Creamy Comforting Broccoli Bake

This creamy, comforting broccoli casserole has been my go-to side dish for years, combining tender broccoli florets with a rich cheese sauce and crunchy topping that disappears fast at every family gathering.

I first made this casserole when hosting my first Thanksgiving dinner, and now it appears on our table at least monthly by popular demand from my cheese-loving family.

Ingredients

• Fresh broccoli florets: Provide the perfect texture but frozen works wonderfully too
• Sharp cheddar cheese: Brings the bold flavor that makes this dish memorable
• Condensed cream of mushroom soup: Creates a silky base without complicated sauce-making
• Sour cream: Adds tanginess that balances the richness
• Dijon mustard: Includes subtle complexity that elevates the whole dish
• Ritz crackers: Create that irresistible golden crunchy topping everyone fights over

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Oven:

Preheat to a moderate 350°F and lightly grease your baking dish so the casserole releases easily after baking. I use a 9x13 dish for the perfect thickness.

Create The Flavor Base:

Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat then add the chopped onion, cooking until it becomes translucent and soft, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 1 minute more. Cooking the aromatics first develops a depth of flavor impossible to achieve otherwise.

Mix The Creamy Base:

In your largest mixing bowl, combine the broccoli, your sautéed onion and garlic mixture, condensed soup, sour cream, milk, beaten eggs, mustard, salt and pepper. Fold in most of the cheddar cheese, reserving some for the top. Make sure everything is evenly coated in the creamy mixture for consistent flavor throughout.

Assemble The Casserole:

Transfer your mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to ensure uniform cooking. Sprinkle the reserved cheese over the top, creating a layer that will melt beautifully during baking.

Create The Crunchy Topping:

Mix crushed crackers with a little olive oil or melted butter until the crumbs are lightly coated. This step ensures they brown perfectly without burning. Sprinkle this mixture evenly across the top of the casserole.

Bake To Perfection:

Bake in your preheated oven until the casserole is bubbling around the edges and the topping turns a gorgeous golden brown, about 30 minutes. The waiting is the hardest part as your kitchen fills with amazing aromas.

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The secret to this casserole is using really sharp cheddar cheese rather than mild varieties. I discovered this after my grandmother insisted I use her special aged cheddar for a holiday dinner, and the flavor difference was remarkable. Now I never make it with anything else.

Make-Ahead Magic

This casserole actually improves when made ahead. Prepare everything up to the baking step, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate overnight. The flavors meld together beautifully, and all you need to do is pop it in the oven about 35 minutes before dinner. If baking from cold, add about 10 extra minutes to the cooking time.

Clever Substitutions

The versatility of this recipe makes it perfect for using what you have on hand. Swap broccoli for cauliflower or a combination of both for varied texture and flavor. Replace the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or celery if preferred. For a stronger cheese profile, try mixing in some Gruyère or smoked gouda with the cheddar. For a healthier version, Greek yogurt works wonderfully in place of sour cream.

Transforming Leftovers

Leftover casserole transforms beautifully into next-day meals. Mix with cooked pasta for an instant mac and cheese variation. Spoon into hollowed bell peppers, top with additional cheese, and bake for stuffed peppers. Blend with chicken broth for a quick cream of broccoli soup. I often make a double batch specifically to ensure we have these delicious leftovers.

Serving Suggestions

While perfect alongside holiday roasts, this versatile casserole pairs wonderfully with simple grilled chicken or fish for weeknight dinners. For a complete vegetarian meal, serve alongside a hearty grain like quinoa or farro and a simple green salad. The creamy, cheesy flavors complement almost any protein beautifully.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate it covered. Add the cracker topping just before baking, and you may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

→ How do I know when the casserole is done?

The casserole is done when it's bubbling around the edges and the topping has turned golden brown. If you insert a knife in the center, it should come out hot to the touch.

→ Can I freeze this broccoli casserole?

Yes, this casserole freezes well. Prepare through step 4, but omit the cracker topping. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, add the cracker topping, and bake as directed, adding about 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

→ What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?

You can substitute cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, or make a homemade white sauce with 2 tablespoons butter, 2 tablespoons flour, and 1 cup of milk, cooked until thickened.

→ How can I make this casserole gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free condensed soup and replace the Ritz crackers with gluten-free crackers or a topping made from gluten-free breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

→ Can I use frozen broccoli without thawing it first?

It's best to thaw frozen broccoli first and drain excess moisture to prevent a watery casserole. If using frozen broccoli without thawing, you may need to extend the baking time by 10-15 minutes and potentially reduce the amount of milk.