Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This broccoli cheese casserole is a comfort food classic that’s easy to make with basic ingredients. It’s a great way to get your kids to enjoy their veggies, and the combination of mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, and creamy mushroom soup makes it flavorful and satisfying. It’s also highly customizable, allowing you to add extra ingredients like French-fried onions or your favorite seasonings. It’s the perfect dish to bring to a holiday meal or enjoy any time of the year.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 large egg, beaten
- ¼ cup chopped onion
- 3 (10 ounce) packages frozen broccoli florets
- 8 ounces shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 dash paprika
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, beaten egg, and chopped onion until well combined.
- Place the frozen broccoli florets in a large mixing bowl. Break them up if necessary, and then add the soup mixture. Stir well to coat the broccoli.
- Sprinkle in the shredded Cheddar cheese and mix to combine. Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Season with salt, pepper, and a dash of paprika for extra flavor.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the casserole is golden brown on top and the cheese has melted.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 45 minutes to 1 hour
- Total time: 1 hour
Variations
- Add-ins: For extra flavor, you can mix in some crispy French-fried onions or top the casserole with crushed crackers before baking.
- Cheese Options: While sharp Cheddar cheese is recommended, you can experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gouda, or a blend of cheeses for a different twist.
- Vegetables: If you prefer fresh broccoli, you can steam it first instead of using frozen. Other veggies like cauliflower or carrots can also be added for variety.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or in the microwave until heated through.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh broccoli. Just steam it lightly before adding it to the casserole.
2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole the day before and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
3. Can I use a different type of soup instead of cream of mushroom?
Yes, if you don’t like cream of mushroom, you can use cream of chicken or cream of celery soup as a substitute.
4. How do I make this casserole spicy?
To add some spice, you can incorporate diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper into the mixture.
5. Can I make this casserole without mayonnaise?
Yes, you can substitute the mayonnaise with sour cream or Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
6. Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze it before baking. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake, cook directly from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
7. Can I add other vegetables to this casserole?
Yes, you can add vegetables like cauliflower, carrots, or peas to customize the dish to your liking.
8. Can I make this casserole without cheese?
You can make a cheese-free version by omitting the cheese, but it will lose its signature cheesy texture. You might consider using a dairy-free cheese alternative if needed.
9. How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is done when the cheese is melted and golden brown on top, and the center is firm to the touch.
10. Can I use different cheese blends?
Absolutely! You can mix sharp Cheddar with other cheeses such as Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a blend of Italian cheeses for a different flavor profile.
Conclusion
This Awesome Broccoli-Cheese Casserole is a crowd-pleaser that will quickly become a favorite in your household. With its creamy texture, rich flavor, and the perfect balance of cheese and veggies, it’s the ideal side dish for holiday meals or a comforting weeknight dinner. Whether you’re serving it at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any other occasion, it’s sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Awesome Broccoli-Cheese Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
Awesome Broccoli-Cheese Casserole is a comforting and creamy side dish made with tender broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, and a rich sauce. It’s a perfect dish for family gatherings, holidays, or a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 cup mayonnaise
1 large egg, beaten
¼ cup chopped onion
3 (10 ounce) packages frozen broccoli florets
8 ounces shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
1 dash paprika
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, beaten egg, and chopped onion until smooth.
- Place the frozen broccoli florets in a large bowl. Break them up if necessary, then add the soup mixture. Stir to coat the broccoli.
- Stir in shredded Cheddar cheese and mix well. Spread evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Season with salt, pepper, and a dash of paprika.
- Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the casserole is golden brown on top and cheese has melted.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
For extra crunch, mix in French-fried onions or top with crushed crackers before baking.
Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gouda for a unique twist.
If using fresh broccoli, steam it lightly before adding it to the casserole.
Customize the recipe by adding cauliflower, carrots, or peas for more veggie variety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
