3. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the broccoli mixture in the dish. Scatter the buttered cracker crumbs over the layer of cheese.
STEP 4: BAKE
  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is 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.

Notes

Variations: For a main dish, add 1 cup of cooked, chopped ham or shredded rotisserie chicken to the broccoli mixture before pouring it into the baking dish. If you do not have Ritz crackers, cornflakes or seasoned breadcrumbs can be substituted for the topping.