Creamy Broccoli Casserole: A Cheesy, Comforting Classic 🥦🧀

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Warm up your dinner table with this irresistibly Creamy Broccoli Casserole, a perfect blend of tender broccoli, rich cheesy goodness, and a buttery, crunchy cracker topping. This hearty side dish (or main course for veggie lovers!) transforms simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing comfort food that’s ideal for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or cozy weeknight dinners. With its creamy texture, savory flavors, and golden crust, this casserole is a nostalgic favorite that’s easy to prepare and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re feeding a family or prepping for a special occasion, this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and frozen broccoli for convenience.
• Versatile: Works as a side dish, vegetarian main, or potluck star.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep it in advance for stress-free meals.
• Kid-Approved: The cheesy, creamy texture is a hit with picky eaters.

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

• 1 (16-ounce) package frozen broccoli florets (or 4 cups fresh broccoli, steamed)
• 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of celery soup (or cream of mushroom/chicken)
• 1 cup mayonnaise (full-fat for richness, or light for a lighter option)
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping, optional)
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1–2 tablespoons instant minced onion (or 1–2 teaspoons onion powder)
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Optional: 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder or a pinch of cayenne for extra flavor

For the Crunchy Topping:

• 1/2 cup cheese crackers (such as Cheez-Its or cheddar Goldfish), crushed
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
• Optional: 2 tablespoons panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch

For Serving (Optional):

• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
• A side of roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking. Lightly grease a 1.5-quart casserole dish (or an 8×8-inch baking dish) with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. This size is perfect for a thick, creamy casserole with a generous topping.
2. Prepare the Broccoli
   If using frozen broccoli, cook it according to the package instructions (typically steaming or microwaving until tender but not mushy). Drain thoroughly in a colander, pressing gently to remove excess water—this prevents a watery casserole. If using fresh broccoli, steam or blanch 4 cups of florets for 3–4 minutes until bright green and slightly tender, then drain and cool. Chop larger florets into bite-sized pieces for even distribution in the casserole.
3. Mix the Creamy Base
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the condensed cream of celery soup, mayonnaise, lightly beaten eggs, shredded cheddar cheese, instant minced onion (or onion powder), salt, black pepper, and optional garlic powder or cayenne. Stir until smooth and well-blended. The mayonnaise adds a luscious creaminess, while the soup brings savory depth. Gently fold in the prepared broccoli, ensuring each floret is coated in the creamy mixture. The cheese will melt into the casserole during baking, creating a gooey, irresistible texture.
4. Assemble the Casserole
   Pour the broccoli mixture into the greased casserole dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula. For an extra cheesy touch, sprinkle an additional 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar over the top before adding the cracker topping. This step is optional but highly recommended for cheese lovers!
5. Create the Buttery Cracker Topping
   In a small bowl, melt the butter in the microwave or on the stovetop. Place the cheese crackers in a resealable plastic bag and crush them into coarse crumbs using a rolling pin or your hands. Alternatively, pulse them in a food processor for a finer texture. Combine the crushed crackers with the melted butter, mixing until the crumbs are evenly coated. For added crunch, stir in panko breadcrumbs if desired. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the casserole, covering the surface for a golden, crispy finish.
6. Bake to Perfection
   Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake, uncovered, for 45–55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly. The center should be set but still creamy, and the broccoli should be tender. If the topping browns too quickly, cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes of baking. To test doneness, insert a knife into the center—it should come out clean with a bit of creamy residue.
7. Serve and Enjoy
   Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes to set, making it easier to serve. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve warm as a side dish alongside roasted chicken, pork chops, or mashed potatoes, or enjoy it as a vegetarian main with a crisp side salad. For potlucks, keep it warm in a slow cooker on the “keep warm” setting to maintain its creamy texture.

Tips for Success

• Drain Broccoli Well: Excess moisture can make the casserole watery, so pat the broccoli dry after cooking.
• Choose Your Soup: Cream of celery adds a subtle veggie flavor, but cream of mushroom or chicken works just as well for variety.
• Cracker Topping Options: Swap cheese crackers for Ritz crackers, saltines, or crushed cornflakes for a different crunch.
• Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole (without the topping) up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Add the cracker topping just before baking, and increase the baking time by 5–10 minutes if cold.
• Freezing Instructions: Prepare the casserole without the topping, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, add the topping, and bake as directed.

Variations

• Bacon Broccoli Casserole: Stir in 1/2 cup of cooked, crumbled bacon for a smoky, savory twist.
• Mushroom Medley: Add 1 cup of sautéed mushrooms to the broccoli mixture for extra heartiness.
• Spicy Kick: Mix in 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for a fiery version.
• Low-Carb Option: Replace the crackers with crushed pork rinds or almond flour for a keto-friendly topping, and use a low-carb condensed soup substitute.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave on medium power for 1–2 minutes, or place the entire dish in a 350°F (175°C) oven, covered with foil, for 15–20 minutes until heated through. For a crisp topping, uncover and broil for 1–2 minutes at the end. Freeze baked or unbaked leftovers in a freezer-safe dish for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Nutritional Information (Approximate, Per Serving)

• Calories: 300–350 kcal
• Protein: 10g
• Fat: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
  Note: Nutritional values vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.