Broccoli Cheese Casserole

Here’s a tasty recipe for Broccoli Cheese Casserole—a creamy, cheesy dish that pairs perfectly with any meal. This casserole is packed with fresh broccoli, a rich cheese sauce, and a crispy, golden topping, making it a comforting side dish for any occasion.

Ingredients:

For the Casserole:

• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (steamed or blanched)
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or use cream of chicken for a non-vegetarian version)
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, for a little tang)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Topping:

• 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers (or any preferred cracker or breadcrumbs)
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Broccoli:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Steam or blanch the broccoli florets until they are tender but still crisp (about 3-4 minutes). Drain any excess water and set aside.

2. Make the Casserole Mixture:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, Dijon mustard (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
• Add the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese to the mixture and stir until everything is well incorporated.
• Gently fold in the steamed broccoli florets, ensuring they are coated with the creamy mixture.

3. Assemble the Casserole:

• Lightly grease a 9×9-inch or 8×8-inch baking dish (or a similar-sized casserole dish).
• Spread the broccoli and cheese mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.

4. Prepare the Topping:

• In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers, melted butter, and grated Parmesan cheese (if using).
• Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the top of the casserole for a crunchy, golden topping.

5. Bake the Casserole:

• Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown and crispy.

6. Serve:

• Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
• Serve as a side dish with your favorite main course such as roasted chicken, grilled steak, or a vegetarian meal.

Tips:

• Make it ahead: You can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
• Add protein: If you’d like to make the casserole heartier, you can add cooked chicken, sausage, or bacon bits into the mixture.
• Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs for the topping if you need a gluten-free option.
• More cheese: For an extra cheesy casserole, you can add more shredded cheese on top before baking or mix in a variety of your favorite cheeses.

This Broccoli Cheese Casserole is a comforting and delicious dish that will satisfy your taste buds. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday meals, and is sure to be a crowd favorite! Enjoy!