This broccoli cheese casserole recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a potluck. It’s incredibly easy to throw together with simple ingredients, making it a go-to comfort food dish that even the pickiest eaters will love. Inspired by classic American home cooking, this casserole embodies the hearty and wholesome spirit often associated with the Pioneer Woman’s style of recipes – straightforward, delicious, and family-friendly.
Why This Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe Works
What makes this recipe stand out? It’s all about simplicity and flavor. Using frozen broccoli florets means no extra chopping or blanching is needed, saving you valuable time in the kitchen. The creamy sauce, made from condensed soup, mayonnaise, and egg, coats the broccoli perfectly and creates a rich, satisfying texture. The generous amount of cheddar cheese adds a sharp, cheesy flavor that complements the mildness of the broccoli beautifully. Plus, the pantry-staple ingredients mean you can whip this up anytime without a special trip to the grocery store. This is fuss-free cooking at its finest, delivering maximum comfort with minimal effort.
Ingredients for Your Broccoli Cheese Casserole
Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting broccoli cheese casserole:
- Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup: One 10.75-ounce can of condensed cream of mushroom soup forms the creamy base of the casserole.
- Mayonnaise: 1 cup of mayonnaise adds moisture, richness, and a subtle tang that balances the other flavors.
- Large Egg: One large egg helps to bind the ingredients together and adds to the casserole’s overall texture.
- Chopped Onion: ½ cup of chopped yellow onion provides a mild, savory base note.
- Frozen Broccoli Florets: 10 ounces of frozen broccoli florets, thawed, offer convenience and ensure the broccoli is tender-crisp after baking.
- Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups of freshly grated Cheddar cheese, divided. Grating your own cheese ensures better melting and a fresher flavor compared to pre-shredded options.
- Salt, Black Pepper, and Paprika: Season to taste with salt and black pepper. A dash of paprika adds a subtle smoky sweetness and a touch of color.
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Step-by-Step Guide to Making Broccoli Cheese Casserole
Follow these simple steps to bake your own delicious broccoli cheese casserole:
- Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, and egg until smooth and well combined. This creates the creamy sauce that will bind the casserole.
- Add Vegetables and Cheese: Stir in the chopped onion and thawed frozen broccoli florets. Mix until the vegetables are evenly coated with the soup mixture. Add 1 ½ cups of the grated Cheddar cheese to the bowl and stir to combine, reserving the remaining ½ cup for topping.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the broccoli mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Top with Cheese and Seasoning: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of Cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika to your liking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through, bubbly around the edges, and the cheese topping is melted and golden brown.
- Cool Slightly & Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows it to set slightly and makes serving easier.
Tips for the Best Broccoli Cheese Casserole
- Freshly Grated Cheese is Key: While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, grating your own cheddar cheese really does make a difference in terms of flavor and melting quality. It melts more smoothly and tastes fresher.
- Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: Thawing the frozen broccoli before adding it to the casserole ensures it cooks through without becoming mushy during baking.
- Customize Your Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses! Monterey Jack, Colby, or a blend of cheddar and Gruyere would all be delicious.
- Add a Crunchy Topping: For extra texture, consider adding a crunchy topping like buttered breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or French-fried onions during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Make it Ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it, unbaked, in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking directly from the refrigerator.
Serving and Storing Your Casserole
Broccoli cheese casserole is a versatile side dish or a satisfying vegetarian main course. It pairs wonderfully with:
- Roasted Chicken or Pork: A classic pairing that makes for a complete and comforting meal.
- Beef or Turkey Meatloaf: Adds a cheesy vegetable side to a hearty meatloaf.
- Simple Salad: A fresh green salad provides a light contrast to the richness of the casserole.
Storing Leftovers: Allow the leftover broccoli casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or in the microwave until heated through. For oven reheating, you may want to add a splash of milk or water to keep it moist. Enjoy this easy and delicious broccoli cheese casserole, a true comfort food classic perfect for any occasion!
