Amazing Broccoli Casserole: 1 Hour Comfort

You know those nights when you just need something warm, cheesy, and utterly comforting? The kind of meal that feels like a hug from the inside? That’s exactly what comes to mind with a classic broccoli casserole. It’s the kind of dish that makes any meal feel a little more special, whether it’s part of a holiday spread or just a Tuesday night dinner. For me, these dishes all go back to my grandmother’s kitchen. She always had a way of making simple ingredients taste like a million bucks, and this broccoli casserole definitely has that magic touch. It’s one of those reliable recipes I’ve honed over the years to fit into busy schedules, always delivering that satisfying, home-cooked goodness that families love.

Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Casserole

Seriously, why wouldn’t you love this broccoli casserole? It’s practically a miracle worker in the kitchen!

• Super Easy to Make: We’re talking minimal fuss here, folks! It comes together so quickly, you’ll be wondering where this has been all your life.
• Crowd-Pleaser Guaranteed: Creamy, cheesy, with that perfect crunchy topping? Yep, this hits all the right notes for everyone at the table.
• So Versatile: Serve it up as the ultimate side dish for holidays or busy weeknights, or make it the star of the show as a satisfying meatless main course.
• Pure Comfort Food: It’s the perfect antidote to a chilly evening or just when you need a little something cozy. It’s pure, unadulterated comfort in a baking dish!

Ingredients for Your Perfect Broccoli Casserole

Alright, let’s talk about what you’ll need to whip up this amazing broccoli casserole. It’s really just a handful of simple things you probably have lurking in your pantry and fridge, or can grab on a quick grocery run. I always go for fresh broccoli because it just has the best texture when it’s cooked just right, tender but with a little bite. And trust me, full-fat sour cream makes all the difference for that signature creamy richness! It’s these classic ingredients that make this recipe so dependable and delicious, exactly what my grandma would have used.

Here’s what you’ll need;

• 1 pound fresh broccoli florets: About 4-5 cups, cut into bite-sized pieces.
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup: This is the base of our creamy sauce!
• 1/2 cup sour cream: Full-fat is best for that luscious texture.
• 1/4 cup milk: Just a splash to help thin things out a bit while keeping it rich.
• 1/4 cup chopped onion: Freshly chopped gives the best flavor, but onion powder works in a pinch!
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: A good sharp cheddar really shines here.
• 1/4 cup butter, melted: For that lovely, golden topping.
• 1 cup crushed buttery crackers: Think Ritz or something similar! They make the perfect crunchy crust.

How to Make Broccoli Casserole: Step-by-Step

Okay, so making this wonderful broccoli casserole is honestly a breeze. You’re looking at about 15 minutes of prep and 25 minutes in the oven, making it a perfectly doable weeknight wonder or a stress-free addition to your holiday party menu. It’s all about layering those simple flavors and textures to create something truly special. Let’s get cooking! This easy broccoli casserole recipe is a keeper, perfect for side dishes or even a main!

Prepping Your Broccoli Casserole Base

First things first, let’s get that broccoli ready. You’ll want to steam or boil your broccoli florets until they’re just tender-crisp. We’re not making baby food here, folks! We want a little bite left so it holds up in the casserole. Drain them really, really well – nobody likes a watery casserole. While that’s draining, grab a big bowl and mix up the creamy goodness: cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, that chopped onion, and about half of your cheddar cheese. Give it a good stir until it’s all smooth and happy. Now, toss those well-drained broccoli florets into that creamy mixture and gently fold them in. Make sure every single piece gets coated in that luscious sauce!

SAVE IT

Creating the Crispy Topping for Your Broccoli Casserole

Now for the best part – that crunchy, buttery topping that makes this broccoli casserole irresistible! In a small bowl, melt your butter. You can do this in the microwave for about 30 seconds. Toss in your crushed buttery crackers. Think of it like making little crispy breadcrumbs. Give it a good mix until all those cracker crumbs are nicely coated in butter. Sprinkle this magical topping evenly all over the broccoli and creamy soup mixture in your baking dish. Make sure you get a nice, even layer so every bite has that delicious crunch!

SAVE IT

Baking Your Delicious Broccoli Casserole to Perfection

Alright, the moment of truth! Pop that prepared casserole dish into a preheated oven set to 375°F (190°C). Let it bake for about 20 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for it to be nice and bubbly around the edges, and that cracker topping should be a beautiful golden brown. Ovens can be a little quirky, so keep an eye on it, especially towards the end! Once it’s bubbly and golden, carefully take it out. It smells heavenly, right?

SAVE IT

Tips and Substitutions for Your Broccoli Casserole

You know, this broccoli casserole is pretty forgiving, which is one of the things I love most about it! It’s perfect for when you need a little tweak here or there, or if you’re just feeling a bit creative in the kitchen. My grandma always said a good recipe should work *with* you, not against you, and that’s definitely true here. It’s the kind of recipe that always fits right in, whether you’re looking for reliable side dishes or the main event.

Ingredient Swaps for Your Broccoli Casserole

So, what if you’re out of cream of mushroom soup? No worries! Cream of chicken soup is a fantastic swap and gives it a slightly different, but equally delicious, creamy vibe. And cheese! While sharp cheddar is my go-to because it’s got that perfect tang, a good Monterey Jack or even a mix of cheddar and Gruyere would be divine. For that crunchy topping, if buttery crackers aren’t in your pantry, don’t fret. Panko breadcrumbs mixed with that melted butter give an extra crispy texture, or you can use regular breadcrumbs seasoned with a little salt and pepper.

Flavor Boosts for the Best Broccoli Casserole

Want to take your broccoli casserole from great to absolutely unforgettable? A little something extra can go a long way! I often add a tiny pinch of garlic powder or even a whisper of onion powder right into the creamy soup mixture – it just deepens that savory flavor. A little dash of nutmeg can also add a surprising warmth that complements the broccoli beautifully. And if you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of fresh (or even dried) parsley on top before serving adds a lovely pop of color and fresh taste. These little touches really make it sing!

Serving Suggestions for Broccoli Casserole

Honestly, this broccoli casserole is so good, it could be a meal all on its own! But if you’re looking to round out your menu, it pairs beautifully with just about anything. Think of it as your ultimate comfort food wingman. It’s fantastic alongside a juicy roasted chicken or some tender pot roast. For holiday meals, this is a must-have next to your Thanksgiving stuffing or some savory gravy. And for a simpler weeknight vibe, I love it with my golden cornbread or some soft homemade dinner rolls for soaking up any extra creamy goodness. It just makes the whole meal feel complete!

SAVE IT

Frequently Asked Questions about Broccoli Casserole

Got questions about whipping up this amazing broccoli casserole? I’ve got answers! It’s a pretty straightforward recipe, but sometimes a little extra guidance just makes things even better, right?

Can I make this broccoli casserole ahead of time?

Oh, absolutely! This is one of my favorite make-ahead dishes. You can totally assemble the whole thing (minus the cracker topping) and cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Keep it in the fridge for up to two days. Just add the topping right before baking and maybe add a few extra minutes to the bake time to make sure it gets nice and hot all the way through.

What are the best types of broccoli for this casserole?

I really love using fresh broccoli for this recipe because you can get that perfect tender-crisp texture. But hey, frozen broccoli is totally fine too! Just make sure you thaw it completely and drain it SUPER well. Squeeze out as much extra water as you can before adding it to the creamy mixture so your casserole isn’t watery.

How do I prevent my broccoli casserole from being watery?

This is key for a great broccoli casserole! The biggest culprit is moisture. Make sure your broccoli is drained really well after steaming or boiling. Also, using a thicker condensed soup like cream of mushroom or chicken helps a lot. If your sour cream is a bit thin, you can even drain off any excess liquid from it before mixing it in. Oh, and don’t skimp on that crunchy cracker topping – it helps absorb some of that liquid and adds a lovely texture!

Nutritional Information

Just a little heads-up, these numbers are estimates, okay? Every kitchen is a little different, and brands can vary, so your exact broccoli casserole might look a little different nutritionally. But for a serving of this creamy, cheesy goodness, you’re looking at roughly around 350 calories, 25g of fat (about 15g of that is saturated), 10g of protein, and 20g of carbohydrates. Plenty of comfort without going overboard!

Share Your Broccoli Casserole Creations!

I just LOVE seeing your creations! Have you made this broccoli casserole? Did you try a fun variation? Please tell me all about it in the comments below, or rate the recipe! Sharing your photos on social media and tagging me would make my day. You can also reach out through my contact page. Hearing from you truly makes my kitchen feel even more connected to yours!

Classic Broccoli Casserole

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A creamy, cheesy, and comforting broccoli casserole that’s perfect as a side dish or a meatless main course.

• Author: Carla Davis
• Prep Time: 15 min
• Cook Time: 25 min
• Total Time: 40 min
• Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound fresh broccoli florets
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1 cup crushed buttery crackers

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Steam or boil the broccoli florets until tender-crisp. Drain well.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, chopped onion, and cheddar cheese. Stir until well combined.
4. Add the drained broccoli to the soup mixture and stir to coat.
5. Pour the broccoli mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
6. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter and crushed crackers. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the broccoli mixture.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.

Notes

• For a richer flavor, you can use cream of chicken soup instead of cream of mushroom soup.
• Add a pinch of garlic powder to the soup mixture for extra flavor.
• If you don’t have buttery crackers, you can use breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/6 casserole
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 60mg