Imagine a dish so irresistibly creamy, cheesy, and comforting that it transforms ordinary broccoli into a mouthwatering masterpiece everyone will crave. This Super Cheesy Broccoli Casserole is not just another side dish – it's a culinary adventure that combines crispy, buttery cracker topping with luscious melted cheese and perfectly tender broccoli. Whether you're looking to impress your family at dinner or need a crowd-pleasing potluck contribution, this recipe is about to become your new secret weapon in the kitchen!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup crushed crackers
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Wash the broccoli florets thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels. Trim any tough stems and cut into bite-sized pieces if needed.
- Steam the broccoli florets for 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender but still crisp. Drain well and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and well incorporated.
- Gently fold the steamed broccoli into the creamy mixture, ensuring each floret is evenly coated.
- Transfer the broccoli mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the broccoli mixture.
- In a separate small bowl, mix crushed crackers with melted butter until the crackers are thoroughly coated.
- Spread the buttered cracker crumbs over the cheese layer, creating a crispy topping.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the casserole to set.
- Serve hot as a delicious side dish or light main course.
Tips
- For maximum flavor, use fresh broccoli and don't overcook it during steaming – you want it bright green and slightly crisp.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, monterey jack, or a cheese blend for unique flavor profiles.
- Make sure to drain the steamed broccoli thoroughly to prevent a watery casserole.
- For extra crunch, try mixing different types of crackers in your topping, like Ritz and butter crackers.
- If you're watching calories, you can substitute low-fat sour cream and cream of mushroom soup.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking – just add 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
- Let the casserole rest after baking to allow it to set and make serving easier.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 29g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Cholesterol: 85mg
