Cheesy Broccoli Casserole Recipe
This Cheesy Broccoli Casserole is a creamy, comforting side dish packed with fresh broccoli, melted cheeses, and topped with buttery Ritz crackers. It’s a perfect addition to any meal, and even the pickiest eaters will love it!
Ingredients:
- 4 cups broccoli florets, steamed
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish and set it aside.
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the steamed broccoli, cheddar cheese, mozzarella, mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper. Stir until everything is well incorporated.
3. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Evenly spread the broccoli mixture into the prepared baking dish, making sure to distribute it uniformly.
4. Prepare the Topping:
In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
5. Bake the Casserole:
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your cheesy, comforting broccoli casserole!
Tips for Making the Best Cheesy Broccoli Casserole
- Steam the broccoli perfectly: Steam the broccoli until just tender but still bright green to ensure the casserole has texture.
- Cheese variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses such as Gruyère or Parmesan for added flavor.
- Customize your crunch: Substitute Ritz crackers with breadcrumbs, panko, or even crushed cornflakes for a different crunchy topping.
- Add a protein: For a heartier dish, mix in cooked chicken or ham for an all-in-one meal.
- Spice it up: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the mixture for a spicy kick.
- Make it gluten-free: Swap out the Ritz crackers for gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs if needed.
- Pre-steam your broccoli: If you’re using frozen broccoli, thaw and drain it thoroughly to avoid extra moisture in the casserole.
- Use fresh garlic: For a more robust garlic flavor, replace garlic powder with minced fresh garlic.
- Make it ahead: You can prepare this casserole in advance and store it in the fridge, covered, until you’re ready to bake.
- Crispier topping: For an even crispier topping, broil the casserole for the last 1-2 minutes of baking.
- Extra creamy: Mix in a splash of heavy cream or milk to make the casserole even creamier.
- Serve with a salad: Pair this cheesy casserole with a fresh green salad to balance the richness of the dish.
- Add extra veggies: Toss in some sautéed mushrooms, onions, or even bell peppers for more texture and flavor.
- Double the recipe: If you’re serving a crowd, double the recipe and bake in a 9×13-inch dish.
- Try Greek yogurt: Swap out the sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangy version.
- Season the topping: Add a little garlic powder or grated Parmesan to the cracker topping for extra flavor.
- Let it rest: Allow the casserole to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving so it sets up perfectly.
- Make it healthier: Reduce the mayonnaise and add more sour cream for a lighter version.
- Leftover magic: This casserole reheats beautifully and makes for delicious leftovers.
- Use a food processor: If you prefer smaller pieces of broccoli, pulse them a few times in a food processor before mixing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Thaw it completely and drain any excess moisture before using it. - Can I substitute the mayonnaise with something else?
Yes, you can use Greek yogurt or even more sour cream if you prefer a lighter version. - Can I add meat to this casserole?
Absolutely! You can add cooked chicken, ham, or bacon for a protein boost. - What’s the best way to steam broccoli?
You can steam broccoli in the microwave with a little water, on the stovetop, or in a steamer basket until just tender. - How do I make the topping crispier?
For an extra crispy topping, you can broil the casserole for the last 1-2 minutes of baking. - Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. - How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. - Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes, you can freeze this casserole before or after baking. If freezing before baking, thaw it in the fridge overnight before cooking. - What can I use instead of Ritz crackers?
You can use breadcrumbs, panko, or crushed cornflakes for the topping. - Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, feel free to add other veggies like mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers. - How do I prevent the casserole from becoming watery?
Make sure to drain any excess water from the steamed broccoli before mixing it into the casserole. - Can I use low-fat dairy products?
Yes, you can use reduced-fat cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise, but the casserole might be less creamy. - Can I add more cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to add more cheese to make it even cheesier. - What type of broccoli works best?
Fresh broccoli florets are ideal, but frozen broccoli can work as long as it’s well-drained. - How do I make this casserole gluten-free?
Use gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs to make the casserole gluten-free. - Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise to make the casserole dairy-free. - Is this casserole keto-friendly?
To make it keto-friendly, replace the Ritz crackers with crushed pork rinds and use a keto-friendly mayonnaise. - How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is done when the top is golden and bubbly, and the edges are slightly crisp. - What can I serve with this casserole?
This casserole pairs well with grilled chicken, steak, or even a fresh salad. - Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, you can use other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or Gruyère for a different flavor.
This Cheesy Broccoli Casserole is simple to make and can be customized to suit your tastes. With the rich, cheesy flavors and crunchy topping, it’s sure to become a family favorite
