Broccoli Cheese Casserole
Dive into the creamy, cheesy goodness of Broccoli Cheese Casserole, a comforting dish that pairs perfectly with any meal. This recipe is simple, customizable, and family-friendly, making it a favorite for weeknight dinners or holiday gatherings.
Equipment
- 9x13-Inch Baking Dish For baking the casserole.
- Stainless Steel Steamer Basket For steaming broccoli.
- Mixing bowls For mixing ingredients.
- Whisk For blending ingredients.
- Ritz Cracker Crumb Tool To crush crackers for the topping (optional).
- Rubber Spatula To fold and mix ingredients.
- Oven mitts For handling hot dishes.
- Serving spoon For portioning the casserole.
Ingredients
- 4 cups broccoli florets fresh or frozen, steamed
- 2 cups cooked white rice optional
- 1 can cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup 10.5 oz
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided: 1 1/2 cups for the casserole, 1/2 cup for the topping
- 1/4 cup Velveeta or Cheez Whiz optional
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers crumbled (optional for topping)
- 2 tablespoons butter melted
Optional Add-ins
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- Sliced mushrooms or sautéed onions
Instructions
Preheat and Prep:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- If using fresh broccoli, blanch it in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then drain and pat dry. For frozen broccoli, steam or microwave until tender but not mushy. Cook rice and set aside.
Optional: Season steamed broccoli with garlic powder or black pepper.
Make the Creamy Cheese Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream soup, mayonnaise, sour cream, and garlic powder.
- Add Velveeta or Cheez Whiz if using, stirring until the mixture is smooth. Fold in 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
Assemble the Casserole:
- Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Spread the cooked broccoli and rice (if using) evenly across the bottom of the dish.
- Pour the cheese mixture over the broccoli and rice, ensuring even coating.
- Top with the remaining cheddar cheese and crushed Ritz crackers (mixed with melted butter if desired).
Bake Your Casserole:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling and the top is golden brown.
- For an extra crispy top, broil for 1-2 minutes but watch closely to prevent burning.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your cheesy, veggie-packed dish!
Video
Notes
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the casserole up to a day in advance. Assemble, cover, refrigerate, then bake before serving.
Variations: Try adding spices like paprika or jalapeños for different flavors, or swap Ritz crackers for gluten-free options.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the casserole up to a day in advance. Assemble, cover, refrigerate, then bake before serving.
Variations: Try adding spices like paprika or jalapeños for different flavors, or swap Ritz crackers for gluten-free options.