Cheesy Broccoli Casserole Simple and Comforting Dish

If you’re looking for a warm, comforting meal, this Cheesy Broccoli Casserole is a great choice. It combines fresh broccoli, creamy mushroom soup, and sharp cheddar cheese for a tasty dish the whole family will enjoy. Not only is it simple to make, but it’s also a versatile recipe you can adjust to your taste. Follow along as I share step-by-step instructions, tips, and variations to make it your own!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

– Fresh broccoli florets

– Cooked rice (white or brown)

– Sharp cheddar cheese

– Cream of mushroom soup

The main ingredients of this Cheesy Broccoli Casserole make it special. Fresh broccoli florets add color and crunch. Cooked rice gives it a nice base. The sharp cheddar cheese brings a rich flavor. Cream of mushroom soup ties everything together.

Additional Ingredients

– Milk

– Diced onion

– Garlic powder

– Spices (black pepper, salt)

For added flavor, we need some extra ingredients. Milk makes the sauce creamy. Diced onion adds a nice bite. Garlic powder gives a warm taste. Black pepper and salt bring out all the flavors.

Topping Ingredients

– Crushed buttery crackers

– Melted butter

The topping is key! Crushed buttery crackers create a crunchy layer. Melted butter makes the topping golden and rich. Together, they complete the casserole perfectly.

This recipe is easy to follow, and you can find the full recipe online.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Steps

1. Preheat the oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures even cooking and a nice finish.

2. Blanch broccoli florets

Boil a large pot of salted water. Once boiling, add the fresh broccoli florets. Blanch them for 3 minutes. This keeps their bright color and crisp texture. After 3 minutes, drain the broccoli and set it aside.

Mixing Ingredients

1. Combine cream of mushroom soup and milk

In a medium mixing bowl, pour in 1 cup of cream of mushroom soup and 1/2 cup of milk. Whisk them until the mixture is smooth.

2. Add cheese, rice, and seasonings

To the soup mixture, add 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 2 cups of cooked rice, 1/2 cup of diced onion, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed.

Assembling the Casserole

1. Fold in blanched broccoli

Gently add the blanched broccoli florets into the cheese mixture. Make sure every piece of broccoli gets coated with the cheesy goodness.

2. Transfer to a baking dish

Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Carefully spread the broccoli and cheese mixture evenly in the dish. This helps it cook well.

You can check the [Full Recipe] for more details on serving and presentation tips!

Tips & Tricks

Cooking Tips

To make your casserole great, mix all the ingredients well. This helps every bite taste awesome. When you add the broccoli, make sure not to overcook it. Blanching for 3 minutes keeps it bright and crunchy. You want the broccoli to stay fresh and not mushy.

Baking Tips

For a perfect golden crust, watch the baking time closely. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes. Check when you see bubbles and a golden top. If you let it bake too long, the crust can burn. Set a timer to help you keep track.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your cheesy broccoli casserole warm. It looks nice with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top. You can also pair it with a green salad for a yummy meal. This adds color and freshness to your plate. For the best taste, enjoy it right after baking.

Variations

Ingredient Substitutions

You can switch up the cheese in this dish for fun. Try mozzarella for a milder taste or pepper jack for a bit of heat. You can also use cream of chicken soup instead of mushroom soup for a different flavor. Both options work well and keep the dish creamy.

Dietary Adjustments

If you need a gluten-free version, use gluten-free crackers or skip the topping altogether. You can also swap the rice for quinoa to make it even healthier. For a vegetarian twist, just make sure your soup and crackers are meat-free. You can cut calories by using low-fat cheese or a smaller amount of cheese.

Flavor Additions

Herbs can really boost the taste of your casserole. Try adding thyme or rosemary for a fresh kick. If you want more protein, you can mix in cooked chicken or sausage. This makes the dish heartier and perfect for a main meal. Just remember to adjust your cooking time if you add more ingredients. For more tips and ideas, check out the Full Recipe.

Storage Info

Storing Leftovers

To keep your casserole fresh, store it in the fridge. Place it in an airtight container. This helps prevent drying out. You can also cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap. Use a glass or plastic container that seals well.

Reheating Instructions

To reheat your Cheesy Broccoli Casserole, first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the dish with foil to keep it moist. Bake for about 20 minutes, checking to ensure it’s heated through. If you want to freeze it, let it cool completely first. Use freezer-safe containers to store it. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Shelf Life

In the fridge, your casserole lasts for about 3 to 5 days. Keep an eye out for signs of spoilage. If you see mold or smell something off, it’s time to toss it. Always trust your senses when it comes to food safety.

FAQs

How do I make Cheesy Broccoli Casserole from scratch?

To make Cheesy Broccoli Casserole from scratch, follow these steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Boil water in a large pot, add 4 cups of fresh broccoli florets, and blanch for 3 minutes. Drain and set aside.

3. In a bowl, mix 1 cup of cream of mushroom soup with ½ cup of milk until smooth.

4. Add 2 cups of cooked rice, 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, ½ cup of diced onion, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Stir well.

5. Gently fold the blanched broccoli into the cheese mixture until well coated.

6. Grease a baking dish and spread the mixture evenly inside.

7. Mix crushed buttery crackers with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Sprinkle on top of the casserole.

8. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

Key tips include using fresh broccoli for best texture and ensuring even mixing of all ingredients. For the full recipe, check the details above.

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Here are the pros and cons:

– Pros:

– Convenient and saves time.

– Often pre-washed and pre-cut.

– Cons:

– Can be softer than fresh after cooking.

– May lose some flavor and texture.

If using frozen, thaw and drain it well to remove excess moisture before adding it to your casserole.

What can I serve with Cheesy Broccoli Casserole?

Cheesy Broccoli Casserole pairs well with several side dishes. Here are some ideas:

– A fresh green salad adds crunch and balance.

– Serve with roasted chicken for protein.

– Pair with garlic bread for a comforting meal.

– Add a side of mashed potatoes for extra creaminess.

These sides help create a well-rounded meal and enhance the casserole’s rich flavors.

You learned how to make a simple and tasty Cheesy Broccoli Casserole. We covered fresh and cooked ingredients, mixing steps, and baking tips. You also discovered ways to customize the dish and store leftovers.

This casserole is an easy meal for any day. It’s quick to prepare and fun to share. Enjoy making it, and feel free to get creative with your favorite flavors. Happy cooking!

Cheesy Broccoli Casserole

Indulge in the creamy, cheesy goodness of Cheesy Broccoli Bliss Casserole! This comforting dish combines fresh broccoli, rice, sharp cheddar cheese, and a buttery cracker topping for the ultimate family favorite. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it's easy to make and absolutely delicious. Ready in just 45 minutes, click through to discover the step-by-step recipe that will elevate your meal to blissful heights!

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Ingredients

  

4 cups fresh broccoli florets

2 cups cooked white or brown rice

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup cream of mushroom soup (canned or homemade)

1/2 cup milk

1/2 cup diced onion

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup crushed buttery crackers (such as Ritz)

2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

 

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fresh broccoli florets and blanch them for 3 minutes, which will help preserve their bright color and crispness. After 3 minutes, drain the broccoli and set it aside.

In a medium mixing bowl, pour in the cream of mushroom soup and milk. Use a whisk to mix them together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

To the soup mixture, add the cooked rice, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, diced onion, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Stir all the ingredients together thoroughly, ensuring everything is evenly mixed.

Gently fold the blanched broccoli florets into the cheese mixture, making sure each piece of broccoli is well coated with the delicious mixture.

Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish lightly with cooking spray or butter. Carefully transfer the broccoli and cheese mixture into the baking dish, spreading it out evenly for uniform cooking.

In a separate bowl, combine the crushed buttery crackers with the melted butter. Mix well until all the crumbs are evenly coated in butter, creating a rich topping.

Evenly sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture over the top of the broccoli and cheese layer in the baking dish, ensuring a nice coverage for a crunchy crust.

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the casserole is bubbling and the cracker topping has turned a lovely golden brown.

Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to sit for a few minutes before serving. This will help the dish to set slightly for easier serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6-8

- Präsentationstipps: Serve this delightful casserole warm, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a touch of color. You could also pair it with a fresh green salad for a complete meal experience.