This Creamy Broccoli Cheese Delight is your go-to comfort food when you need a simple, satisfying dish that's quick to whip up. It's loaded with cheesy goodness and balanced perfectly with fresh broccoli — a combination that's hard to resist.
Broccoli florets bring a fresh, earthy flavor and a satisfying crunch once cooked. Shredded cheddar cheese melts into a creamy, flavorful sauce that ties the dish together. Sour cream adds a tangy richness that enhances the overall flavor profile. The condensed cream of mushroom soup serves as the base of our sauce, providing a smooth texture and savory depth. A splash of milk helps to thin the sauce just enough to coat everything evenly. Buttery crackers add a crunchy topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling, while unsalted butter helps bind the topping and add richness. A pinch of salt, black pepper, and garlic powder rounds out the flavors without overpowering the dish.
This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple roasted chicken or grilled steak. For a lighter meal, serve alongside a fresh garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette. It's also great as part of a potluck spread, holding its own among a variety of dishes.
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This gives you enough time to prep your ingredients while the oven heats up. Next, steam your broccoli florets until they're just tender, which should take about five minutes. You want them to retain some bite, as they'll soften further in the oven.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, condensed cream of mushroom soup, and milk. Stir until these ingredients are well mixed. This mixture should be smooth and creamy, serving as a luscious coating for the broccoli.
Add your steamed broccoli to the cheese mixture. Gently fold everything together to ensure that each piece of broccoli is nicely coated. Be careful not to break the broccoli florets as you mix.
Pour the broccoli and cheese mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. In a small bowl, mix the crushed crackers with melted butter until the crumbs are well-coated. Sprinkle this evenly over the casserole. This will create a crunchy, golden topping that complements the creamy filling.
Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You'll know it's ready when the cheese is bubbly and the top is a delicious golden brown. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving, as this will help the casserole set slightly and make serving easier.
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