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Broccoli Cheddar Casserole

Broccoli Cheddar Casserole

This Broccoli Cheddar Casserole transforms ordinary broccoli into pure comfort food magic. It combines tender broccoli florets with creamy cheddar cheese, creating a side dish that steals the spotlight at every gathering.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 8 servings servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 285
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 6 cups fresh broccoli florets
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 3 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish thoroughly with butter or cooking spray.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add broccoli florets and blanch for exactly 3 minutes. Drain immediately and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Pat the broccoli completely dry with paper towels.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until smooth and well incorporated.
  4. Fold in 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese, reserving the remaining ½ cup for topping. Add the blanched broccoli florets and stir gently until every piece gets coated with the creamy mixture.
  5. Transfer the broccoli mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top.
  6. Mix crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter in a small bowl. Distribute this buttery crumb mixture evenly over the cheese layer of your Broccoli Cheddar Casserole.
  7. Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes until the casserole bubbles around the edges and the topping turns golden brown. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Don't skip blanching the broccoli for this Broccoli Cheddar Casserole. This crucial step ensures tender-crisp florets that won't turn mushy during baking. Always dry your broccoli thoroughly after blanching to avoid a watery casserole.