The Best Broccoli Casserole is that cozy, crowd-pleasing side dish you’ll want to bring to every holiday table—or just a random Tuesday when you need something creamy, cheesy, and comforting. Picture this: tender broccoli wrapped in a luscious, cheesy sauce, topped with a buttery, golden crunch that practically begs for seconds. It’s the kind of dish that wins over even the “I-don’t-like-broccoli” crowd. Whether you’re feeding family or hosting friends, this recipe hits that sweet spot between simple and satisfying.
And the best part? You probably have most of the ingredients sitting in your fridge right now. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to make The Best Broccoli Casserole step by step, plus share tips on making it extra flavorful and stress-free—because who doesn’t love an easy win in the kitchen?
Table of Contents
What is The Best Broccoli Casserole?
The Best Broccoli Casserole is a creamy, baked side dish made with tender broccoli florets coated in a rich mixture of cheddar cheese, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and a touch of mayo for tang. Then comes the magic—a buttery, crispy topping made from crushed crackers or breadcrumbs that gives every bite a satisfying crunch.
This dish isn’t just a side; it’s a statement piece on your dinner table. It’s warm, nostalgic, and incredibly easy to make. Perfect for Thanksgiving, Sunday dinners, or even potlucks, it brings together everything you love about comfort food in one bubbly, golden-brown dish. Think of it as the cozy sweater of side dishes—familiar, reliable, and always comforting. If you enjoy casseroles like Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan or Classic Green Bean Casserole, this broccoli version will fit right into your lineup.
Reasons to Try The Best Broccoli Casserole
There are plenty of reasons The Best Broccoli Casserole deserves a permanent spot in your recipe rotation. First, it’s wonderfully easy—no fancy steps, just mix, top, and bake. Second, it’s the perfect make-ahead side for holidays when your oven is working overtime. You can prep it the night before, pop it in the fridge, and bake it fresh when needed.
Third, it’s a crowd-pleaser. Even picky eaters (yes, even the ones who side-eye anything green) find it hard to resist that cheesy, crunchy goodness. And let’s not forget the flexibility—you can toss in some cooked bacon, mushrooms, or even switch up the cheese blend for a different twist. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, feeds a crowd, and goes with almost any main dish—from Cranberry Balsamic Roast Beef to roast chicken. Honestly, it’s the kind of side dish that makes you look like you’ve got your life together… even if you were still in your pajamas ten minutes ago.
Ingredients Needed to Make The Best Broccoli Casserole
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (or frozen, thawed)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs for topping
- 2 tbsp melted butter for topping
Instructions to Make The Best Broccoli Casserole
Alright, let’s walk through this step-by-step so your casserole turns out creamy, golden, and absolutely irresistible every single time. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or new to baking casseroles, this guide breaks everything down in a way that’s simple, practical, and stress-free.
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the casserole bakes evenly and develops that perfect bubbly top we all crave. While the oven warms, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish using butter or nonstick spray. This step keeps your cheesy mixture from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze (because who wants to scrub after dinner?).
If you’re new to prepping bakeware, you might enjoy reading my Easy Baked Burrito Casserole Recipe, which also walks through basic prep techniques that help prevent sticking or uneven cooking.
Step 2: Prep the Broccoli Just Right
Fresh or frozen, your broccoli deserves a little TLC. If you’re using fresh florets, give them a quick steam or microwave zap for about 2–3 minutes until they’re bright green and slightly tender. Overcooking here is a no-go—it’ll make the casserole watery. If you’re working with frozen broccoli, make sure it’s thawed and well-drained. Patting it dry helps the creamy sauce cling perfectly to each piece.
Want to use other veggies? You can easily adapt this step-by-step process for green beans or cauliflower—try it alongside my Homemade Southern Green Bean Casserole for inspiration.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine your prepped broccoli with 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, 1 can of cream of mushroom soup, ½ cup sour cream, ¼ cup mayonnaise, 1 finely chopped onion, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Sprinkle in ½ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper.
Use a sturdy spoon or spatula to mix until every floret is evenly coated with that rich, velvety blend. The mixture should be creamy but not runny. This step-by-step blending process ensures every bite is cheesy and flavorful, not soggy or uneven. If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream or try making your own Cream of Mushroom Soup Substitute for a homemade twist.
Step 4: Spread It Evenly in the Dish
Transfer your broccoli mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Use the back of a spoon or spatula to smooth the top—this helps your crunchy topping bake evenly later. Don’t pack it down too tightly; you want the steam to circulate so the inside stays creamy.
This step-by-step layering technique is key in many casseroles—if you love this texture trick, check out how it’s done in my Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan recipe too!
Step 5: Make and Add the Buttery Topping
In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz) or breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated—this gives you that perfect, golden, crunchy bite.
Sprinkle the mixture generously over the casserole, covering the entire surface. It might seem like a small detail, but this step-by-step topping process is what transforms a good casserole into an unforgettable one. The buttery layer toasts beautifully while the cheese underneath melts to perfection. For a fun variation, try using crushed cornflakes or panko crumbs for extra crunch, as I do in my Creamy Corn Casserole for Thanksgiving.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide your casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s bubbling around the edges and the topping is golden brown. The smell alone will make everyone wander into the kitchen asking, “Is it done yet?”
If you’re baking multiple dishes at once—say, a casserole and a roast—rotate them halfway through for even browning. This step-by-step trick helps you get that gorgeous golden finish every time, no matter how crowded your oven is.
Step 7: Rest and Serve Warm
Once baked, remove your casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This short cooling time lets the sauce settle and thicken slightly, so you don’t lose any of that creamy goodness when serving.
Scoop generous portions with a large spoon and watch that cheesy, steamy filling spill out—pure comfort in a dish. It’s fantastic with Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast for holiday dinners or alongside grilled chicken for weeknight meals.
And there you have it—The Best Broccoli Casserole made simple, satisfying, and totally foolproof. Follow these step-by-step directions once, and you’ll have a go-to side dish your family requests again and again.
What to Serve with The Best Broccoli Casserole
The Best Broccoli Casserole pairs perfectly with holiday mains like Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast or comforting classics like baked ham. It’s also amazing alongside Creamy Corn Casserole for Thanksgiving for the ultimate side spread. For everyday dinners, serve it with grilled chicken, roasted salmon, or even a hearty bowl of soup like Creamy Mushroom Wild Rice Soup. The creamy texture and savory flavor complement just about anything. And if you’re having a vegetarian night, this dish easily holds its own with a crisp salad or some roasted potatoes.
Key Tips for Making The Best Broccoli Casserole
- Don’t skip pre-cooking the broccoli if you’re using fresh florets. A quick steam or microwave zap keeps it tender but not mushy.
- Cheese choice matters. Sharp cheddar adds a rich depth, but a mix of cheddar and mozzarella makes it extra gooey.
- Go bold on the topping. Use Ritz-style crackers or panko breadcrumbs for that irresistible crunch.
- Make it your own. Stir in cooked bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or even a handful of cooked rice for a heartier twist.
- Bake uncovered. That’s how you get the perfect crispy top while keeping the inside creamy.
Storage and Reheating Tips for The Best Broccoli Casserole
Got leftovers? Lucky you. Store your broccoli casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1–2 minutes or pop the whole dish back into a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes to re-crisp the topping. If you want to make it ahead, assemble everything (minus the topping), refrigerate overnight, then add the crumb layer just before baking. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge and bake fresh when ready.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli? Absolutely. Just thaw and drain it well so the casserole doesn’t get watery.
Can I substitute the soup? Yes! Cream of chicken or celery soup works beautifully.
Can I make it ahead? Definitely—assemble up to a day in advance and bake when ready.
What if I don’t like mayonnaise? You can swap it with more sour cream for a tangier taste.
Can I make it gluten-free? Use gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs, and check your soup label for a GF option.
Final Thoughts
The Best Broccoli Casserole is proof that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated. It’s simple, cozy, and downright irresistible. Whether it’s gracing your Thanksgiving table or just bringing warmth to a chilly weeknight, this recipe delivers every time. Pair it with your favorite mains, make it ahead, or customize it to your taste—it’s the ultimate dependable side dish that never disappoints. Ready to bake? Go ahead—this one’s a keeper.
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The Best Broccoli Casserole – Easy, Creamy & Delicious
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy, cheesy broccoli casserole with a crunchy topping — the ultimate side dish for family dinners or holiday meals. Quick to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (or frozen, thawed)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs for topping
- 2 tbsp melted butter for topping
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, combine broccoli, shredded cheddar, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
3. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
4. In a small bowl, mix crushed crackers or breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the top of the casserole.
5. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
6. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Add cooked bacon bits or sautéed mushrooms to the mix for extra flavor. A blend of cheeses such as mozzarella and parmesan with cheddar can elevate the richness. If using frozen broccoli, make sure it is fully thawed and drained to avoid excess moisture.
