Broccoli Cheese Casserole (Easy Recipe with the Best Flavor)

This Broccoli Cheese Casserole is my #1 favorite side dish. It’s SO good! It’s special enough for a holiday table and simple enough for a weeknight meal. It’s also super-easy to make and even kids love it.

Broccoli Cheese Casserole

Broccoli is one of those foods that I didn’t like as a child, but I sure do eat up as an adult.  My favorite way to eat broccoli is in this casserole.

It’s so scrumptious and irresistible – even my kids look forward to having it.  It is on several weekly menus, plus every holiday menu too – including our Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners.

Why You’ll Love My Broccoli Cheese Casserole

I would take this broccoli casserole over any green bean casserole for sure. There is something just so warm and comforting about it, not to mention that oozy-ness of the cheese.  Oh my.

Here are more reasons to love it:

• Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses simple ingredients like fresh broccoli florets, shredded cheddar cheese, and cream of mushroom soup, making it easy to throw together.
• Easy to Make: This easy broccoli casserole recipe is a perfect dish to throw together when you’re short on time. Super simple to prep!
• Versatile Side Dish: This casserole pairs wonderfully with a variety of main dishes, from slowcooker beer chicken and savory pork chops to the Thanksgiving turkey, making it a great side dish for any meal.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your own twist to this recipe by including ingredients like garlic powder, onion powder, or adding some chicken or rice.
• Comfort Food: There’s something about the combination of creamy cheese sauce and tender broccoli that makes this casserole the ultimate comfort food.

Broccoli Cheese Casserole Ingredients

You need some basic ingredients for this easy casseroly recipe:

• Cream of Mushroom Soup: This forms the creamy base of your casserole. If you prefer, you can substitute it with cream of chicken soup, but the flavor will change a bit.
• Mayonnaise: Yes, it sounds werid, but mayo adds creaminess and a nice tang to the dish. If mayonnaise isn’t your favorite, try using sour cream or Greek yogurt instead.
• Eggs, beaten: These help to bind all the ingredients together. Make sure they’re well beaten before adding them to your mixture.
• Finely Chopped Onion: Any type of onion works, however I normally opt for a yellow onion. A small onion is usually the perfect amount.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese is recommended for the best flavor, but feel free to use your favorite type or whatever you have on hand (or even a mixture of cheeses).
• Salt and Pepper: Adjust the amount of salt and pepper to taste.
• Paprika: Just a pinch adds a mild, sweet flavor and a beautiful color.

How to Make Broccoli Cheese Casserole

It’s so easy to prepare this casserole and get it ready to pop it into the oven.

It’s also a GREAT make-ahead dish that can be prepared the day before and baked when ready. That makes it an amazing side dish for your holiday table!

Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Take a 9×13 inch baking dish and lightly butter the bottom and sides.

Mix the Base: In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, beaten eggs, and the finely chopped onion.

Add Broccoli: If you’re using fresh broccoli florets, ensure they’re washed and cut into bite-sized pieces. For frozen broccoli, thaw it first. Place the broccoli into the large bowl with your creamy mixture, stirring until the broccoli is evenly coated.

Combine with Cheese: Add the shredded cheddar cheese to your broccoli mixture. This will turn it into a cheesy broccoli casserole mix that’s ready for baking.

Season: Transfer the contents of the bowl into your prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the top with a little salt, black pepper, and a pinch of paprika for added flavor.

Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 45-60 minutes. You want the top to turn golden brown, indicating it’s perfectly cooked.

Serve: Once baked, let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving.

What to Serve with Broccoli Cheese Casserole

Broccoli Cheese Casserole goes great with any main dish. It’s an easy cheesy side dish perfect for most any meal.

Here are some of my favorite ways to serve it:

• Mississippi Pot Roast: This roast is so amazingly tender and I love serving my casserole alongside it. Sometimes I’ll make creamed potatoes and plop the casserole right on top and serve alongside the roast.
• Meatloaf: My casserole goes great with my Easy Meatloaf Recipe.
• Fried Pork Chop Bites: My kids love eating these pork nuggets with broccoli cheese casserole.
• Chicken: This casserole works as the perfect side dish for my Sweet and Spicy Chicken Drumsticks or any roasted chicken.

Recipe Variations

There are SO many ways to customize my broccoli casserole. I hardly ever change my recipe because my kids complain when I do, but in case you want to play with it a little, here are some good ideas:

1. Broccoli Cheddar Casserole with Rice: Add cooked white rice to your casserole for a complete meal. Follow the same steps, but mix in 2 cups of cooked rice with the broccoli and cheese mixture.
2. Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Casserole: Turn your broccoli cheese casserole into a main dish by adding diced, cooked chicken breast. Stir in 2 cups of chicken before adding the cheese mixture.
3. Broccoli Casserole with Garlic and Onion: Saute a small onion and two cloves of minced garlic in olive oil until translucent. Stir it up before spreading it into the casserole dish.

Crunchy Topping Ideas

Some people cannot eat a casserole without a crunchy topping. That’s NOT me, but if that’s you, then here are some ways you can add a crunch to the top:

• Ritz Cracker Topped Broccoli Casserole: For a crunchy topping, crush buttery Ritz crackers and mix them with melted butter. Sprinkle this over the top of the casserole before baking for a golden brown, crunchy topping.
• Fried Onions: Buy a can of French fried onions or make your own by frying thinly sliced onions until crispy.
• Panko Bread Crumbs: Toast panko bread crumbs with a little olive oil and garlic powder until golden. Sprinkle over your casserole for a crispy topping.
• Parmesan Crust: Mix grated Parmesan cheese with a bit of garlic powder and sprinkle it on top of the casserole. It bakes into a crispy, cheesy crust that’s irresistible.
• Cornflake Crumbs: Crush cornflakes and mix with a little melted butter for a sweet and crunchy topping.

Storing Leftovers

1. Cool Down: Allow the broccoli cheese casserole to cool to room temperature after baking.
2. Prepare for Storage: Transfer the casserole into an airtight container. If you prefer, you can also cover the entire dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. For smaller portions, divide the casserole into individual servings.
3. Refrigerate: Place the airtight container or covered casserole dish in the refrigerator. The casserole should be eaten within 2-3 days for best quality.

Freezing Leftovers

1. Cool Down: Allow the entire dish to reach room temperature after cooking to prevent condensation inside the packaging, which can lead to freezer burn.
2. Portion: If you have a large amount, consider dividing the casserole into portions.
3. Wrap Properly: First, wrap the casserole or portions tightly in plastic wrap. That’ll help protect against freezer burn. Then, wrap it again in aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container.
4. Freeze: Place the wrapped casserole in the freezer. It’s best used within 3 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy your casserole again, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Then, reheat it in the oven at 350 degrees until it’s heated through.

If the casserole seems a little dry, you can add a bit of cream or milk before reheating to bring back its creamy texture.

Reheating Leftovers

• Oven Method: Cover with aluminum foil to prevent the top from burning and to ensure the casserole heats evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until heated through. If you prefer the top of the casserole to be golden brown, remove the foil in the last few minutes of heating.
• Microwave Method: Place a serving of the casserole in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with paper towel or plastic wrap to trap steam and prevent drying out. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, then stir. Continue heating in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until thoroughly warmed.

Print Pin

Broccoli Cheese Casserole

Ingredients

• 1 10.75oz can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 eggs beaten
• ½ cup finely chopped onion
• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets steamed (or three 10oz frozen packs, thawed)
• 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
• salt & pepper to taste
• pinch of paprika

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 9×13 baking dish.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together mushroom soup, mayonnaise, eggs, and onion.
• Place broccoli in a very large mixing bowl. Stir in the soup mixture and thoroughly combine. Stir in the shredded cheese.
• Spread mixture into your casserole dish, and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and paprika. Bake 45-60 minutes in a preheated oven, until the top has started to brown.