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Broccoli Cheese & Cracker Casserole

Broccoli Cheese & Cracker Casserole

This Broccoli Cheese & Cracker Casserole is a comforting, cheesy dish featuring tender broccoli with a creamy cheese sauce and a crunchy cracker topping. Quick and easy to prepare, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy family meals, delivering a satisfying blend of textures and classic flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

  • 3 cups fresh or frozen broccoli florets

Dairy & Creamy Base

  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup sour cream or 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 3 tablespoons butter (for topping)

Seasonings & Topping

  • 1 1/2 cups crushed crackers (saltine, buttery crackers, or Ritz)
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare broccoli: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly steam or blanch the broccoli florets until tender but still bright green to prevent mushiness during baking.
  2. Mix the creamy base: In a large bowl, combine sour cream (or cream of mushroom soup), milk, shredded cheddar cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
  3. Combine broccoli and sauce: Gently fold the cooked broccoli into the creamy cheese mixture, ensuring each floret is well coated without breaking them down.
  4. Prepare the cracker topping: Crush the crackers into small pieces, mix them with melted butter, then sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the broccoli and cheese mixture in the casserole dish.
  5. Bake until bubbly and golden: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly around the edges. Let it cool slightly before serving.

Notes

  • Use sharp cheddar cheese for richer, more pronounced flavor.
  • Do not overcook the broccoli; steaming until just tender prevents mushiness.
  • Ensure the topping is well coated with melted butter for a golden, crispy crust.
  • Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to let flavors settle.
  • Be cautious with additional salt as cheese and crackers already contain salt.

Nutrition

Keywords: broccoli casserole, cheese casserole, comfort food, easy casserole, broccoli cheese bake