Okay, let’s talk about one of my absolute sanity-saving comfort foods: Broccoli Cheese Casserole. I’m talking about the kind of dish that makes everyone, from toddlers to teens, actually *excited* to eat their veggies. Yep, it’s possible! This easy Broccoli Cheese Casserole is pure comfort on a plate, and it’s become a dinnertime staple in our home because it’s picky eater approved!

The first time I made Broccoli Cheese Casserole was during a particularly chaotic holiday season. We had family coming from out of town, I was juggling work and school plays, and the thought of cooking a complicated side dish was enough to make me want to hide under the covers! That’s when I stumbled upon a super simple Broccoli Cheese Casserole recipe, and I figured, “Hey, it’s got broccoli, it’s got cheese… what could go wrong?”

Well, let me tell you, it was a dinnertime win! The kids devoured it, even my son who usually avoids anything green like the plague. My husband declared it a new holiday tradition, and I finally felt like I could breathe again.

What made this Broccoli Cheese Casserole a comfort food win? It was easy to throw together, it used simple ingredients I already had, and most importantly, it made everyone happy. It was pure, unadulterated comfort in the middle of a crazy week. This is why I want to share my take on this classic dish with you. Fellow busy moms, it’s time to embrace the cheesy goodness and reclaim your dinnertime sanity. For more sanity-saving dinner ideas, check out my Mac and Cheese Soup, another creamy comforting dish perfect for a cold night.

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this cheesy broccoli bake of deliciousness. Remember, I’m all about keeping things simple, so this ingredient list is short and sweet.

2 (10 ounce) packages frozen broccoli florets, thawed: You can use fresh broccoli too, about 4 cups, just make sure it’s cooked until tender-crisp.
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup: Adds creaminess and depth of flavor.
1 cup mayonnaise: Don’t knock it ’til you try it! It adds richness and helps bind the casserole.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: I like sharp cheddar for a little extra zing, but mild cheddar works great too.
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: This gives the cheesy broccoli bake a nice stretch and gooeyness.
1/4 cup chopped onion: Adds a little bit of savory flavor.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: For that garlicky goodness!
1/2 teaspoon salt: To bring out the flavors.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: A little kick!
1 cup butter-flavored crackers, crushed: Ritz crackers are my go-to for a buttery, salty topping.
2 tablespoons butter, melted: To drizzle over the cracker topping.

Trust me, this Broccoli Cheese Casserole ingredient list is simple because busy moms need comfort without complexity! You can find these simple ingredients at your regular grocery store. This Broccoli Cheese Casserole proves delicious doesn’t mean expensive.

No worries if you don’t have cream of mushroom soup – I use cream of chicken or celery for extra comfort in my Broccoli Cheese Casserole! My family gets extra comfort when I add a sprinkle of paprika on top before baking. It just gives it a nice color and a little smoky flavor.

Let’s Make it Happen!

Alright, let’s get cooking! This cheesy broccoli bake is so easy, even the kids can help.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, combine the thawed broccoli, cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix it all together until everything is well combined. Make sure the broccoli is evenly coated in the cheesy sauce. This comforting Broccoli Cheese Casserole is so forgiving.
Pour the broccoli mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Now, grab those crushed crackers!
In a separate small bowl, combine the crushed crackers and melted butter. Mix them together until the crackers are evenly coated in butter. This will create a delicious, crunchy topping for our cheesy broccoli bake.
Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the broccoli mixture. Make sure to cover the entire surface for maximum crunch!
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the topping is golden brown. Your Broccoli Cheese Casserole should smell amazing by now. It usually takes me around 28 minutes to bake mine, but oven times can vary.
Let the casserole stand for a few minutes before serving. This gives the cheesy sauce a chance to set up a bit.

Here’s where I used to struggle with my Broccoli Cheese Casserole – I used to overcook the broccoli! Now, I make sure to use thawed broccoli, so it won’t release excess water while baking, which is one of my Broccoli Cheese Casserole comfort hacks.

In my busy kitchen, this comforting Broccoli Cheese Casserole usually takes about 10 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to bake. While your Broccoli Cheese Casserole is cooking, take a moment to appreciate creating comfort for your family! This is the perfect time to prep tomorrow’s school lunches! Don’t worry if your Broccoli Cheese Casserole looks a little bubbly around the edges – that’s just the cheese doing its thing!

If your kids love this, they’ll go crazy for my Philly Cheesesteak Soup Recipe – another quick and easy dinner solution.

How We Love to Eat This!

The best part about this Broccoli Cheese Casserole is how versatile it is! We love to serve it in a bunch of different ways.

The kids devour this comforting Broccoli Cheese Casserole when I serve it with baked chicken and mashed potatoes. It’s a complete comfort food meal that everyone enjoys. My husband likes it alongside a grilled steak or pork chop. It’s also great as a side dish for potlucks and holiday gatherings. This Broccoli Cheese Casserole is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need comfort food fast!

For a fun twist, try adding cooked bacon or ham to the casserole before baking. It adds a smoky, salty flavor that’s irresistible! You could also mix in some cooked rice or quinoa to make it a more substantial meal.

I always make extra Broccoli Cheese Casserole, because leftovers are amazing. We love to reheat them for lunch the next day, or use them to make cheesy broccoli quesadillas. Another idea is to top baked potatoes with the leftover casserole for a super easy and satisfying meal.

During the holidays, this easy Broccoli Cheese Casserole recipe is always a hit. I’ve even made it for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner! It’s a great way to sneak in some veggies amidst all the rich and decadent dishes. Looking for inspiration? Check out Mom’s Famous Broccoli and Cheese Casserole Recipe – Little Black Skillet for another take on this classic!

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

I know you probably have some questions about this easy Broccoli Cheese Casserole recipe, so I’ve rounded up some of the most common ones I get.

Is this Broccoli Cheese Casserole really filling enough for growing kids? Absolutely! The broccoli, cheese, and creamy sauce make it surprisingly filling. Plus, you can always add a side of protein like chicken or fish to round out the meal.
What if my picky eater won’t try this Broccoli Cheese Casserole? Don’t give up! Sometimes it takes a few tries for kids to warm up to new foods. Try serving a small portion alongside something they already love. You can also try pureeing some of the broccoli into the sauce to make it less noticeable. My husband was picky growing up and he loves this dish!
Can I meal prep this Broccoli Cheese Casserole for busy weeks ahead? Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to make sure it’s heated through.
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen? Yes, you can definitely use fresh broccoli. Just make sure to cook it until it’s tender-crisp before adding it to the casserole. I usually steam it for about 5-7 minutes.
Can I make this Broccoli Cheese Casserole without cream of mushroom soup? Yes! You can substitute it with cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, or even a homemade white sauce. The texture and flavor will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.
Can I add other vegetables to this casserole? Absolutely! Feel free to get creative. Some other vegetables that would work well include cauliflower, carrots, and peas.
Can I freeze this Broccoli Cheese Casserole? While you can freeze it, the texture may change slightly after thawing. The sauce may become a little watery. If you do freeze it, make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil.

For more cheesy inspiration, check out Awesome Broccoli-Cheese Casserole Recipe.

Final Thoughts:

This Broccoli Cheese Casserole is more than just a side dish. It’s a symbol of simple comfort, a dinnertime win, and a way to sneak in some extra veggies for my family. It supports my family’s comfort food goals because it’s easy to make, it’s delicious, and it makes everyone happy!

My Broccoli Cheese Casserole Comfort Hacks:

Use thawed broccoli to prevent a watery casserole.
Add a sprinkle of paprika on top for extra flavor and color.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses and vegetables.

Here are some family-tested Broccoli Cheese Casserole variations:

Bacon Broccoli Cheese Casserole: Add cooked bacon to the casserole before baking.
Ham and Broccoli Cheese Casserole: Add diced ham to the casserole before baking.
Spicy Broccoli Cheese Casserole: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the casserole for a little kick.

My son loves the Bacon Broccoli Cheese Casserole, while my daughter prefers the classic version with just cheese and broccoli. My husband is a fan of the Spicy Broccoli Cheese Casserole.

I really encourage you to make this cheesy broccoli bake your own way! Add your favorite ingredients, adjust the seasonings to your liking, and most importantly, have fun! While you’re at it, try these Loaded Cream Cheese Halloween Brownies for a delicious dessert.

For even more recipe inspiration, check out Creamy Broccoli Casserole (Gratin) – RecipeTin Eats.

I hope you and your family enjoy this satisfying Broccoli Cheese Casserole as much as we do. Remember, cooking for your family doesn’t have to be stressful. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of love, you can create a meal that everyone will enjoy.

Broccoli Cheese Casserole

Print Recipe

This classic Broccoli Cheese Casserole is a comforting and cheesy side dish perfect for any occasion. Made with tender broccoli florets and a rich cheese sauce, it’s a crowd-pleasing favorite.

Author: Beatriz
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped broccoli, thawed and drained
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup melted butter
1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a large bowl, combine the drained broccoli, cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, and onion. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter and crushed Ritz crackers. Sprinkle over the broccoli mixture.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
Let stand for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

For a richer flavor, use a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. You can also add a sprinkle of paprika to the cracker topping for a little extra color and flavor.