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Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 100 reviews

This comforting Broccoli Cheese Casserole combines tender broccoli with a creamy, flavorful sauce made from cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, and a blend of spices. Topped with a buttery Ritz cracker crust and plenty of sharp cheddar cheese, this dish is baked to golden perfection, making it a perfect side for family dinners or holiday meals.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

  • 32 ounces frozen broccoli (2 (16-ounce) bags), thawed

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 large egg
  • 10.5 ounces cream of chicken soup (1 can)
  • ½ cup mayonnaise (store-bought or homemade)
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted (½ stick)

Dry Ingredients & Spices

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon ground paprika
  • 2 cups freshly shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1½ cups crushed Ritz crackers

Instructions

  1. Thaw the Broccoli: Ensure the frozen broccoli is fully thawed before starting the recipe. To speed up the process, microwave it at 50% power until it is no longer frozen but still cool to the touch.
  2. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray and set it aside.
  3. Whisk Sauce Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, ground black pepper, and paprika until well combined.
  4. Combine Broccoli and Cheese: Add the thawed broccoli and freshly shredded cheddar cheese to the bowl with the sauce mixture. Stir gently to ensure the broccoli is evenly coated.
  5. Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the broccoli mixture into the prepared baking pan and spread it out into an even layer for consistent cooking.
  6. Add Topping: Sprinkle the crushed Ritz crackers evenly over the top of the broccoli mixture. Drizzle the melted butter over the cracker topping to help it become golden and crispy.
  7. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the cracker topping is golden brown and the casserole is warmed through.

Notes

  • Make sure the broccoli is fully thawed to avoid excess water in the casserole.
  • For a richer flavor, use sharp cheddar cheese freshly shredded from a block rather than pre-shredded cheese.
  • You can substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup for a slightly different taste or a vegetarian option.
  • To make this dish gluten free, substitute Ritz crackers with gluten-free crackers or crushed gluten-free bread crumbs.
  • Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after baking for easier serving.

Keywords: broccoli casserole, cheese casserole, broccoli cheese bake, side dish, comfort food, casserole recipe, cheesy broccoli

Find it online: https://frommamamaya.com/broccoli-cheese-casserole-recipe/