If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, comforting dish that feels like a warm hug, this Broccoli Casserole Recipe is an absolute winner. It brings together tender broccoli, creamy soup, tangy sour cream, and sharp cheddar cheese with a buttery, crispy stuffing topping that bakes up golden and irresistible. Whether you’re looking to brighten up a weeknight dinner or add a crowd-pleaser to your holiday table, this recipe hits all the right notes with its blend of flavors and textures that make every bite delightful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward creating this delicious Broccoli Casserole Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role in building its rich flavor and inviting texture, so keeping things simple and quality-focused really shines through.
- Broccoli cuts: About 32 ounces, thawed—provides the fresh, vibrant green base packed with nutrients and a tender bite.
- Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup: 10.5 ounces—adds creamy, savory moisture that binds everything together perfectly without overpowering.
- Sour cream: 1 cup—introduces a subtle tang and luscious creaminess that balances the cheese and soup.
- Onion powder: ¼ teaspoon—a gentle hint of savory onion flavor that enhances depth without sharpness.
- Garlic salt: ¼ teaspoon—a quick way to layer in aromatic garlic and seasoning.
- Pepper: ¼ teaspoon or to taste—provides a mild kick and rounds out the savory profile.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: 1½ cups—gives richness, melted gooeyness, and a sharp bite that makes the casserole crave-worthy.
- Stuffing mix: 6 ounces uncooked—creates the wonderfully crunchy, buttery topping that contrasts the creamy broccoli base.
- Chicken broth: 1 cup—moistens the stuffing topping so it bakes perfectly crisp yet tender underneath.
How to Make Broccoli Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to keep every bite from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Broccoli Base
In a large bowl, combine the thawed broccoli, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, onion powder, garlic salt, pepper, and shredded cheddar cheese. This mixture is the heart of your Broccoli Casserole Recipe—each ingredient blending into a creamy, flavorful base that’s bursting with comforting goodness.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the broccoli mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. This creates a solid, creamy layer primed for the delicious crust to follow. Next, sprinkle the uncooked stuffing mix generously over the top—this will bake into a crispy, buttery crowning glory.
Step 4: Add Broth and Bake
Pour the chicken broth evenly over the stuffing mix so it absorbs just enough moisture to become tender yet crisp. Slide the casserole into the oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes until bubbly and the stuffing topping turns a gorgeous golden brown. Your kitchen will soon smell like pure comfort!
How to Serve Broccoli Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
For a fresh and colorful finish, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives over the hot casserole right before serving. The green pop of herbs not only brightens the dish visually but also adds a touch of freshness that balances the rich flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Broccoli Casserole Recipe pairs wonderfully with roasted meats like chicken or turkey, offering a creamy vegetable side that complements savory mains. For a lighter balance, serve alongside a crisp garden salad or garlic bread to soak up every last bit of cheesy yum.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to jazz it up? Serve this casserole in individual ramekins for personalized portions or add a sprinkle of crispy bacon or toasted almonds on top for extra texture and flavor twists. Using vibrant serving dishes always entices the eye, making this humble casserole feel special and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors meld nicely overnight, and you’ll find the casserole is just as satisfying when reheated the next day.
Freezing
This Broccoli Casserole Recipe freezes well if you want to prepare ahead or save some for later. Freeze it in a freezer-safe dish before baking, then thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed for best texture and taste.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350ºF for about 20 minutes to maintain the crispy topping and warm center. Microwaving works in a pinch, but you may lose some of the crunch and creaminess that make this casserole standout.
FAQs
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Just blanch fresh broccoli in boiling water for a couple of minutes, then drain and cool before mixing. It will keep that wonderful bright green color and tender-crisp texture.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Broccoli Casserole Recipe?
Yes! Substitute the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup, and use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth for a tasty vegetarian alternative.
Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Definitely. Use a gluten-free stuffing mix and make sure the soups and broth also don’t contain gluten. Many brands offer gluten-free options that work well here.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This Broccoli Casserole Recipe comfortably serves six, making it perfect for families or small gatherings without a lot of leftovers.
Can I add other vegetables or proteins to this casserole?
Feel free to get creative! Diced cooked chicken, mushrooms, or even a handful of cooked rice or quinoa can bulk it up and add exciting variety. Just adjust seasoning as needed.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you make this Broccoli Casserole Recipe, it will become one of your go-to favorites for any occasion that calls for comfort food done right. It’s easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and hits that perfect spot of creamy, cheesy, and crunchy that everyone loves. So roll up your sleeves and get ready to enjoy a dish that feels like home in every bite!
Print
Broccoli Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
- Total Time: 40-50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting and easy-to-make Broccoli Casserole combining tender broccoli, creamy chicken soup, sour cream, and sharp cheddar cheese, topped with a crunchy stuffing mix, baked to golden perfection. Perfect as a hearty side dish for family dinners or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Broccoli Mixture
- 1 (32-oz) package broccoli cuts, thawed
- 1 (10.5-oz) can unsalted cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp garlic salt
- ¼ tsp pepper, or to taste
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Topping
- 1 (6-oz) box stuffing mix (uncooked)
- 1 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Mix Broccoli Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the thawed broccoli cuts, unsalted cream of chicken soup, sour cream, onion powder, garlic salt, pepper, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir everything together until the mixture is evenly combined and the cheese is well distributed.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the broccoli mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Add Stuffing Topping: Sprinkle the uncooked stuffing mix evenly over the broccoli mixture. Then pour the chicken broth evenly across the top of the stuffing. The broth will moisten the stuffing as it bakes, creating a crispy and flavorful topping.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through, bubbly around the edges, and the stuffing topping is golden brown and crisp.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the casserole to set slightly for easier portioning.
Notes
- Use thawed broccoli to ensure even cooking and prevent excess moisture in the casserole.
- If you prefer a vegetarian casserole, substitute the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- For a lower sodium version, choose low-sodium soup and broth and adjust seasoning accordingly.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Feel free to add cooked chicken pieces for a protein boost and to make it a complete meal.
