The Best Creamy Broccoli Casserole Recipe Everyone Will Love

When comfort meets nutrition, this creamy broccoli casserole emerges as a delightful culinary treasure that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece.

Rich, velvety, and packed with wholesome goodness, this dish brings together tender broccoli and a luxurious cheese sauce that melts in your mouth.

Every forkful delivers a perfect balance of crisp vegetables and smooth, decadent cream.

The golden, bubbling top creates an irresistible crust that adds a delightful crunch to each bite.

Cheese lovers and vegetable enthusiasts will find this casserole impossible to resist.

Sharp cheddar and a hint of garlic elevate the flavor profile to something truly spectacular.

Savor every delicious moment of this comforting classic that’s sure to become a staple at your dinner table.

Why You’ll Love Creamy Broccoli Casserole

• Craft a Show-Stopping Dessert: Create a stunning cake roll that looks professionally made, guaranteed to impress family and friends with its beautiful swirled design and delicious Oreo-packed flavor.
• Indulge in Cookie and Cream Bliss: Enjoy the perfect combination of soft chocolate cake and creamy Oreo filling, delivering a classic flavor profile that satisfies every sweet craving.
• Master a Beginner-Friendly Baking Challenge: Navigate through simple steps that transform basic ingredients into a spectacular dessert, making this recipe approachable for bakers of all skill levels.
• Customize Your Cake Roll Adventure: Experiment with different Oreo varieties or add personal decorative touches, making this recipe a flexible canvas for creative culinary expression.

Ingredient Essentials for Broccoli Casserole

• Broccoli: A nutritious green vegetable that serves as the primary component of this comforting casserole.
• Cream of Celery Soup: A creamy base that adds rich flavor and helps bind the ingredients together.
• Mayonnaise: Provides additional creaminess and helps create a smooth texture in the casserole.
• Eggs: Act as a binding agent to hold the casserole together and add richness.
• Cheddar Cheese: Delivers a sharp, cheesy flavor and melts beautifully throughout the dish.

• Butter or Margarine: Helps create a crispy, golden topping for the casserole.
• Cheese Crackers: Adds a crunchy texture and extra cheesy flavor to the casserole's surface.

• Onion, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper: Enhance the overall flavor profile of the casserole with subtle and complementary seasoning.

Baking Steps for Creamy Broccoli Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to 350F and grab a 1.5-quart baking dish. Give the dish a light coating of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Get the Broccoli Ready

Grab your frozen broccoli and cook it according to the package directions. Drain the broccoli completely, making sure no extra water remains.

Step 3: Mix the Creamy Base

• Cream of celery soup
• Mayonnaise
• Eggs
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Minced onion

Stir until everything is well combined and smooth. Fold in the cooked broccoli, ensuring each piece gets coated with the creamy mixture.

Step 4: Prepare the Crunchy Topping

Melt butter in a small pan. Crush cheese crackers into fine crumbs.

Mix the crackers with the melted butter until they’re evenly coated.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Pour the broccoli mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the buttery cracker crumbs over the top.

Pop the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the casserole is bubbling with deliciousness.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes.

This helps it set and makes serving easier. Scoop out generous portions and savor the creamy, crunchy goodness.

Notes for Cheesy Broccoli Casserole Fans

• Ensure excess water is removed from frozen broccoli to prevent a watery casserole and maintain a creamy texture.
• Add garlic powder or dried herbs like thyme to elevate the overall taste profile of the dish.
• Use butter crackers or panko breadcrumbs for extra crispy and golden topping that adds delightful texture.
• Swap cheese crackers with crushed pork rinds or almond flour for a keto-friendly version of the casserole.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like monterey jack or gruyere to create unique flavor dimensions.

Ways to Change Up Broccoli Casserole

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace cream of celery soup with coconut cream, swap cheddar cheese for nutritional yeast, and use dairy-free mayonnaise. Top with crushed gluten-free crackers for a vegan-friendly version.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute broccoli with cauliflower, use almond flour crackers instead of cheese crackers, and replace soup with Greek yogurt and herbs for a lighter, keto-friendly option.
• Protein Power Boost: Add cooked chicken or turkey to the casserole mixture, incorporate quinoa for extra protein, and sprinkle sliced almonds on top for added crunch and nutrition.

What to Serve With Creamy Broccoli Casserole

• Pair with Zesty Pinot Grigio: The light, crisp white wine cuts through the creamy casserole's richness, balancing its heavy texture with bright, citrusy notes.
• Complement with Roasted Chicken: Herb-seasoned roasted chicken provides a perfect protein partner, enhancing the broccoli casserole's cheesy, comforting flavors without overwhelming the dish.
• Match with Fresh Garden Salad: A crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette adds refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy casserole, introducing a lighter element to the meal.
• Serve alongside Crusty Sourdough Bread: Warm, slightly tangy sourdough helps soak up the casserole's delicious sauce while adding a delightful textural crunch to each bite.

How to Store Broccoli Casserole Creamy

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe dish, cover with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date and contents.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed. Add a splash of milk to prevent dryness.

FAQs

• Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

This recipe contains eggs and cheese, so it’s not vegetarian. However, you can modify it by using plant-based alternatives like vegan cheese and egg substitutes.

• Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh broccoli. Just steam or blanch it until tender before mixing with other ingredients. Make sure to drain excess water to prevent a watery casserole.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Use low-fat mayonnaise, reduced-fat cheese, and whole wheat crackers. You can also add more vegetables or reduce the butter in the topping for a lighter version.

Creamy Broccoli Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets nutrition in this hearty Broccoli Casserole, blending cheesy goodness with wholesome green vegetables. Rich, satisfying layers meld perfectly, offering a delightful side dish that brings warmth and flavor to your dinner table with each comforting bite you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 (16 ounces / 453 grams) package frozen broccoli
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) mayonnaise
• 1 cup (100 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 eggs

Sauce and Binding Ingredients:

• 1 (6 ounces / 170 grams) can condensed cream of celery soup
• 2 tablespoons instant minced onion or onion powder

Topping and Finishing Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (60 grams) cheese crackers (crushed)
• 1 tablespoon (14 grams) butter or margarine

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously coat a 1.5-quart baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Prepare frozen broccoli according to package directions, ensuring thorough drainage to prevent excess moisture.
3. In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together cream of celery soup, mayonnaise, eggs, shredded cheddar cheese, and onion until fully incorporated.
4. Gently fold the cooked broccoli into the creamy mixture, ensuring each floret is evenly coated.
5. Transfer the broccoli blend into the prepared baking dish, spreading it uniformly to create an even layer.
6. Melt butter completely, then combine with crushed cheese crackers to create a crispy topping.
7. Distribute the buttery cracker mixture across the casserole’s surface, covering it entirely for maximum crunch.
8. Bake for 45-55 minutes in the preheated oven until the casserole becomes effervescent and the topping transforms into a golden-brown crust.
9. Remove from oven and allow to rest for 5-10 minutes, enabling the casserole to set and cool slightly before serving.

Notes

• Swap frozen broccoli with fresh florets for a crunchier texture and more vibrant color.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise to reduce calories and add protein while maintaining creamy consistency.
• Create gluten-free version by substituting cheese crackers with crushed gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour topping.
• Enhance nutritional value by adding diced cooked chicken or turkey for a complete protein-packed meal.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 357 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 740 mg
• Fat: 31 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 11 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 13 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg