Best-Ever Broccoli Casserole Recipe

What Makes the Best Broccoli Casserole?

There’s nothing better than a bubbling hot and cheesy broccoli casserole right from the oven. This iconic side dish turns basic green vegetables into a creamy, golden wonder the family will request again and again.

Whether it’s a family dinner, holiday feast or potluck, this broccoli casserole is going to be your new best friend! It has it all: the broccoli is tender, the cheese sauce is rich and cheesy, and the topping is crunchy – a great mouthful!

Why This Broccoli Casserole Recipe Is So Great

Using Fresh Ingredients is Key

The key to an outstanding broccoli casserole is, of course, selecting quality ingredients. I like to use fresh broccoli florets to give you the best texture and flavor. But frozen broccoli works beautifully, if fresh isn’t available.

It is good cheese that gives us that creamy, melty bliss we crave. Sharp cheddar cheese gives it depth, and cream cheese gives it richness. It’s a pairing that will definitely not let you down!

Simple Steps, Amazing Results

This recipe requires only 15 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of cooking time. You don’t have to be a fancy cook or have fancy equipment. All you’re going to need is a simple casserole dish and a few basic kitchen items.

This broccoli casserole is just so easy and good. Mix, pour, and bake. That’s it! This recipe is so easy a beginner could master it on their first go.

Full Ingredient List for the Best Broccoli Casserole

Ingredient	Amount	Purpose
Fresh broccoli florets	6 cups	Main vegetable base
Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded	2 cups	Creamy flavor base
Softened cream cheese	8 oz	Rich thickness
Mayonnaise	1/2 cup	Binds and moistens
Sour cream	1/2 cup	Tangy creaminess
Yellow onion, diced	1 medium	Savory layers
Garlic powder	1 tsp	Aromatic seasoning
Salt	1 tsp	Seasoning
Black pepper	1/2 tsp	Spice balance
Panko breadcrumbs	1 cup	Crispy top
Butter, melted	3 tbsp	Golden top

Optional Flavor Boosters

Looking to make your broccoli casserole that much more special? Try these additions:

• Crispy bacon bits (1/2 cup)
• Sliced almonds (1/3 cup)
• Red pepper flakes (1/4 tsp)
• Fresh herbs such as chives or parsley

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Getting Started: Prep Work

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

Cut fresh broccoli into bite-size pieces and wash completely. If using frozen broccoli, thaw and drain. This keeps the casserole from getting watery.

Creating the Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese with mayonnaise and sour cream. Mix until smooth and creamy. No lumps should remain.

Stir in the diced onion, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Mix everything until the mixture is well combined. This mixture is the flavorful base to your broccoli casserole.

Bringing It All Together

Add the broccoli florets and mix carefully. Carefully fold everything together to ensure that each piece is coated. You want the broccoli to be evenly distributed in the mixture.

Pour half of the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Add the remaining broccoli mixture, then the remaining cheese.

The Perfect Crispy Topping

Combine panko breadcrumbs and melted butter in a small bowl. The butter helps get the breadcrumbs browned during baking. Spread over the cheese layer evenly.

This topping is what makes your broccoli casserole irresistible and also provides a lovely contrast against the creamy base of your casserole.

Baking Your Masterpiece

Oven Temperature and Timing

Put your casserole in the oven. Bake 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the edges bubble.

The casserole should be piping hot all the way through. You can check this by inserting a knife in the middle. If it’s warm, your casserole is done.

Signs of Perfect Doneness

Here’s what a perfect broccoli casserole looks like:

• Golden brown, crispy top
• Bubbly edges
• Firm but tender broccoli
• Melted, creamy cheese throughout

Pro Tips for Casserole Success

Avoiding Common Mistakes

Don’t overcook the broccoli before adding to the casserole. Don’t worry — it will continue cooking in the oven. The best final texture comes from broccoli that is barely undercooked.

Drain any liquid from the vegetables. Too much moisture will make your broccoli casserole soggy instead of creamy.

Make-Ahead Magic

This is also a wonderful recipe for meal prep. You can prepare the casserole in full, then cover with foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

When ready to cook, let it sit for 15 minutes at room temperature, then bake as directed. Your cooking time may need to be 5-10 minutes longer.

Freezing Instructions

Your broccoli casserole can be frozen for up to three months! Wrap the assembled, uncooked casserole in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.

To cook from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge. Bake according to the directions, just be sure to add 10-15 additional minutes to warm it through.

Creative Variations to Try

Protein-Packed Versions

Make it a main course by adding cooked chicken, ham or turkey. Roughly 2 cups diced, cooked meat is ideal.

This transforms your broccoli casserole into a complete one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights!

Healthier Alternatives

Substitute Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise to cut calories and boost protein. Use light cream cheese and reduce regular cheese by half.

You can also swap out some of the broccoli for cauliflower rice to lower the carb count while still maintaining great taste. For more healthy recipe ideas and nutritional tips, check out our collection of wholesome comfort food recipes at FitFuel.

International Flavors

Mexican-style: Add pepper jack cheese, diced jalapeños and a dusting of cumin to your broccoli casserole.

Italian version: Substitute mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses and add dried basil and oregano.

Perfect Pairings and Serving Ideas

Main Dish Companions

This broccoli casserole pairs beautifully with roast chicken, grilled steak, or baked ham. The creamy, cheesy flavors complement nearly any protein.

It makes a particularly successful accompaniment for holiday meals with turkey, mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce. For more inspiration on creating complete holiday menus, Food Network offers excellent pairing suggestions.

Portion Planning

A 9×13 inch casserole will generally serve 8-10 people as a side dish. To make smaller portions, just halve the recipe and use an 8×8 inch dish.

If serving as a side, aim for about 3/4 cup per person.

Storage and Reheating Guide

Proper Storage Methods

Refrigerate any broccoli casserole leftovers for up to 4 days. Cover with foil and seal well, or place in an airtight container.

The flavors actually improve after a day, so leftovers are even more delicious than the original dish.

Reheating for Best Results

Microwave single servings in a microwave-safe dish for 1-2 minutes. For larger portions, reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes (or until heated through).

Cover loosely with foil to prevent over-browning the top while reheating.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Fixing a Watery Casserole

If you’re ending up with a watery casserole, your vegetables may have retained too much water. Next time, make sure to drain frozen broccoli very well and pat fresh broccoli completely dry.

You can also stir a tablespoon of flour into the cream mixture to help absorb excess liquid.

Preventing Dry Texture

A dry casserole is typically due to insufficient creamy base or overcooking. Make sure you have enough of the cream cheese mixture to coat all the broccoli.

The casserole should appear slightly jiggly in the center when you take it out of the oven. It will continue to set from residual heat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen broccoli in this casserole? Yes! Frozen broccoli works great. Just remember to thaw it completely and drain any excess water before combining it with the other ingredients.

How do I know if the broccoli casserole is done? The casserole is done when the top is golden brown, the edges are bubbling and a knife inserted into the center comes out warm.

Can I make this casserole in advance? Absolutely! You can assemble the complete broccoli casserole up to 24 hours before baking. Cover and refrigerate, then bake just before serving.

What kind of cheese is best for broccoli casserole? Sharp cheddar provides the best flavor, but feel free to experiment with different cheeses. For deeper flavor, try a mix of cheddar, Gruyere or Swiss.

How long does leftover casserole keep? If stored properly, broccoli casserole stays fresh in the refrigerator for 4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

Can I add other vegetables to this recipe? Yes! Cauliflower, carrots or green beans all work well. Just be sure to cut them into roughly the same size as the broccoli florets.

Why didn’t my casserole brown on top? Ensure that your oven is well-preheated and that the rack is in the center position. You can also broil for 2-3 minutes at the end for extra browning.

Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free? You can substitute plant-based alternatives for the cheeses and dairy ingredients, but the texture and flavor will differ from the original.

Final Thoughts on This Incredible Side Dish

This broccoli casserole recipe is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can yield something extraordinary. It combines creaminess with bold flavor and delicious crunch in every bite.

Whether you’re cooking dinner for company or want to elevate a simple weeknight meal, this casserole represents comfort food at its best. The best part? It’s so simple you’ll want to make it again and again.

Make this recipe once and it will become a family favorite. Your guests will ask for the recipe, and you’ll be happy to share this amazing dish. Get ready to enjoy the best broccoli casserole you’ll ever taste!