Description
This creamy Broccoli Cheese Casserole is a delicious and comforting dish featuring tender broccoli florets enveloped in a rich, cheesy sauce, topped with a crispy buttery cracker crust. Perfect as a side dish for family dinners or holiday meals, it combines simple ingredients to create a cheesy, savory delight everyone will love.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 4 cups broccoli florets
Dairy
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Pantry
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup crushed buttery crackers
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking the casserole.
- Steam Broccoli: Steam the broccoli florets for 3 to 4 minutes until they are slightly tender but still crisp. Drain well to remove excess water, which will help prevent a soggy casserole.
- Mix Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir the ingredients together until smooth and evenly mixed.
- Combine Broccoli and Sauce: Fold the drained broccoli into the cheese and soup mixture, making sure the broccoli is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Grease a baking dish to prevent sticking, then transfer the broccoli-cheese mixture evenly into the dish.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed buttery crackers with the melted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated and slightly moistened.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the broccoli mixture in the baking dish. Then, top with the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese for an extra cheesy crust.
- Bake Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Bake until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Rest before Serving: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it stand for 5 minutes. This resting time helps the casserole set for easier serving and enhances flavors.
Notes
- Add cooked chicken to the casserole mixture to turn this side dish into a complete, protein-rich meal.
- Frozen broccoli can be used as a substitute; just be sure to thaw and drain thoroughly to avoid excess moisture.
- If preferred, cream of chicken soup can be used instead of cream of mushroom soup for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American