Description
This Broccoli Cheese Casserole is a creamy, cheesy side dish featuring fresh steamed broccoli baked in a savory blend of cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and mayo, then topped with a crunchy buttery cracker crust. Perfect as a comforting holiday or weeknight side, it delivers a delightful combination of melted cheddar and mozzarella cheeses with aromatic garlic and onion powders for extra flavor.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
Cheese & Dairy
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 large egg, beaten
Canned Goods
- 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
Seasonings
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Toppings
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers or butter crackers
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Steam Broccoli: Steam the broccoli florets for 3–4 minutes until they turn bright green and are slightly tender but still crisp. Drain thoroughly and set aside to cool.
- Mix Sauce and Cheese: In a large bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, beaten egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until smooth and well blended.
- Add Cheese and Broccoli: Fold the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses into the sauce mixture, then gently fold in the steamed broccoli until everything is evenly coated with the cheesy mixture.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the broccoli and cheese mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly for uniform baking.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until the crumbs are moist and clump slightly.
- Add Topping and Bake: Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the casserole. Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the top is golden and crisp.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set and cool slightly.
Notes
- For an extra crunchy topping, add additional shredded cheese or French fried onions during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Frozen broccoli can be used as a substitute for fresh; just be sure to thaw and drain it well before mixing into the casserole to prevent excess moisture.
