If you’re looking to bring a little warmth and comfort to your dinner table, this Creamy Broccoli Casserole Recipe is just the ticket. Picture crisp-tender broccoli enveloped in a luscious, cheesy cream sauce, all topped with a delightfully crunchy golden crust. Each bite is a perfect harmony of flavors and textures that feels like a cozy hug, whether it’s for a holiday feast or a simple weeknight supper. Trust me, once you try this dish, it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to casseroles to share with family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Creamy Broccoli Casserole Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role, from the fresh broccoli bringing vibrant color and nutrients to the rich cream sauce that makes every bite so indulgent. The crunchy topping rounds things out with a satisfying texture that makes it impossible to resist.
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets: Choose bright green, firm broccoli for the best texture and flavor.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Adds a subtle richness to the sautéed onions and garlic.
- 1 small yellow onion (chopped): Provides sweetness and depth when softened in butter.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Gives a gentle aromatic kick to the dish.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup: Creates the creamy, savory base that ties the casserole together.
- ½ cup sour cream: Adds tanginess and smoothness to enrich the sauce.
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Brings sharp, melty cheesiness that complements broccoli perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Offers just a touch of spice to balance the creaminess.
- ½ teaspoon paprika: Adds warmth and a subtle earthiness to the flavor profile.
- ½ cup crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs: Provides the irresistible crunchy topping.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter: Helps to brown the topping beautifully for that perfect crisp.
How to Make Creamy Broccoli Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Broccoli
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish so nothing sticks and cleanup stays easy. Steam or blanch the broccoli florets until they are just tender—about 3 to 4 minutes—which keeps them perfectly crisp and vibrant in color. Drain the broccoli well and set it aside while you move to the next step.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
In a skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the chopped onion and cook gently until it becomes soft and translucent, around 5 minutes. This allows the onions to develop a lovely sweetness that balances the dish. Throw in the minced garlic next and cook it just for a minute, enough to release its aroma without burning it.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, combine your sautéed onions and garlic with the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Stir everything until it forms a smooth, creamy mixture ready to envelop the broccoli. This sauce is what makes the casserole irresistibly luscious and full of flavor.
Step 4: Combine Broccoli and Cream Mixture
Gently fold the steamed broccoli into your cream sauce until every floret is well coated. Be careful not to mash the broccoli; you want those nice little pieces intact so they deliver texture in every bite. Then pour this mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
Step 5: Prepare the Topping and Bake
Take a small bowl and mix the crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. This topping will add a golden, crispy layer that contrasts beautifully with the creamy casserole underneath. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the broccoli mixture. Pop your dish into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until it’s bubbling around the edges and the top is a gorgeous golden brown.
Step 6: Cool Slightly and Serve
Once baked, let your casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps everything settle, making it easier to scoop out perfect portions without the sauce running away. Now you’re ready to enjoy every bite of this comforting Creamy Broccoli Casserole Recipe!
How to Serve Creamy Broccoli Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives add a pop of color and a fresh aroma, brightening the creamy richness of the casserole. A sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar cheese or a light dusting of smoked paprika can also make the dish look even more inviting on your plate.
Side Dishes
This casserole is a fantastic companion to roasted chicken, grilled steaks, or even a hearty vegetarian main. Consider pairing it with fluffy mashed potatoes or a crisp garden salad to balance the richness and add more variety to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this casserole in individual ramekins for a chic, personalized touch at dinner parties. For a fun twist, mix in cooked rice or shredded rotisserie chicken before baking to transform it into a full meal that’s bursting with flavor in every spoonful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. Your Creamy Broccoli Casserole Recipe will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy multiple meals without extra cooking.
Freezing
This casserole freezes wonderfully. Simply assemble it in a freezer-safe dish but do not bake before freezing. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, bake from frozen, adding a little extra baking time to ensure it’s heated through and bubbly.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, warm the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and the topping crisps back up, about 15 to 20 minutes. Avoid the microwave if possible to keep the crunchy topping intact and the casserole creamy and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli for this casserole?
Yes, frozen broccoli can be used if fresh isn’t available. Just be sure to thaw and drain it well to prevent excess moisture from making the casserole watery.
What can I substitute for the cream of mushroom soup?
If you’re not a fan of mushroom, cream of chicken soup works great and provides the same creamy texture with a slightly different flavor.
Is this casserole vegetarian-friendly?
Absolutely! This recipe uses vegetarian ingredients and is perfect for meat-free meals, but always double-check soup labels if you want to be certain about animal products.
Can I add protein to make this a main dish?
Yes, adding shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked rice before baking gives it extra heartiness and transforms it from a side into a satisfying main course.
How do I get the topping extra crispy?
Make sure to mix the crushed crackers or breadcrumbs with melted butter thoroughly, and avoid covering the casserole during baking. A quick burst under the broiler at the end can also help achieve a golden, crispy finish.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Creamy Broccoli Casserole Recipe that makes it a beloved classic in my kitchen. Its cozy textures and comforting flavors are perfect any time of year, and it’s so simple to make with pantry staples and fresh broccoli. I hope you find as much joy in making and sharing this dish as I do—it’s the kind of recipe that warms both your belly and your heart.
Print
Creamy Broccoli Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy broccoli casserole is a comforting and cheesy side dish featuring tender broccoli florets smothered in a rich cream of mushroom soup-based sauce, combined with sautéed onions, garlic, and sharp cheddar cheese, then topped with a crispy buttery cracker crumb topping. Perfect for holidays or a cozy weeknight meal, it offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy & Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon butter (for sautéing)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping)
Seasonings & Toppings
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ cup crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Broccoli: Steam or blanch the broccoli florets for 3–4 minutes until just tender but still bright green. Drain well and set aside to cool slightly.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and sauté the chopped onion for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Mix the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened onions and garlic with the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Stir well to create a creamy mixture.
- Combine Broccoli and Sauce: Fold the steamed broccoli into the creamy mixture, ensuring the florets are evenly coated with the sauce.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the broccoli mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly to form a smooth layer.
- Add Topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter until well combined. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole to create a crunchy topping.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping turns a golden brown color.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving to allow it to set and enhance flavors.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of chicken soup for a different flavor variation.
- For a heartier casserole, add cooked rice or shredded rotisserie chicken to the mixture before baking.
- Use gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs to make this dish gluten-free.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.
