If you're in the mood for a comforting, cheesy dish that sneaks in some healthy greens, this Creamy Broccoli Cheese Casserole is your answer. It's a cozy, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for family dinners or potlucks, combining the rich flavors of cheese and the subtle crunch of broccoli.
The star of this dish is obviously broccoli, providing both a nutritious base and a slight crunch. The shredded cheddar cheese adds a creamy, tangy flavor that melts beautifully into the dish. Sour cream and mayonnaise create a rich, smooth sauce that envelops the broccoli. Onions bring a hint of sweetness and depth, balancing the richness of the cheese and cream. Butter helps to bind the cracker topping, giving it a beautiful golden finish with the help of crushed Ritz crackers and grated Parmesan cheese. A touch of garlic powder, salt, and black pepper rounds out the flavors, making each bite savory and satisfying.
This casserole pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken or a simple grilled steak. For a vegetarian meal, serve it alongside a hearty grain salad or some garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce. A crisp, cold glass of white wine or apple cider can also complement its richness beautifully.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, so it's ready to go when you assemble the casserole. Next, steam 4 cups of fresh broccoli florets until they're just tender, which should take about 5 minutes. You want them to be bright green and still a little crisp, as they'll cook further in the oven. Once steamed, drain them well and set them aside to cool slightly.
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup of sour cream, 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, and 1/2 cup of chopped onions. Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Stir these together until you have a smooth, creamy mixture. Then, gently fold in the steamed broccoli, making sure each floret gets coated in the cheesy goodness.
Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking, and then transfer the broccoli and cheese mixture into it, spreading it out evenly. For the topping, melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, stir in 1 cup of crushed Ritz crackers and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until everything is well combined and the crumbs are nicely coated.
Evenly sprinkle this cracker mixture over the broccoli in the baking dish. Pop it in your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You'll know it's done when the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling away at the edges. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving so it sets up a bit.
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