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Creamy Broccoli Bake

Featured in Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion.

This cozy side pairs fresh broccoli with cheesy goodness and a crisp cracker top. Quick to make and super tasty.
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Barbara Chef
Updated on Fri, 18 Apr 2025 19:44:29 GMT
Close-up of cheesy, golden broccoli bake with a crispy topping. Pin it
Close-up of cheesy, golden broccoli bake with a crispy topping. | cookwithcarla.com

I've gotta tell you about my go-to broccoli casserole that's been a hit at our family table for ages. There's just something magical about those soft broccoli pieces swimming in cheesy goodness with that crunchy cracker topping. It works wonders every time I make it. The best part? Even my kids who usually push veggies around their plate actually ask for more of this!

What Makes This Dish Special

The way broccoli's natural sweetness works with the cheesy mixture is truly something else. And don't get me started on that crispy top layer - everyone fights over it! I love how basic ingredients come together to create something that seems fancy but doesn't need hours of work. It's deceptively simple but tastes like you've been cooking all day.

Ingredients You'll Need

  • Broccoli: 4 cups fresh florets, pick ones with deep green color.
  • Cream of Chicken Soup: 1 can, my secret weapon for creaminess.
  • Mayonnaise: ½ cup, let it sit out before using.
  • Sour Cream: ½ cup, gives that perfect zip.
  • Cheddar Cheese: 1½ cups, shred it yourself for best results.
  • Parmesan: ½ cup, fresh-grated tastes way better.
  • Eggs: 2 large, they hold everything together.
  • Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper.
  • Ritz Crackers: 1 sleeve, smashed into crumbs.
  • Butter: 4 tablespoons, melted for the topping.

Simple Cooking Steps

Prep Time
Start by warming your oven to 375°F and lightly coat your favorite 8x8 baking dish with cooking spray.
Prep Your Broccoli
Blanch those florets until they turn vibrant green, about 3 minutes tops. Dunk them in cold water right after to lock in that color.
Create Your Mixture
Grab your largest mixing bowl and stir together the soup, mayo, sour cream, both cheeses, beaten eggs and all your seasonings until everything's well combined.
Combine Everything
Gently mix your broccoli into the creamy mixture, making sure each piece gets a nice coating, then pour it all into your prepared dish.
Add The Finishing Touch
Mix those cracker crumbs with your melted butter and scatter across the top, then bake for 30-35 minutes until everything's bubbling and golden on top.
A glass baking dish contains a freshly baked cheesy broccoli casserole with broccoli pieces covered in melted cheese sauce. Pin it
A glass baking dish contains a freshly baked cheesy broccoli casserole with broccoli pieces covered in melted cheese sauce. | cookwithcarla.com

Storing Your Leftovers

Got extras? You're in luck! This casserole keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to three days. Just cover it tightly and warm it up when hunger strikes. Between us, I think it actually tastes better the day after when all the flavors have had time to get friendly with each other.

Tweak It Your Way

Want to switch things up? Try mushroom soup instead of chicken for a veggie-friendly version. You can use light versions of the mayo and sour cream if you want to cut calories. And don't be afraid to experiment with cheese - my sister throws in pepper jack when she wants some heat.

What To Serve With It

This dish shows up at all our gatherings, from everyday dinners to special occasions. It pairs beautifully with turkey during holidays or just a simple chicken dinner. I always double the recipe for gatherings because people can't stop asking how I made it, and the dish always comes back empty.

Various cooking ingredients displayed in glass bowls on marble, including fresh broccoli, eggs, butter, milk, yogurt, cheese, and salt. Pin it
Various cooking ingredients displayed in glass bowls on marble, including fresh broccoli, eggs, butter, milk, yogurt, cheese, and salt. | cookwithcarla.com

Cooking Secrets

Don't skip draining your broccoli really well - nobody wants a soupy casserole. Skip those bags of pre-shredded cheese and grate your own - it melts so much better. And take your time mixing butter into those cracker crumbs completely - it makes that top layer extra crispy and golden.

Family Favorite Features

The thing I treasure most about this dish is how it transforms ordinary broccoli into something everyone at the table wants seconds of. That velvety sauce paired with the buttery crunch on top just hits the spot every time. This casserole never lets me down, whether it's just a regular weeknight or the biggest holiday feast of the year.

A portion of broccoli casserole sits on a white plate with the remainder of the casserole visible behind it. Pin it
A portion of broccoli casserole sits on a white plate with the remainder of the casserole visible behind it. | cookwithcarla.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why cook the broccoli first?
Boiling it for 3 minutes ensures it stays crunchy yet tender. Cooling it in cold water after stops overcooking.
→ Is it okay to prep ahead?
Yes! Assemble without the crackers, then add them before cooking so they stay crunchy.
→ Why give it a break before eating?
Letting it rest for 5-10 minutes thickens the sauce and makes it easier to serve neatly.
→ Can I use frozen broccoli instead?
Fresh is best for texture, but frozen works. Just thaw and drain well to avoid watery sauce.
→ How does the sauce stay so creamy?
A mix of cream soup, mayo, sour cream, and cheese makes the sauce extra rich without being too heavy.

Broccoli Cheese Bake

Fresh broccoli smothered in creamy cheese sauce and topped with buttery crackers. A simple side dish everyone loves.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
40 Minutes
Total Time
55 Minutes

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings (1 8x8 pan)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese.
02 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese.
03 4 tablespoons melted butter.
04 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.
05 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt.
06 2 large eggs, whisked.
07 10.5 ounces canned cream of chicken soup.
08 4 cups chopped fresh broccoli florets.
09 1/4 teaspoon onion powder.
10 1 sleeve of Ritz crackers, crushed (around 1½ cups).
11 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
12 1/2 cup mayo.
13 1/2 cup sour cream.

Instructions

Step 01

Set your oven to 375°F. Coat an 8x8 pan with cooking spray.

Step 02

Cook broccoli in boiling water for 3 minutes so it stays crisp. Drain it, then rinse under cold water.

Step 03

In a bowl, stir together the soup, mayo, sour cream, both cheeses, seasonings, and eggs until it's smooth.

Step 04

Add the broccoli to the creamy mixture and toss until everything's evenly coated. Spread it in the prepared pan.

Step 05

Blend the melted butter with the cracker crumbs and sprinkle this mix over the broccoli base.

Step 06

Place in the oven for 30 to 35 minutes until the top is crispy and golden. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before slicing.

Notes

  1. Tastes best fresh from the oven while still hot.
  2. You can assemble in advance, but add the topping just before baking.
  3. A short wait before serving thickens the sauce.

Tools You'll Need

  • Dish measuring 8x8 inches.
  • Big pot for boiling.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains eggs.
  • Dairy is included.
  • Includes gluten.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 490
  • Total Fat: 41 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 20 g
  • Protein: 12 g