If you're looking for a cozy, comforting dish that brings together the goodness of veggies and the creaminess of cheese, this Traditional Broccoli Casserole is just the ticket. It's a crowd-pleaser that's perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings. Plus, it's easy to assemble and bake!
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready to go once your casserole is assembled. Next, you’ll want to blanch the broccoli. Bring a pot of water to a boil, toss in the broccoli florets, and let them cook for a quick 3 minutes. This step is essential for keeping the broccoli bright and vibrant. Drain them well and set them aside.
In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and milk. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir these together until you have a smooth mixture. Now, gently fold in the blanched broccoli and 3/4 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Make sure everything is well coated.
Grease a casserole dish with a little butter or non-stick spray, and pour your broccoli mixture into it, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top for that extra cheesy goodness. In a separate bowl, mix the crushed butter crackers with the melted butter until the crackers are thoroughly coated. This will be your crunchy topping, so sprinkle it evenly over the casserole.
Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving; this helps the flavors meld together and makes it easier to serve.
This casserole pairs beautifully with roasted chicken or a simple grilled steak. For a vegetarian meal, serve it alongside a hearty salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness. It's also a great side for Thanksgiving dinner, complementing turkey and cranberry sauce perfectly.
The star of this dish is, of course, the broccoli. Fresh florets bring a vibrant green color and a tender bite after being blanched. The cheddar cheese adds a rich, sharp flavor that pairs beautifully with the veggies. We use cream of mushroom soup as the creamy base, giving the casserole its classic, comforting texture. Sour cream adds a tangy richness, while a splash of milk keeps everything smooth and cohesive. For the topping, butter crackers combined with melted butter provide a satisfying crunch. A sprinkle of garlic powder and onion powder adds depth, and of course, a bit of salt and pepper to taste rounds out the flavors.
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