The Best Homemade Broccoli Casserole Recipe

I’ve always believed the best broccoli casserole balances simplicity and flavor, and this recipe does just that. It’s a mix of crisp, fresh broccoli, a creamy cheese base, and a golden, crunchy topping. The secret lies in the preparation, ensuring each component shines without overwhelming the dish. If you’re looking for a comforting meal that’s both familiar and satisfying, this might just be the version you’ll want to make again and again.

Recipe

This broccoli casserole is the ultimate crowd-pleaser—I’ve made it countless times, and it never fails to disappear before the meal is over.

What makes it special? Fresh broccoli, a creamy, cheesy sauce, and that irresistible golden crust on top. It’s the kind of dish that feels comforting yet fancy enough to serve at holiday dinners or potlucks.

Every bite is a perfect harmony of tender broccoli, gooey cheese, and a hint of crunch from the topping. Trust me, even the pickiest eaters will be asking for seconds.

And the best part? It’s straightforward to make—no fancy techniques, just good ingredients coming together in the most delicious way. Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients

Start with fresh broccoli florets—they’re the star of the show and should be crisp and vibrant green. Frozen broccoli can work in a pinch, but it tends to release more water, so adjust the recipe slightly.

A creamy base is key, so opt for a high-quality cheddar cheese blend for richness and sharpness. Don’t skip the cream of mushroom soup; it’s the secret to that velvety texture. If you’re not a fan, cream of chicken or celery soup are solid swaps.

• Fresh broccoli florets: 4 cups, cut into bite-sized pieces (or frozen broccoli, thawed and drained).
• Cheddar cheese: 1 ½ cups shredded (sharp cheddar adds the best flavor).
• Cream of mushroom soup: 1 can (10.5 oz)—or substitute with cream of chicken or celery soup.
• Mayonnaise: ½ cup (full-fat works best for creaminess).
• Sour cream: ½ cup (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option).
• Eggs: 2 large, beaten (they bind the casserole).
• Onion: ½ cup finely chopped (yellow or sweet onion for mild flavor).
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced (fresh is best, but ½ tsp garlic powder works).
• Ritz crackers: 1 sleeve, crushed (or substitute with breadcrumbs or panko).
• Butter: 2 tbsp, melted (for topping—this adds richness and helps the crackers crisp).

Pro tip: For an extra layer of flavor, toss in some crumbled cooked bacon or swap the cheddar for Gruyère. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives before serving for a pop of color and freshness.

How to Make the Best Classic Broccoli Casserole Name

• Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. An even layer guarantees consistent baking and browning.

• Sprinkle crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs over the top. Adding a crunchy topping provides texture contrast and a golden finish.

• Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and the top is golden brown. Keep an eye on the casserole during the last few minutes to avoid overbaking the topping.

• Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows it to set slightly, making it easier to slice and serve.

• Optional: For extra flavor, add a dash of garlic powder or grated Parmesan to the topping. These small additions can elevate the dish without complicating the recipe.

• For a time-saving tip, use pre-shredded cheese and pre-washed broccoli. This reduces prep time without sacrificing flavor.

• Watch out for overmixing the ingredients, as it can make the texture too dense. Mix just until combined for the best results.

• If storing leftovers, cover with foil or transfer to an airtight container. Reheat in the oven to maintain the crispy topping.

• For a smaller batch, halve the recipe and use an 8×8-inch baking dish. Adjust the baking time to 20-25 minutes, checking for doneness.

• To make it ahead, assemble the casserole and refrigerate overnight. Add the topping just before baking to keep it crisp.

• For a creamier texture, substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise. This adds a tangy flavor while keeping the dish rich.

• If the topping starts to brown too quickly, cover the dish with foil. This prevents burning while allowing the casserole to continue cooking.

Nutrition

This broccoli casserole recipe is a nutritious and comforting dish. Below is the nutritional information per serving.

Chef Tips

When preparing this broccoli casserole, I always make sure to chop the broccoli into even-sized pieces so they cook uniformly. I blanch it briefly to keep its vibrant color and crunch.

For a creamy sauce, I use full-fat ingredients and add cheese gradually to avoid clumping. Topping with breadcrumbs adds a crispy texture.

Let it rest 10 minutes after baking for easier serving and better flavor melding.