Cheesy Broccoli Casserole Recipe

I always enjoy putting a creative twist on classic recipes. This Cheesy Broccoli Casserole pairs lightly steamed broccoli with cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and a mix of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan. The addition of eggs and a crisp Ritz topping makes this holiday side a delightful treat for any family meal.

I recently experimented with my Cheesy Broccoli Casserole recipe and honestly, it turned out to be one of my favorites. I like how it works perfectly as a vegetable side dish for a cheeseburger meal or even as an extra treat during family dinners.

I start with 4 cups of fresh chopped broccoli florets which I steam lightly so they still have a bit of crunch, then mix them with a can of cream of mushroom soup, 1/2 cup sour cream and 1/4 cup mayonnaise. To amp up the flavor, I add 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup mozzarella and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese along with 2 large eggs and a sprinkle of garlic powder, salt and black pepper.

I top it off with crushed Ritz crackers mixed with melted butter. This casserole has quickly become my go-to side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas and even those casual burger nights.

Enjoy!

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s super easy to put together and doesn’t take forever to make, which is perfect when I’m in a rush. I also really enjoy how all the cheeses melt together creating a rich, creamy flavor – its like a cheesy hug in every bite. Another thing that makes me love it is the crunchy cracker topping, which pairs so well with the soft broccoli and creamy sauce even though sometimes I end up eating most of the crunchy bits first! Plus, it’s perfect for family dinners like Thanksgiving, Christmas or just a cozy Sunday meal, and that always makes me feel like I’m sharing a special treat with the people I care about.

Ingredients

• Broccoli: Full of vital fiber and vitamins that offers a mild crunchy texture.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Provides creaminess with savory umami flavors while adding moisture to the dish.
• Cheddar, Mozzarella, Parmesan: A triple hit of calcium, protein, and bold cheesy flavor that makes it extra tasty.
• Sour Cream: Gives a tangy, rich finish and a smooth texture that blends well everywhere.
• Crushed Ritz crackers: Adds a sweet buttery crunch that balances out the creamy and savory flavours.

Ingredient Quantities

• 4 cups fresh chopped broccoli florets (steamed lightly)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers or plain breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.

2. Steam the 4 cups of broccoli florets just until they’re a little tender.

3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the can of cream of mushroom soup, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, and the 2 lightly beaten eggs.

4. Mix in the 1 cup shredded cheddar, 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella, and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese.

5. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder and add salt and pepper to taste.

6. Fold the steamed broccoli into the mixture until everything is well combined.

7. Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish.

8. In a small bowl, combine the 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers (or plain breadcrumbs) with 2 tablespoons melted butter.

9. Sprinkle the cracker topping evenly over the casserole.

10. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes till it’s bubbly and the topping is lightly crispy; let it cool a bit before serving.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven (preheated to 350°F)
2. Steamer pot with basket (or a regular pot with a lid)
3. Large mixing bowl
4. Measuring cups and spoons
5. Whisk or fork (for lightly beating the eggs)
6. Greased casserole dish
7. Small bowl (for tossing the crushed crackers with melted butter)
8. Spatula (for stirring and folding ingredients)

FAQ

Cheesy Broccoli Casserole Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Instead of the condensed cream of mushroom soup, you can mix a homemade white sauce with some sautéed mushrooms for a fresher taste.
• If you’re out of sour cream, plain Greek yogurt works real well and gives it a similar tang.
• If you don’t have mozzarella, try using provolone or just use extra cheddar cheese for a richer flavor.
• In place of crushed Ritz crackers, a good old bag of plain breadcrumbs will do the trick just fine.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure you don’t overcook the broccoli – you want it just soft enough, or it might get mushy and ruin the texture of the whole dish.
2. Always taste the mixture before baking so you can adjust the salt and pepper. Sometimes a little extra seasoning can really make the flavors pop.
3. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes after it comes out of the oven. This gives time for the flavors to meld together and makes it easier to serve.
4. If you like a crunchier topping, try adding a bit more crushed crackers to the butter mix. It makes the top extra crispy and adds a nice contrast to the creamy inside.