Cheesy Broccoli Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Your Family Will Love

If you’re searching for a recipe that strikes the perfect balance between comfort, simplicity, and flavor, then look no further than a Cheesy Broccoli Casserole. This timeless dish has long been a staple on dinner tables across the country—especially during the holidays—but its appeal reaches far beyond seasonal gatherings. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner, preparing for a potluck, or just trying to get your kids to eat more veggies, this broccoli cheese casserole delivers every time.

There’s something truly satisfying about combining everyday ingredients into a warm, bubbling casserole that brings everyone to the table. Maybe it’s the creamy texture, the savory taste of cheddar, or the irresistible crunch of buttery Ritz crackers on top. Whatever the reason, you’ll find yourself coming back to this dish again and again—not just because it’s easy, but because it’s genuinely delicious.

Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make the perfect cheesy broccoli casserole, from the ingredients and step-by-step prep to variations, nutritional details, and frequently asked questions.

Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe

This recipe isn’t just another side dish—it’s a crowd-pleasing, kid-approved, dinner-saving favorite. Here’s what makes it special:

• Simple ingredients: You likely already have most of what you need in your pantry or fridge.
• Quick to prepare: With only 15 minutes of prep time, it’s a stress-free solution for busy evenings.
• Versatile: Easily turn it into a main dish with add-ins like rice or chicken.
• Comforting flavor: Rich, creamy, cheesy, and satisfying in every bite.
• Perfect for gatherings: It’s freezer-friendly and feeds a group.

Once you try it, this cheesy broccoli casserole will likely become part of your regular rotation—not just for holidays, but whenever you crave a comforting, flavorful side.

Ingredients for Cheesy Broccoli Casserole

Before you start, gather your ingredients. This recipe keeps it simple but delivers a rich taste that feels like much more effort than it actually takes.

Base Ingredients

• 4 cups chopped broccoli (fresh or frozen, thawed)
• 1 (10 oz) can of cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup mayonnaise or Miracle Whip (Greek yogurt or sour cream work too)
• ¼ cup melted butter
• 2 large eggs, slightly beaten
• ½ medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper

Cheese and Crunch

• 1 ½ cups extra sharp cheddar cheese (divided)
• ½ sleeve of Ritz crackers, crushed

Using fresh broccoli offers better texture, but frozen works perfectly if you’re short on time. Just make sure it’s thawed and drained thoroughly to avoid excess moisture.

How to Make the Perfect Broccoli Cheese Casserole

Once your ingredients are ready, the assembly process is quick and straightforward. Even if you’re new to cooking casseroles, you’ll find this method easy to follow.

Step 1: Prep Your Broccoli

If using fresh broccoli, steam it for about 5 minutes—just until it’s tender enough to pierce with a fork. Don’t over-steam it. The broccoli should still have a little bite, so it holds up well in the casserole.

Frozen broccoli should be thawed completely and drained well. This step is crucial to prevent the casserole from turning watery during baking.

Step 2: Combine the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the steamed broccoli with cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, melted butter, eggs, onion, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly coated.

Now fold in ¾ cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. This will help distribute that cheesy goodness throughout the casserole.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Spray an 8×8” baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Pour the broccoli mixture into the dish and spread it evenly.

Top the casserole with the remaining ¾ cup of cheddar cheese, then sprinkle the crushed Ritz crackers across the top. The crackers add a buttery crunch that perfectly complements the creamy filling.

Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the top is golden brown.

Customization Tips for Broccoli Cheese Casserole

This dish is delicious as is, but it’s also highly adaptable. Here are a few ways you can tweak it to suit your preferences or turn it into a main course.

Add Hearty Ingredients

• Cooked rice: Stir in 1 cup of cooked rice before baking to make the casserole more filling.
• Cooked chicken or turkey: Add ½ cup of chopped, cooked meat for added protein—perfect for using up leftovers.
• Mushrooms: Add 1 cup of sautéed mushrooms to deepen the flavor with earthy tones.

Switch Up the Veggies

• Cauliflower: Use cauliflower instead of—or alongside—broccoli for a fun twist.
• Mixed vegetables: A blend of carrots, peas, and broccoli can make it more colorful and kid-friendly.

Boost the Flavor

• Garlic powder or paprika: A light sprinkle can enhance the dish without overpowering it.
• Different cheeses: Sharp cheddar is classic, but you could mix in Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or Gruyère for variety.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Here’s a breakdown of what you’re getting with each portion of this casserole (based on 8 servings):

• Serving Size: 1/8 of the dish
• Calories: 254
• Sugar: 3.5g
• Sodium: 689mg
• Total Fat: 20.2g
• Saturated Fat: 6.3g
• Unsaturated Fat: Approximately 13.9g
• Trans Fat: Negligible
• Carbohydrates: 15.9g
• Fiber: 1.4g
• Protein: 4.4g
• Cholesterol: 72mg

This is a richer side dish, so it’s best enjoyed as part of a balanced meal. You can always lighten it up with ingredient swaps like Greek yogurt or reduced-fat cheese.

FAQs About Cheesy Broccoli Casserole

Conclusion

Cheesy Broccoli Casserole isn’t just a dish—it’s a comfort food experience. It delivers warmth, flavor, and the kind of satisfaction that turns ordinary dinners into something memorable. Whether you’re serving it on a holiday table or as a midweek solution to “what’s for dinner,” this casserole stands out as both nostalgic and nourishing.

You now have everything you need to make it your own. Tweak the ingredients to suit your taste, prepare it ahead for easy weeknight meals, or bring it to your next family gathering. However you decide to enjoy it, this broccoli cheese casserole is sure to win over hearts and appetites. So go ahead—give it a try, make it yours, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a requested regular at your table.

More Tasty Ideas

• Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes: A hearty, comforting dish layered with ground beef, potatoes, and a generous helping of cheese. It shares the same cozy, family-friendly appeal as cheesy broccoli casserole and makes a fantastic weekday dinner option.
• Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole: Perfect for brunch or breakfast-for-dinner nights, this cheesy casserole combines sausage, eggs, and crispy tater tots in a creamy bake that mirrors the richness and comfort of broccoli cheese casserole.
• Honey Glazed Corn Casserole: This sweet-and-savory side dish balances tender corn with a touch of honey and buttery richness, making it a great alternative or complement to a broccoli-based bake on your holiday table.

Cheesy Broccoli Casserole

Print Recipe

A creamy, comforting side dish made with tender broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, and a crunchy Ritz cracker topping. This cheesy broccoli casserole is perfect for holidays or weeknight dinners, loved by kids and adults alike.

• Author: Benchi
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 4 cups chopped broccoli
• 1 (10 ounce) can of cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup mayonnaise or Miracle Whip
• 1/4 cup melted butter (1/2 stick)
• 2 large eggs, slightly beaten
• 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 1/2 cups extra sharp cheddar cheese, divided
• 1/2 sleeve of Ritz crackers, crushed

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Place broccoli in a steaming basket and steam for 5 minutes or until tender to a fork.
3. Remove from stove and chop into bite-sized pieces. Transfer to a medium mixing bowl.
4. Add soup, mayonnaise, butter, eggs, onion, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Mix well.
5. Stir in 3/4 cup of shredded cheese into the mixture and combine thoroughly.
6. Spray an 8×8 inch casserole dish with cooking spray.
7. Pour the broccoli mixture into the dish and spread evenly.
8. Top with remaining 3/4 cup cheese and crushed Ritz crackers.
9. Bake for 30 minutes or until cheese is melted and the top is golden brown.

Notes

• You can substitute sour cream or Greek yogurt for mayonnaise.
• Use cream of mushroom soup as an alternative to cream of chicken.
• Add cooked rice or chicken for a heartier version.
• Ensure frozen broccoli is thawed and well-drained to avoid excess moisture.