Homemade Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe: Cozy Comfort Magic

Creamy broccoli cheese casserole brings comfort to your dinner table like a warm culinary hug.

Hearty ingredients blend perfectly in this classic side dish.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this cheesy delight with passion.

Tender broccoli florets nestle beneath a golden, bubbling cheese blanket that promises pure satisfaction.

Grandmothers across the country have perfected this simple yet irresistible recipe through generations.

Simple pantry staples come together in a magical combination that makes everyone smile.

Rich, melted cheese creates a luxurious coating that turns ordinary vegetables into something extraordinary.

You’ll want to savor every single decadent bite of this irresistible casserole.

Why Broccoli Cheese Casserole Is the Ultimate Cozy Side

• Savor Family-Friendly Comfort: A crowd-pleasing dish that brings everyone together with its creamy, cheesy goodness and familiar broccoli flavors.
• Simplify Meal Preparation: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this casserole perfect for busy home cooks seeking a delicious, no-fuss meal solution.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows for creative variations like adding different cheeses, herbs, or protein to suit individual tastes and dietary preferences.
• Nutritious and Delectable: Packed with vegetables and protein, this casserole offers a balanced meal that sneaks healthy broccoli into a crowd-pleasing, cheesy format kids and adults will love.

Cheesy Ingredients for Broccoli-Packed Goodness

• Broccoli Florets: Fresh green vegetable that forms the core of this hearty casserole.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and creamy cheese that provides rich flavor and melty texture.

• Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creamy base that helps hold the casserole together.
• Mayonnaise: Adds moisture and contributes to the smooth consistency of the dish.
• Egg: Helps bind the ingredients and provides structure to the casserole.

• Onion: Adds depth and aromatic flavor to the overall dish.
• Salt, Pepper, Paprika: Essential seasonings that boost the taste profile of the casserole.

How to Bake Broccoli Cheese Casserole to Perfection

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Warm the oven to 350°F. Coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Creamy Base

• Condensed cream of mushroom soup
• Mayonnaise
• Egg
• Chopped onion

Blend ingredients until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Combine Broccoli and Cheese

• Thawed broccoli florets
• Shredded Cheddar cheese

Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika.

Stir until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 4: Assemble Casserole

Pour the broccoli mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Sprinkle additional Cheddar cheese across the top for a golden, crispy finish.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the casserole in the preheated oven.

Bake for 35-40 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the edges become bubbly. The cheese should be melted and slightly crisp.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve hot as a delicious side dish or light main course.

Tips for a Creamy, Golden-Top Broccoli Casserole

• Ensure broccoli is thoroughly thawed and well-drained to prevent excess moisture that could make the casserole watery.
• For a crispy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers over the cheese before baking for extra texture and crunch.
• Replace cream of mushroom soup with cream of celery or cream of chicken for varied flavor profiles if desired.
• Use low-fat cheese and mayonnaise to create a lighter version of this classic comfort dish without sacrificing taste.
• Add diced cooked chicken or ham to transform this side dish into a complete protein-packed main course for hearty meals.

Fresh Ideas to Remix Broccoli and Cheese

• Mediterranean Broccoli Bake: Replace Cheddar with crumbled feta cheese, add diced sun-dried tomatoes, and sprinkle with oregano for a Greek-inspired version.
• Protein Power Casserole: Mix in cooked diced chicken or crumbled bacon to transform the dish into a heartier main course with extra protein.
• Spicy Southwest Casserole: Swap cream of mushroom soup for cream of jalapeño soup, add diced green chiles, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
• Vegetarian Quinoa Boost: Incorporate cooked quinoa into the base for added nutrition, use vegetable soup instead of cream of mushroom, and mix in roasted red peppers.

Perfect Pairings for Cheesy Broccoli Bliss

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a refreshing Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the rich, creamy casserole and balance its cheesy, tangy flavors.
• Complement with Roasted Chicken: Serve alongside perfectly seasoned roasted chicken breast for a protein-packed meal that enhances the broccoli cheese casserole's comfort food profile.
• Add Garlic Bread Side: Create a delightful texture contrast with crispy, buttery garlic bread that provides a crunchy accompaniment to the soft, creamy casserole texture.
• Match with Green Salad: Toss a light, zesty mixed green salad with vinaigrette to introduce a fresh, crisp element that lightens the dish's heaviness and adds nutritional balance.

How to Store and Reheat Broccoli Cheese Casserole

• Refrigerate: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring it's sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent odor absorption.
• Freeze: Wrap the cooled casserole in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Place in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track storage time.
• Microwave Reheating: Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming. Check temperature before serving.
• Oven Reheating: Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover casserole with foil to prevent drying out. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.

All Your Casserole Questions—Answered

• Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?

Yes, thawed frozen broccoli works perfectly and saves time on chopping fresh broccoli. Just make sure to drain excess water before adding to the mixture.

• Is there a way to make this casserole healthier?

You can substitute low-fat mayonnaise, use reduced-fat cheese, and add Greek yogurt instead of full-fat ingredients to decrease calories while maintaining good flavor.

• What can I do if I don't have cream of mushroom soup?

Cream of celery or cream of chicken soup are excellent substitutes that will work similarly in this recipe. They’ll provide the same creamy base for the casserole.

• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 50–55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty “broccoli cheese casserole” brings comfort and warmth to family dinner tables. Creamy cheese sauce and tender broccoli combine in a delightful dish that welcomes you to savor each comforting bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 package (16 ounces / 454 grams) frozen broccoli florets, thawed
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
• 1 large egg

Dairy and Binding Ingredients:

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 can (10.75 ounces / 305 grams) condensed cream of mushroom soup

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 small onion, chopped
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• Paprika, to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 350°F and coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Create a creamy base by whisking together condensed mushroom soup, mayonnaise, beaten egg, and finely diced onion until smooth and well-integrated.
3. Gently fold thawed broccoli florets into the soup mixture, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
4. Incorporate one cup of shredded Cheddar cheese into the broccoli mixture, stirring carefully to distribute the cheese throughout.
5. Season the casserole with salt, black pepper, and a sprinkle of paprika to enhance the overall flavor profile.
6. Pour the entire broccoli and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a consistent layer.
7. Sprinkle the remaining half cup of Cheddar cheese across the top of the casserole for an additional golden, cheesy crust.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, watching for a bubbling texture and a golden-brown cheese topping that indicates perfect doneness.

Notes

• Swap cream of mushroom soup for homemade white sauce to control sodium and enhance fresh flavor.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a healthier, protein-packed alternative that maintains creamy texture.
• Add breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top for extra crunch and golden-brown crispy layer that elevates the entire dish.
• Consider roasting broccoli beforehand to intensify vegetable’s natural sweetness and reduce excess moisture in casserole.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 374
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 1016 mg
• Fat: 31 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg