Description

This Broccoli Cheese Casserole is a comforting and creamy dish featuring tender broccoli mixed with a flavorful sauce, cheddar cheese, and topped with a buttery Ritz cracker crust. Perfect as a hearty side dish or a main for cheese lovers, it combines simple ingredients into a warm, baked casserole that is both easy to prepare and delicious.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

32 ounces frozen broccoli (2 (16-ounce) bags), thawed

Wet Ingredients

1 large egg
10.5 ounces cream of chicken soup (1 can)
½ cup mayonnaise (store-bought or homemade)
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted (½ stick)

Dry Ingredients & Spices

1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
½ teaspoon ground paprika
2 cups freshly shredded cheddar cheese
1½ cups crushed Ritz crackers

Instructions

Thaw Broccoli: Ensure the frozen broccoli is fully thawed before starting. To speed this up, microwave at 50% power until no longer frozen but still cool to the touch.
Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray and set it aside.
Mix Wet Ingredients and Spices: In a large bowl, whisk together the large egg, cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and paprika until fully combined and smooth.
Combine Broccoli and Cheese: Gently stir the thawed broccoli and shredded cheddar cheese into the sauce mixture, making sure the broccoli is evenly coated.
Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the broccoli mixture into the prepared baking pan, smoothing it into an even layer for uniform baking.
Add Topping: Sprinkle crushed Ritz crackers evenly over the top of the casserole, then drizzle with the melted unsalted butter to create a golden, crispy crust.
Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the cracker topping is golden brown and the casserole is thoroughly heated through.

Notes

Microwaving the broccoli for thawing avoids extra water that can make the casserole soggy.
You can substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup for a vegetarian variation.
To reduce sodium, use low-sodium soup and unsalted crackers.
Leftovers store well covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
Feel free to add cooked chicken or bacon for an extra protein boost.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: broccoli casserole, cheese casserole, baked broccoli, comfort food, cheesy broccoli bake, easy side dish