If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food to steal the spotlight at your next family dinner or holiday feast, this Creamy Broccoli Casserole is your answer. Packed with fresh broccoli, a velvety blend of sour cream and cheddar, and topped with buttery Ritz cracker crumbs, this dish pulls together everything I love in a cozy casserole: heartiness, crunch, and plenty of flavor. It’s one of those recipes that’s simplicity itself to make, but rich enough to feel special every single time. Whether you’re serving it as a showstopping side or a vegetarian main, Creamy Broccoli Casserole is always a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Creamy Broccoli Casserole truly irresistible is how each ingredient brings its own magic: creaminess, crunch, or a burst of savory depth. These staples blend together for a dish that’s as easy as it is delicious.
- Fresh Broccoli Florets: Four cups of vibrant green broccoli give this casserole its color, flavor, and nutritious base.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: One can imparts a super creamy texture and subtle umami notes that tie everything together.
- Sour Cream: A cup adds tangy silkiness, making the casserole luxuriously rich.
- Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully and brings that irresistible cheesiness to every bite.
- Mayonnaise: Just half a cup amps up the creamy factor and adds a little subtle tang.
- Crushed Ritz Crackers: This classic topping provides the perfect golden crunch after baking.
- Melted Butter: Two tablespoons combined with the crackers make a crisp, flavorful topping you’ll crave.
- Garlic Powder: A quarter teaspoon gives a hint of garlicky warmth.
- Onion Powder: Another quarter teaspoon to balance and boost savory depth.
- Black Pepper: A sprinkle of pepper wakes up the whole casserole without overpowering.
- Salt: Finishes each bite with the right amount of seasoning for perfection.
How to Make Creamy Broccoli Casserole
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish
First things first, get your oven preheating to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready to go. A light greasing of your trusty 9×13-inch baking dish will prevent sticking and make serving a breeze.
Step 2: Steam the Broccoli
Steam your broccoli florets for just 3 to 4 minutes. You want them bright green and slightly tender — they’ll finish cooking in the oven, so don’t overdo it. Drain them well so your casserole stays creamy, not watery.
Step 3: Mix Up the Creamy Base
In your biggest mixing bowl, stir together the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, shredded sharp cheddar, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until everything is smooth and evenly combined — this is where all that classic flavor builds!
Step 4: Toss in the Broccoli
Add your drained, steamed broccoli right into the creamy mixture. Toss carefully to coat each piece thoroughly so every bite is packed with cheesy goodness.
Step 5: Layer and Top
Spread the broccoli mixture evenly into your greased baking dish. In a separate small bowl, combine your crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter until the crumbs are evenly moistened. Sprinkle this golden topping generously over the casserole.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pop the dish in the oven for 30 to 35 minutes. When it’s piping hot and bubbling around the edges and the top is gorgeously golden brown, it’s ready! Let the Creamy Broccoli Casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving to make slicing and scooping easier.
How to Serve Creamy Broccoli Casserole
Garnishes
If you want to take your casserole presentation up a notch, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives over the top just before serving. The burst of green makes the Creamy Broccoli Casserole look every bit as inviting as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This casserole is comfort in its purest form, and it loves to share the plate with classics like roasted chicken, baked ham, or a juicy steak. For vegetarians, pair it with buttered noodles or a crisp green salad for balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Try spooning the Creamy Broccoli Casserole into individual ramekins for a dinner-party twist, or layer it into pre-baked phyllo cups for a bite-sized appetizer. It can even be transformed into a hearty main by stirring in cooked rice or diced cooked chicken — perfect for using up leftovers!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Stash any leftover Creamy Broccoli Casserole in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to three days, making weekday lunches downright crave-worthy!
Freezing
The casserole freezes like a dream. Once cooled completely, cover it tightly in plastic wrap (then foil for good measure) and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or cover the whole casserole and warm in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly. If you want the topping to crisp up again, remove the cover during the last 10 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and drain the frozen broccoli thoroughly before adding it to the casserole. This keeps the Creamy Broccoli Casserole from getting watery and ensures that perfect creamy texture.
How can I make this casserole a main dish?
For a heartier meal, add cooked rice or diced, cooked chicken along with the broccoli. This transforms Creamy Broccoli Casserole into a satisfying all-in-one dinner that even the hungriest crowd will love.
Is there a way to make it gluten-free?
Swap out the Ritz crackers for your favorite gluten-free cracker crumbs and make sure your soup is gluten-free. The other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so this tweak makes Creamy Broccoli Casserole celiac-friendly!
Can I assemble the casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the entire casserole (minus the cracker topping) a day in advance. Store covered in the refrigerator and add the buttery crumbs right before you bake. It’s a lifesaver for busy holidays!
What cheese works best besides sharp cheddar?
Sharp cheddar gives that classic tang, but you can experiment with gouda, Monterey jack, or a Colby blend. Just be sure to choose a cheese that melts well and brings lots of flavor to your Creamy Broccoli Casserole.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a side dish that’s as creamy, comforting, and crowd-pleasing as it gets, I wholeheartedly recommend whipping up a batch of Creamy Broccoli Casserole. It’s a recipe that instantly feels like home, and I can’t wait for you to try it!
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Creamy Broccoli Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this comforting and creamy broccoli casserole, a perfect side dish for any occasion. Made with fresh broccoli, a rich blend of cheeses, and a buttery cracker topping, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
Topping:
- 1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Seasonings:
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Steam broccoli for 3-4 minutes, then drain.
- Mix the Casserole: In a bowl, combine soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, cheese, seasonings. Add broccoli, mix, and transfer to baking dish.
- Add Topping: Mix crackers with butter, sprinkle over casserole.
- Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can use cream of chicken soup as a substitute.
- Add rice or chicken for a heartier meal.
- Frozen broccoli can be used; thaw and drain before adding.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
