Cheesy Broccoli Casserole Recipe

Experience the delightful union of tender broccoli, creamy cheddar soup, tangy sour cream, and robust cheeses. Enhanced with aromatic onions, garlic, and a crunchy Ritz topping, this vibrant casserole harmonizes festive flavors ideal for family dinners and holiday feasts. A comforting and elegant side dish bursting with memorable taste.

I’ve made this Cheesy Broccoli Casserole recipe for many family dinners and it’s quickly become a favorite side dish during the holidays and even Sunday suppers. I start with 4 cups of broccoli florets and mix in a can of condensed cheddar cheese soup.

Then I fold in 1/2 cup of sour cream and 2 large eggs that I’ve lightly beaten. The combination of 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese adds a creamy taste that reminds me of my favorite vegetable casserole recipes.

I also toss in 1/2 cup of diced onions along with garlic powder and onion powder for flavor. A sprinkle of salt and pepper ties it all together.

Finally, I top the dish with crushed Ritz crackers mixed with melted butter. This recipe offers nutritional benefits from the broccoli while still delivering hearty flavor making it a perfect dish for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners.

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe because the blend of cheeses gives it a rich and satisfying taste that always hits the spot.
I also really appreciate how easy it is to make; even when I’m a little rushed, it turns out great every time.
I like the crunchy topping from the Ritz crackers and melted butter – it adds a fun texture that makes the dish more interesting.
Lastly, I enjoy that it feels like a family favorite, perfect for big dinners where everyone can grab a spoon and dig in.

Ingredients

• Broccoli: Crunchy fiber rich veggie that boost vitamins and add color.
• Cheddar cheese soup: Creamy, tangy blend offering protein, calcium and flavor base.
• Sour cream: Smooth rich dairy providing creaminess and slight tangy flavour in texture.
• Eggs: Add protein and help bind ingredients while enrichin overall taste.
• Ritz crackers: Crunchy topping for texture and adds a touch of savory butter flavor.
• Mozzarella cheese: Provides stringy, melty texture adding creamy mildness and gooey appeal.
• Diced onions: Give a sweet sharp bite and aroma that balance the richness.
• Garlic powder: Enhances dish with flavor and subtle spiciness addin extra zing.

Ingredient Quantities

• 4 cups broccoli florets (cut into bite size pieces)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cheddar cheese soup
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup diced onions
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers for topping
• 2 Tbsp melted butter (for topping)

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a medium sized casserole dish.

2. Blanch the broccoli florets in boiling water for about 3 minutes until they are just fork tender, then drain well.

3. In a large bowl, stir together the condensed cheddar cheese soup, sour cream, and lightly beaten eggs until well combined.

4. Add in the broccoli, diced onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, then mix gently.

5. Fold in the shredded sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until everything is evenly distributed.

6. Pour the mixture into your prepped casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.

7. In a separate bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter and sprinkle that evenly on top.

8. Bake in the oven for about 25 to 30 minutes until the casserole is bubbling and the top is golden brown.

9. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving so it sets up a bit.

10. Dig in while its warm and enjoy this yummy side dish at your dinner!

Equipment Needed

1. Preheated oven set at 350°F (make sure its working before you start)
2. A medium-sized casserole dish that you can grease easily
3. A large pot to boil water for blanching the broccoli
4. A strainer to drain the broccoli after boiling
5. A large mixing bowl for combining the soup, sour cream, eggs and spices
6. A whisk or fork to lightly beat the eggs and mix the ingredients
7. A cutting board and a knife for dicing onions and chopping the broccoli if needed
8. Measuring cups and spoons to accurately portion out your ingredients
9. A separate bowl for mixing the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter
10. A spatula or large spoon to fold in the shredded cheeses and spread the mixture evenly in the dish

FAQ

Cheesy Broccoli Casserole Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Instead of using the condensed cheddar cheese soup, you can make your own quick cheese sauce with milk, a bit of flour, extra cheddar, and a pinch of butter. It might not be as thick but it works fine.
• If you dont have sour cream, plain greek yogurt is a good swap. It adds a similar tangy kick but keep in mind it might be a tad thicker.
• For the shredded mozzarella, you could try using provolone or Monterey jack. They melt well and still give a nice gooey texture.
• If you cant find Ritz crackers, crushed buttery saltines or even a mixture of breadcrumbs and a little extra butter does the trick for that crunchy topping.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure you dont overcook the broccoli–blanch it just enough so it still have a little crunch; if you cook it too long, it’ll turn into mush.
2. Let your eggs warm up to room temperature before mixing with the soup and sour cream; it helps keep the sauce smoother and stop it from curdling.
3. Be gentle when folding in the cheeses; stir just until you see the cheese and other ingredients combined–overmixing can make the texture kind of rubbery.
4. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes after baking; this way, it sets up a bit and makes it easier to serve without falling apart.