Fitness / January 8, 2024

Easy Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe

Strike that balance of nutrition and cozy indulgence with our easy Broccoli Cheese Casserole recipe—a hearty mix of rich cheddar, creamy chicken soup, and vibrant broccoli florets.

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Food can zap us back to Grandma’s kitchen, fun backyard grill outs, or chill Sunday brunches. Every recipe tells a tale. Well, this Easy Broccoli Cheese Casserole recipe can recite volumes. This is a feel-good dish stuffed with nutritious broccoli, smothered in cheesy heavenliness, fragrant onions, and a whole lot of golden, gooey cheddar cheese sauce. Oh, and it’s finished off with yummy crunchy Ritz Crackers. It’s one of those dishes that magically gets everyone around the dinner table.

This recipe is as comforting as mac ‘n’ cheese or the much-loved cheesy chicken casserole, but with a dose of green from broccoli and a tasty kick from the creamy chicken soup, it’s a nice switch from the usual cheese overload. So grab your cutest apron, channel your inner food goddess, and let’s muff dive into this crazy good casserole recipe that’s guaranteed to wow at your dinner party.

Is Broccoli Cheese Casserole Healthy?

Who said comfort food can’t be good for you? Our Broccoli Cheese Casserole is living proof (well, sorta living). Your body will thank you for all the fiber, vitamins, and minerals packed in every bit of broccoli. Just remember though, that moderation is key, so don’t go overboard on the cheese and cream!

INGREDIENTS

The coziness is so close you can almost taste it! Here’s what you’ll need…

2 large (or 3 medium) heads of broccoli, cut into florets
1 small onion, finely diced
2 tbsp olive oil
2 eggs
½ cup low-fat mayonnaise
1 cup cream of chicken soup
2 cups cheddar cheese, grated
1 cup Ritz Crackers, crushed
salt and pepper

Broccoli Cheese Casserole picture ingredients

INSTRUCTIONS

Blanch

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and blanch for 5 minutes. Remove from the water, drain, and pat dry.

Sauté

Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a frying pan on MED-HIGH. Add the onions. Sauté for 5 minutes until they are fragrant. Set aside.

Mix

In a large bowl, add the eggs. Add the cooked onion, mayonnaise, chicken soup, and 1 ½ cups of the grated cheddar. Mix together.

Add

Add the drained broccoli into a casserole dish and cover with the egg mix.

Sprinkle

Sprinkle the remaining cheese and the crushed crackers on top.

Bake

Bake for 20–25 minutes or until cooked through.

DEVOUR!

Tips & Tricks to Making a Perfect Broccoli Cheese Casserole

Blanch the broccoli to retain that vibrant green color and remove any bitterness.
Experiment with your cheese, like a blend of sharp cheddar and Parmesan or a fancy Gruyère.
Choose a low-sodium, high-quality cream of chicken soup.
Bake until the cheese and crackers make a golden-brown crust.
For a heftier main course, consider adding cooked chicken, turkey, or even bacon.

Broccoli Cheese Casserole featured image below

FAQs

can i use frozen broccoli?

Frozen broccoli is a lifesaver. Just remember to give it a good thaw and drain well.

Cheese, cheese, cheese… What type is the best?

Cheddar’s typically the way to go, but a mix of Monterey Jack and mild cheddar is also nice. Or go fancy and give Gruyère or Brie a shot.

How can I bring the heat in my casserole?

Sure, sprinkle some red pepper flakes or dash in some hot sauce to spice things up. I’ve gone with garlic or smoked paprika at times. Give it a try!

Can I use something besides broccoli?

Definitely! Cauliflower, asparagus, or even a mix of your favorite veggies would do the trick. Just keep an eye on your cooking time.

Broccoli Cheese Casserole picture being served

Serving Suggestions

Our Easy Broccoli Cheese Casserole is comforting joy on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or a tangy, tomato-based soup can add more color and dimension to your meal. And for the finishing touch? A robust, fruity wine, like a Chardonnay, complements the creaminess of the casserole marvelously.

how to prep and store your broccoli cheese casserole

You can prep your casserole easily. Follow the above instructions but hold off on the Ritz crackers. Instead, pop it in the fridge where it should keep for a day or so until you’re ready to bake. When the time comes, sprinkle the crackers on then throw it in the oven. Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoyed within three days. To reheat, either throw it back in the oven at 350°F until it’s all warm and cheesy, or zap a serving in the microwave if you’re in a rush.

Broccoli Cheese Casserole

Strike that balance of nutrition and cozy indulgence with our easy Broccoli Cheese Casserole recipe—a hearty mix of rich cheddar, creamy chicken soup, and vibrant broccoli florets.

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Servings

Calories 310kcal

Author FoodFaithFitness

Ingredients

2 large (or 3 medium) heads of broccoli cut into florets
1 small onion finely diced
2 tbsp olive oil
2 eggs
½ cup low-fat mayonnaise
1 cup cream of chicken soup
2 cups cheddar cheese grated
1 cup Ritz crackers crushed
salt and pepper

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and blanch for 5 minutes. Remove from the water, drain, and pat dry.
Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a frying pan on MED-HIGH. Add the onions. Sauté for 5 minutes until they are fragrant. Set aside.
In a large bowl, add the eggs. Add the cooked onion, mayonnaise, chicken soup, and 1 ½ cups of the grated cheddar. Mix together.
Add the drained broccoli into a casserole dish and cover with the egg mix.
Sprinkle the remaining cheese and the crushed crackers on top. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until cooked through.