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A bubbling broccoli casserole with a golden-brown crust fresh from the oven.

Classic Cheesy Broccoli Bake

This classic cheesy broccoli bake is a comforting side dish featuring tender broccoli florets in a rich, creamy cheese sauce, topped with crispy buttered crackers.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • Baking dish (9x13 inch)
  • Large skillet or saucepan
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small bowl
  • Steamer or pot (for blanching)

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (or 16 oz frozen, thawed and drained)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 medium yellow onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 ounce)
  • 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for extra tang)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese divided

Topping

  • 1/2 cup crushed butter crackers (like Ritz)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  • If using fresh broccoli, steam or blanch florets for 3-5 minutes until tender-crisp, then drain well.

Cooking

  • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then sauté the chopped onion for 5 minutes until softened.
  • Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, milk, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard (if using), salt, and black pepper, stirring until smooth.
  • Stir 1.5 cups of shredded cheddar cheese into the soup mixture.
  • Add the cooked broccoli florets, sautéed onion, and garlic to the bowl, then gently fold to coat evenly.
  • Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
  • In a small bowl, combine crushed butter crackers with melted butter.
  • Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the casserole, followed by the buttered cracker crumbs.
  • Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbling and the topping is golden brown and crispy.

Serving

  • Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture. You can also substitute the cheddar cheese with a blend of your favorite cheeses like Gruyère or Colby Jack.