Broccoli Cheddar Bacon Casserole

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 8
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This Broccoli Cheddar Bacon Casserole brings together the comforting flavors of cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and tender broccoli. It's a hearty dish perfect for family dinners or potlucks, offering a satisfying bite with every spoonful.

Ingredients for Broccoli Cheddar Bacon Casserole

The star of this dish is broccoli, providing a nutritious and vibrant base. Cheddar cheese adds richness and a tangy depth, while bacon brings a crispy, smoky flavor. The sour cream and mayonnaise create a creamy sauce that ties everything together. Cream cheese adds an extra layer of smoothness. Garlic powder and onion powder enhance the flavor profile, and a touch of black pepper and salt seasons the dish perfectly. For a crunchy topping, Ritz crackers mixed with butter provide a buttery, golden finish.

Tips & Tricks

  • For extra crispiness, broil the casserole for the last 2 minutes, but keep a close eye on it.
  • To save time, pre-cook the bacon and store it in the fridge until needed.
  • If you prefer a stronger cheese flavor, mix in some sharp cheddar or even a bit of Parmesan.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette. You can also serve it alongside roasted chicken or grilled steak for a more substantial meal. For a cozy family dinner, pair it with a loaf of crusty bread to soak up every last bit of the creamy sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, just make sure to thaw and drain it well before using to avoid excess moisture.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Simply omit the bacon or replace it with a plant-based bacon alternative.
What can I use instead of Ritz crackers?
Panko breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes are great alternatives for the topping.

Broccoli Cheddar Bacon Casserole Recipe Walkthrough

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that's warming up, cook six strips of bacon in a skillet until they're nice and crispy — then set them aside to cool before crumbling. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil and toss in the broccoli florets. Let them cook for about 3-4 minutes until they're just tender but still have a bit of bite. Drain them well.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, and softened cream cheese. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Stir until everything is smooth and well mixed. Fold the cooked broccoli into this creamy mixture, followed by the cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon. Make sure everything is evenly coated.

Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish lightly. Pour the broccoli mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly. In a separate small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until the crumbs are nicely coated. Sprinkle this buttery topping over the casserole.

Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and bubbling. Let it cool slightly before serving so the flavors meld and the casserole sets a bit.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • A delicious way to enjoy broccoli, even for picky eaters.
  • Combines classic flavors of cheddar, bacon, and creamy sauce.
  • Simple to make with everyday ingredients.
  • Perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

4 cups broccoli florets
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
6 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers
2 tablespoons butter, melted

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the bacon strips in a skillet until crispy, then crumble and set aside.
3. In a large pot of boiling water, cook the broccoli florets for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp, then drain and set aside.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.
5. Fold in the cooked broccoli, cheddar cheese, and crumbled bacon into the mixture.
6. Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
7. In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter, then sprinkle over the casserole.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
9. Let it cool slightly before serving.

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