This creamy Broccoli Casserole will be a hit at your next potluck!
Growing up in the Midwest, I’ve eaten my fair share of casseroles, especially at our church’s Sunday potluck. At the time, I wasn’t a fan, but I’d still let the nice old ladies scoop a pile or two on my plate. Over the years, my palate has grown to love the comforting simplicity of casseroles. Those old church ladies were onto something. This broccoli casserole recipe is for them, and anyone else who enjoys a good, old-fashioned potluck.
Broccoli casserole is all about the creaminess. The recipe calls for cream of mushroom and mayo as a simple yet flavorful base. Couple that with the cheesy, crispy breadcrumb topping, and you might find yourself indulging in more than one serving. It’s the perfect side for parties, holiday get-togethers, or for no particular reason at all—because sometimes you just need to have a casserole, right?
Is Broccoli Casserole Healthy?
While broccoli is packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, broccoli casserole is far from fat-free. The cream of mushroom, mayo, and cheese add a decent dose of fat to this dish. While I think it’s okay to occasionally indulge, there are some simple steps you can take to shave some calories.
For one, pick low-fat varieties of the core ingredients. Low-fat cheese and mayo aren’t hard to find. There’s even a low-fat cream of mushroom soup. Better yet, make a homemade version of the cream of mushroom soup using fresh mushrooms and a light cream base. Or, if you’re that concerned with the calorie count, keep it real simple and just make this Healthy Broccoli Casserole recipe instead.
The Perfect Breadcrumb Topping
I’d argue that this broccoli casserole is nothing without its breadcrumb topping. And to get the most out of your topping, you need the perfect mix of butter and breadcrumbs. As long as you follow the recipe, you should be okay. However, I do have a couple of add-ons that’ll make your topping even better. The first being panko breadcrumbs. I usually mix in about a half-cup. It gives the topping an extra crunch. I also like to add about a quarter cup of Parmesan cheese. The cheese browns really nicely, and its sharp flavor complements the cheddar. Give it a try, and let me know in the comments if it worked for you!
How to make ahead and store
You can prepare the casserole filling up to a day in advance. However, don’t make the breadcrumb topping until you’re ready to bake. Leftovers should be fine in your fridge for up to 3 days.
Serving Suggestions
It’s true that broccoli casserole complements Thanksgiving favorites like roasted turkey, Mashed Potatoes and Green Beans, but you don’t need to save it for the holidays. Broccoli casserole complements Lemon Roasted Chicken and Beef Brisket just as well. I’ve also served it alongside Pork Chops. All this to say, broccoli casserole is a culinary chameleon that’ll pair with practically any comfort food. You really can’t go wrong!
Ingredients
- 6 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup 10.5 oz
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons dried minced onion
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese freshly grated
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, eggs, and minced onion until well combined. Stir in the grated cheddar cheese.
- Add the broccoli florets to the bowl and toss to coat evenly with the sauce mixture. Transfer the broccoli mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter until well combined. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the broccoli.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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