Easy Broccoli Cheese & Cracker Casserole Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that’s both comfort food and crowd-pleaser, this Broccoli Cheese & Cracker Casserole is your new best friend in the kitchen. Deliciously creamy and packed with tender broccoli, melted cheese, and a crunchy cracker topping, this recipe is a breeze to put together yet feels like a warm, homemade hug. Whether you’re feeding a busy family or bringing a dish to a potluck, this Broccoli Cheese & Cracker Casserole hits all the right notes, blending savory flavors and satisfying textures into one irresistible meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Made with simple ingredients that come together in under an hour for stress-free cooking.
• Family Favorite: The cheesy, creamy goodness appeals to kids and adults alike, making dinner time a win.
• Crunchy Topping: The cracker topping adds a satisfying crunch that contrasts perfectly with the soft casserole base.
• Versatile Dish: Works great as a main, side dish, or potluck contribution.
• Nutritious Boost: Loaded with broccoli, it’s a sneaky way to add vitamins and fiber to your meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple but essential ingredients ensures your Broccoli Cheese & Cracker Casserole has the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and crunchy textures with fresh and comforting flavors.

• Fresh broccoli: Chopped into bite-sized florets for a tender and nutrient-packed base.
• Sharp cheddar cheese: Provides rich, tangy flavor that melts beautifully throughout the dish.
• Crackers: Crushed for that golden, crunchy topping that seals the deal.
• Cream of mushroom soup: Adds creaminess and depth without fuss.
• Sour cream: Brings a smooth, tangy element that enhances the casserole’s texture.
• Butter: Used in the cracker topping for a golden, flavorful crust.
• Onion powder and garlic powder: Simple seasonings that boost savory notes without overpowering.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing flavors and seasoning to taste.

Variations for Broccoli Cheese & Cracker Casserole

Feel free to customize this recipe based on your pantry, dietary needs, or flavor cravings—Broccoli Cheese & Cracker Casserole is very forgiving and welcoming to creative twists.

• Protein boost: Add cooked diced chicken or ham for a heartier main dish.
• Dairy-free option: Substitute non-dairy cheese and sour cream to accommodate lactose intolerance.
• Crunch upgrade: Use crushed seasoned crackers or panko breadcrumbs for different textures.
• Veggie mix: Toss in chopped cauliflower, carrots, or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.
• Spicy kick: Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to add a little heat.

How to Make Broccoli Cheese & Cracker Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the broccoli

Start by steaming the fresh broccoli florets until they are just tender but still have a slight crunch—this keeps them from becoming mushy in the casserole.

Step 2: Mix the creamy base

In a large bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well until you create a smooth, cheesy mixture.

Step 3: Combine broccoli and mixture

Fold the steamed broccoli into the creamy cheese mixture gently, ensuring every piece is coated without breaking up the florets.

Step 4: Prepare the cracker topping

Crush your favorite buttery crackers until crumbly and mix them with melted butter, then sprinkle this crumbly topping evenly over the broccoli and cheese mixture in the casserole dish.

Step 5: Bake until golden and bubbly

Place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbling around the edges.

Pro Tips for Making Broccoli Cheese & Cracker Casserole

• Choose fresh broccoli: Fresher broccoli holds up better and has a sweeter flavor than frozen for this casserole.
• Don’t overcook the broccoli: Slightly undercooked broccoli will finish perfectly in the oven without turning mushy.
• Use sharp cheese: Sharp cheddar offers the best flavor punch, but a blend with Monterey Jack can add creaminess.
• Even cracker topping: Spread cracker crumbs evenly and press lightly to avoid dry spots.
• Rest before serving: Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes post-baking to settle and make serving easier.

How to Serve Broccoli Cheese & Cracker Casserole

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions adds a pop of color and fresh flavor that brightens this rich dish beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted root vegetables to keep the meal balanced, or go all-in comfort with warm garlic bread to soak up every creamy bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this casserole in individual ramekins for charming personal servings or in a large rustic baking dish for a cozy family-style feel.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Broccoli Cheese & Cracker Casserole covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.

Freezing

This casserole freezes well—store it in a freezer-safe container before baking, then thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking for an easy make-ahead meal.

Reheating

Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or warm the whole casserole in a 350°F oven until heated through and the topping is crisp again.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, but be sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly to avoid excess moisture that could make the casserole watery.

What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?

You can substitute with cream of chicken soup or make a quick homemade white sauce for a fresher taste.

Can this recipe be made dairy-free?

Absolutely! Use dairy-free cheese alternatives, and replace sour cream with a plant-based yogurt or cream substitute.

How can I make this gluten-free?

Simply swap the crackers for gluten-free crackers or crushed nuts like almonds to keep the crunchy topping intact.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly before or after baking?

It’s best to freeze the casserole unbaked for easier storage and bake it when you’re ready to eat.

Final Thoughts

This Broccoli Cheese & Cracker Casserole is a delightful blend of creamy, cheesy goodness and crunchy texture that’s incredibly simple to prepare. Perfect for busy evenings or sharing with loved ones, it’s a recipe you’ll find yourself returning to again and again. Give it a try and bring some cheesy comfort to your dinner table tonight!

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