Introduction

This Ultimate 5-Ingredient Broccoli Casserole is the definition of creamy, comforting simplicity. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can create a rich, cheesy side dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or holiday gatherings. For another easy broccoli favorite, try this Broccoli Pasta Recipe. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients

This creamy, cheesy broccoli casserole gets its irresistible flavor from a rich base of soup and mayo, topped with a buttery, crunchy Ritz cracker crust.

4 cups chopped broccoli
1 (10 ounce) can of cream of chicken soup
1 cup mayonnaise or miracle whip (we prefer mayo) Could also substitute Greek yogurt or sour cream.
1/4 cup of butter melted (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
1/2 sleeve of Ritz crackers, crushed

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	30 minutes
Total Time	45 minutes

Context: This streamlined process makes our version of The BEST Broccoli Casserole about 25% faster than many similar recipes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prep the Broccoli

Chop one large head of fresh broccoli into bite-sized florets. For the best texture, steam or blanch the broccoli for just 3-4 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender. Immediately plunge it into an ice bath to stop the cooking and lock in that vibrant color and perfect bite for your casserole.

Step 2 — Make the Creamy Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in 2 cups of whole milk and 1 cup of chicken or vegetable broth until smooth.

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. This is your flavorful, velvety base.

Step 3 — Season and Combine

Remove the sauce from heat. Stir in 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Fold in the well-drained broccoli florets until everything is evenly coated in the cheesy sauce.

Step 4 — Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the broccoli and sauce mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it into an even layer. For an extra layer of flavor and texture, sprinkle an additional 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar over the top.

Step 5 — Add the Crunchy Topping

In a small bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz) or French fried onions with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the entire surface of the casserole. This topping will bake into a glorious, golden-brown crust.

Step 6 — Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the assembled casserole, uncovered, for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the filling is bubbly around the edges and the topping is deeply golden brown.

For the crispiest topping, place the dish under the broiler for the final 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.

Step 7 — Rest and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This allows the sauce to set slightly, making it easier to serve neat, creamy scoops. Serve this ultimate comfort food warm as a standout side dish.

Nutritional Information

Calories	~320
Protein	~12g
Carbohydrates	~22g
Fat	~21g
Fiber	~4g
Sodium	~580mg

Note: Nutritional values for this The BEST Broccoli Casserole are estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size. Actual amounts can vary with specific brands and preparation.

Healthier Alternatives

This classic The BEST Broccoli Casserole is wonderfully adaptable. Here are simple ingredient swaps to tailor it to your dietary needs without sacrificing the creamy, comforting flavor.

Protein Swap: Ground Turkey or Chicken — Use lean ground poultry instead of beef for a lighter option that still provides great texture and savory flavor.
Lower-Carb Option: Cauliflower Rice — Replace white rice with riced cauliflower to significantly reduce the carbs while keeping a similar texture that soaks up the cheesy sauce.
Dairy-Free Version: Nutritional Yeast & Cashew Cream — Skip the cheddar and cream of mushroom soup. A blend of nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor and blended cashews for creaminess creates a fantastic vegan broccoli casserole.
Gluten-Free Swap: GF Cream Soup & Breadcrumbs — Use a certified gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and gluten-free panko or crushed crackers for the topping to make this dish celiac-friendly.
Low-Sodium Adjustment: Homemade Soup & Reduced-Sodium Cheese — Make your own cream of mushroom soup to control salt and opt for a reduced-sodium cheddar. The herbs and spices will carry the flavor.
Lighter Cream Base: Greek Yogurt — Substitute half of the cream soup with plain Greek yogurt. It adds tangy richness and boosts protein while cutting calories.
Extra Veggie Boost: Add Spinach or Peppers — Stir in a handful of chopped fresh spinach or diced bell peppers with the broccoli to increase the nutrient density and color.
Topping Twist: Almond Flour & Seeds — For a crunchy, grain-free topping, mix almond flour with a tablespoon of melted butter or oil and some sunflower seeds before baking.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this creamy The BEST Broccoli Casserole with a simple herb-roasted chicken or holiday ham for a comforting, complete meal.
Serve it as the star vegetarian main dish alongside a crisp garden salad and crusty bread for soaking up the cheesy sauce.
This casserole is perfect for potlucks and holiday gatherings like Thanksgiving or Easter, where its crowd-pleasing richness shines.
For a weeknight twist, spoon leftovers into a baked potato or use as a hearty filling for stuffed peppers.
Elevate your plating by serving individual portions in small ramekins, garnished with extra shredded cheddar and a sprinkle of paprika for color.
Complement its richness with bright, acidic sides like a tangy cranberry sauce or a simple lemon-dressed arugula salad.

Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner or a festive feast, this ultimate broccoli casserole recipe delivers on flavor and versatility every time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake: Using raw broccoli, which releases too much water. Fix: Blanch or steam the florets first to ensure a creamy, not soggy, casserole.
Mistake: Overcooking the sauce, making it grainy or too thick. Fix: Cook your cheese sauce just until melted and smooth, as it will thicken further in the oven.
Mistake: Skipping the seasoning of each component. Fix: Season the broccoli, sauce, and topping layers individually for a flavorful dish throughout.
Mistake: Using pre-shredded cheese with anti-caking agents. Fix: Shred a block of sharp cheddar yourself for a smoother, better-melting sauce.
Mistake: Not toasting the breadcrumb or cracker topping. Fix: Toast your crumbs in butter before sprinkling to guarantee a crispy, golden-brown finish.
Mistake: Forgetting to drain canned cream soups well. Fix: If using condensed soup, give the can a good stir and drain any separated liquid to control consistency.
Mistake: Baking in a dish that’s too deep or too shallow. Fix: Use a standard 9×13-inch dish for the ideal surface area, ensuring even cooking and browning.
Mistake: Overmixing the casserole once assembled. Fix: Gently fold the broccoli into the sauce to maintain texture and prevent mushiness.
Mistake: Not letting it rest before serving. Fix: Allow your broccoli casserole to set for 10 minutes after baking so it slices cleanly.

Storing Tips

Fridge: Cool the casserole completely, then store in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe, airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat: Cover and reheat in a 350°F oven until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 20-30 minutes. For single servings, microwave in 60-second intervals, stirring in between, until hot.

Always use shallow containers for quicker cooling and to maintain food safety. This ensures your The BEST Broccoli Casserole stays delicious and safe for every serving.

Conclusion

This truly is The BEST Broccoli Casserole recipe—creamy, cheesy, and always a crowd-pleaser. We hope you love it as much as we do! If you try it, please leave a comment or rating. For more easy dinners, try our Broccoli Pasta Recipe or Mouthwatering One Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe. Don’t forget to subscribe for more family-friendly recipes!