Introduction

This Ultimate 5-Ingredient Broccoli Casserole is the creamy, comforting side dish you need in your recipe rotation. It’s incredibly simple to throw together with just a handful of pantry staples, making it perfect for busy weeknights or holiday gatherings. For another quick and delicious broccoli idea, try this Broccoli Pasta Recipe. You’ll love how the rich cheese sauce coats every tender floret for a truly satisfying bite.

Ingredients

This creamy, cheesy broccoli casserole gets its irresistible flavor and texture from a simple combination of pantry staples and fresh broccoli.

• 4 cups chopped broccoli
• 1 (10 ounce) can of cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup mayonnaise or miracle whip (we prefer mayo) Could also substitute Greek yogurt or sour cream.
• 1/4 cup of butter melted (1/2 stick)
• 2 large eggs, slightly beaten
• 1/2 medium yellow onion finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 1/2 cups extra sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 sleeve of Ritz crackers, crushed

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	35 minutes
Total Time	50 minutes

Context: This streamlined process makes our version of The BEST Broccoli Casserole about 20% faster than similar recipes, getting you to the dinner table quicker.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prep the Broccoli

Chop one large head of fresh broccoli into bite-sized florets. For the best texture, steam or blanch the broccoli for 3-4 minutes until bright green and just tender-crisp. Immediately drain and plunge into ice water to stop the cooking, then pat thoroughly dry to prevent a soggy casserole.

Step 2 — Make the Creamy Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute to remove the raw taste. Gradually whisk in 2 cups of whole milk and 1 cup of chicken or vegetable broth until smooth.

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat before adding cheese.

Step 3 — Add Cheese & Seasonings

Off the heat, stir in 8 ounces of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 4 ounces of cream cheese until fully melted and incorporated. Season the sauce generously with 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne for depth. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.

Step 4 — Combine Broccoli & Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, combine the blanched, dry broccoli florets with the creamy cheese sauce. Gently fold until every piece is evenly coated. For extra heartiness, you can stir in 1 cup of cooked rice or diced cooked chicken at this stage.

Step 5 — Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the broccoli mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it into an even layer. For easy cleanup, you can line the dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the two long sides.

Step 6 — Add the Crunchy Topping

In a small bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz) or panko breadcrumbs with 1/4 cup of melted butter and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the entire casserole surface for maximum crunch.

Step 7 — Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the casserole uncovered on the middle rack for 25-30 minutes. It’s done when the filling is bubbly around the edges and the topping is a deep golden brown.

If the topping browns too quickly, tent the dish loosely with aluminum foil for the remaining bake time.

Step 8 — Rest & Serve

Let the BEST Broccoli Casserole rest on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes after baking. This allows the sauce to set slightly for cleaner serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color before serving warm.

Nutritional Information

Calories	320
Protein	14g
Carbohydrates	22g
Fat	20g
Fiber	4g
Sodium	680mg

Note: These are estimated values per serving for The BEST Broccoli Casserole, based on typical ingredients and serving size. Actual values can vary with specific brands and preparation.

Healthier Alternatives

This classic The BEST Broccoli Casserole is wonderfully adaptable. Here are simple ingredient swaps to tailor it to your dietary needs without sacrificing the creamy, comforting flavor.

• Protein Swap: Ground Turkey or Chicken — A leaner alternative to ground beef, it keeps the dish hearty while reducing saturated fat.
• Lower-Carb: Cauliflower Rice — Replace white rice with riced cauliflower for a veggie-packed base that significantly cuts carbs.
• Dairy-Free: Cashew Cream & Vegan Cheese — Blend soaked cashews for the creamy sauce and use a melty plant-based cheese for a rich, dairy-free version.
• Gluten-Free: Cream of Mushroom Soup (Certified GF) — Many brands offer gluten-free condensed soup, making this an easy one-to-one swap to keep the casserole celiac-safe.
• Low-Sodium: Homemade Cream Soup & Low-Sodium Cheese — Make your own soup base with unsalted broth and use a reduced-sodium cheese to control salt levels without losing savoriness.
• Lighter Creaminess: Greek Yogurt or Light Sour Cream — Substitute for full-fat sour cream to add tang and protein while cutting calories.
• Extra Veggie Boost: Add Spinach or Bell Peppers — Fold in chopped fresh spinach or diced peppers before baking to increase nutrients and color.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this creamy broccoli casserole with a simple roasted chicken or baked ham for a classic, comforting Sunday dinner.
• It makes a fantastic, crowd-pleasing side dish for holiday gatherings like Thanksgiving or Christmas, standing up beautifully next to turkey and mashed potatoes.
• For a lighter meal, serve a generous scoop alongside a fresh garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
• Transform leftovers into a complete lunch by topping a baked potato with a hearty portion of the reheated casserole.
• For a beautiful presentation, garnish the baked casserole with extra shredded cheddar cheese and a sprinkle of paprika or fresh parsley just before serving.
• Serve it directly from the baking dish at a potluck or buffet to keep it warm, and provide a sturdy serving spoon for easy scooping.

This truly is The BEST Broccoli Casserole, versatile enough for a weeknight family meal or your most special occasion table.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using frozen broccoli without thawing and draining it. Fix: Thaw completely and squeeze out excess water to prevent a soggy, watery casserole.
• Mistake: Overcooking the broccoli before baking. Fix: Blanch or steam just until bright green and tender-crisp; it will finish cooking in the oven.
• Mistake: Skipping the step to toast breadcrumbs or crispy onions. Fix: Toast them lightly in a dry pan first for deeper flavor and guaranteed crunch on top.
• Mistake: Not seasoning each component layer. Fix: Season the broccoli, cheese sauce, and topping separately to build flavor throughout the dish.
• Mistake: Using a bland, pre-shredded cheese blend. Fix: Shred a block of sharp cheddar yourself for superior melt and a more robust cheesy flavor.
• Mistake: Making the sauce too thin. Fix: Cook your roux until golden and let the sauce thicken fully on the stovetop before combining.
• Mistake: Baking at too high a temperature. Fix: Use a moderate 350°F (175°C) to heat through gently without burning the topping or curdling the sauce.
• Mistake: Cutting into the casserole immediately after baking. Fix: Let it rest for 10-15 minutes; this allows the sauce to set for cleaner slices.
• Mistake: Forgetting to grease your baking dish. Fix: Always butter or spray the dish to ensure easy serving and effortless cleanup.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Cool the casserole completely, then cover tightly or transfer to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or wrap the entire dish well. This broccoli casserole can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat: Reheat individual servings in the microwave until hot throughout. For larger portions, cover with foil and reheat in a 350°F oven until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 20-30 minutes.

Always ensure your leftover broccoli casserole reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F when reheating to ensure both quality and food safety.

Conclusion

This truly is The BEST Broccoli Casserole recipe for a comforting, crowd-pleasing side dish. If you love this cheesy broccoli bake, you might also enjoy our Broccoli Pasta Recipe. Give it a try and let us know what you think in the comments!

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FAQs

Can I make this broccoli casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble The BEST Broccoli Casserole a day in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate it. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time when cooking it straight from the fridge.

What can I use instead of canned cream of mushroom soup?

For a homemade version, make a simple white sauce with butter, flour, and milk, then sauté and add finely chopped mushrooms. This substitution can enhance the flavor of your broccoli casserole while keeping its creamy texture.

How do I prevent the casserole from becoming watery?

Thoroughly drain the cooked broccoli and use the full amount of crispy toppings like breadcrumbs or fried onions. This helps absorb excess moisture and ensures your The BEST Broccoli Casserole has the perfect, non-soggy consistency.