Broccoli Cheese Casserole

This Broccoli Cheese Casserole has tender broccoli smothered in a rich and creamy cheddar cheese sauce, and is topped with crushed butter crackers. This is one side dish that is sure to please the masses!

When I was a kid {and when my kids were younger}, the only way to eat broccoli was smothered in cheese. I learned very quickly to make meal additions that increased the chances of being consumed. So cheese all the foods it was. Just like this Green Bean Casserole, a crispy topping and cheese makes it so very good.

Now days my girls love broccoli, even on it’s own and steamed, which is fantastic. They even love it raw and in salad form, their favourite being this Broccoli Craisin Salad.

Yet sometimes I want to kick those side dishes up a notch and go for a full-comfort serving. That’s where creamy cheese comes in.

I recently made this Cheesy Broccoli Casserole for Thanksgiving, and it reminded my that I’ve never featured it here on the blog. Due time! Thing is, this casserole side dish is perfect for those holiday dinners like Thanksgiving, Easter and Christmas.

Yet, this easy broccoli casserole is also a great weeknight main dish that can accompany so many meats. It’s a comfort food that you’ll crave.

This Broccoli Cheese Casserole is a delicious side dish full of cheesy goodness and the best part just may be the crispy crunchy topping that everyone goes nuts for. It’s one of our favorite recipes to make when there’s a need for a comforting side dish.

Truth be told, I have to refrain myself from picking off that delicious topping from this easy broccoli cheese casserole while waiting for the rest of dinner to be ready.

Creamy Cheese Broccoli Casserole

This Cheesy Broccoli Casserole is a very easy dish to make. Once you’ve steamed the broccoli for a bit in the microwave, it’ll take mere minutes to get this into the oven {the same blanching method I use in my Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli recipe}.

This broccoli cheese bake calls for no sour cream nor cream cheese, yet the dish results in a creamy tasty meal.

Ingredients Required:

You’ll need the following simple ingredients to make this easy recipe. The full detailed instructions are below in the printable recipe card.

• fresh broccoli florets
• sharp cheddar cheese
• onion
• can cream of mushroom soup
• mayonnaise
• milk
• egg
• salt
• black pepper
• ritz crackers

How to Make Broccoli Casserole:

First you have to blanch broccoli. To do this add the broccoli to a large microwave safe dish. Pour in 1 cup of water and cover with a paper towel. Cook on high for 3-4 minutes until broccoli is steamed. Pour out excess water.

In the large bowl containing the broccoli, add in all the other mixture ingredients, yet remember to separate the cheese though, and mix well. 

Pour the cheese mixture (broccoli mixture) into a prepared baking dish that has been sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Then top with remaining shredded cheese. Then sprinkle crushed cracker son top of the casserole.

Bake at 350 degrees for 40-50 minutes until centre is nicely cooked and topping is golden brown. If you find the topping is getting too brown and the mixture still needs cooking, cover lightly with foil and continue to bake, to prevent a burnt topping. Serve warm and enjoy!

The creamy sauce is soup, mayonnaise, milk, egg, onion and cheese. Crush the buttery Ritz crackers that are used as the topping.

Recipe Tips:

For easy and best results when making the cracker topping, place them into a zippered freezer bag. Then crush with a rolling pin.

You could also add in some extra cheese with the topping for good measure, that’s up to you. Try it with some parmesan cheese for this easy side dish.

You don’t have to use ritz crackers, any brand of buttery crackers will do. Or omit for a keto broccoli cheese casserole recipe.

To Store: Place leftovers in an airtight container or cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate for up to 5 days. You can reheat in the microwave or in an oven.

Can you Freeze Broccoli Cheese Casserole?

Yes you absolutely can freeze this casserole dish! I do this often so I have one handy for another meal. I often separate dishes into two smaller baking pans so that I can freeze one for later.

To freeze, just make this as usual, cool completely, cover tightly and then put it into the freezer. To thaw, place it into the refrigerator overnight and then bake again until hot in the centre.

Since the topping will most likely be already crisp from previous cooking, I’d cover with foil and bake for most of the re-heat, as to not burn the topping this time around.

I hope you enjoy this delicious and comforting casserole side dish recipe as much as we do, even your picky eaters won’t complain! This creamy casserole is next level goodness and a perfect side dish!

For another soothing cheese and broccoli meal like this easy broccoli casserole recipe, check out this Slow Cooker Three Cheese Broccoli Soup. It’s one of our winter favourites and among our great recipes that comfort the soul.

More Easy Recipes:

• Slow Cooker Three Cheese Broccoli Soup
• Broccoli Chicken Noodle Casserole
• Egg and Vegetable Casserole Fritata
• Broccoli Craisin Salad