Broccoli Casserole Recipe

Broccoli florets: Fresh or frozen broccoli cut into small, bite-sized pieces.

Cheddar cheese: Shredded cheese that adds a rich, creamy flavor to the casserole.

Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and helps bind the ingredients together.

Cream of mushroom soup: A canned soup that provides a savory, creamy base for the casserole.

Eggs: Beaten eggs that help to set the casserole and add richness.

Cracker crumbs: Crushed crackers that create a crunchy topping for the casserole.

Butter: Melted butter that helps to bind the cracker crumbs and adds flavor.

To ensure your broccoli is perfectly tender in the casserole, blanch the broccoli florets in boiling water for 2-3 minutes before mixing them with the other ingredients. This step helps maintain a vibrant green color and a pleasant texture.

• broccoli florets - Substitute with cauliflower florets: Cauliflower has a similar texture and can absorb flavors well, making it a great alternative.

• cheddar cheese - Substitute with mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella melts well and provides a creamy texture, though it has a milder flavor compared to cheddar.

• mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt offers a tangy flavor and creamy consistency while being lower in fat and calories.

• cream of mushroom soup - Substitute with cream of chicken soup: Cream of chicken soup provides a similar creamy base with a different but complementary flavor.

• eggs - Substitute with flaxseed meal and water mixture: Mixing 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water per egg can act as a binding agent, suitable for those avoiding eggs.

• cracker crumbs - Substitute with panko breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs offer a similar crunchy texture and can be seasoned to taste.

• butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil provides a healthier fat option and can add a subtle flavor to the dish.

• Allow the broccoli casserole to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the dish soggy.

• Transfer the cooled casserole to an airtight container. If you prefer, you can also cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap.

• Store the casserole in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This ensures the broccoli and other ingredients remain fresh and flavorful.

• For longer storage, consider freezing the casserole. First, wrap the entire dish or individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil. This double layer helps prevent freezer burn.

• Label the container with the date and contents. This makes it easier to keep track of how long the casserole has been stored.

• When ready to enjoy, thaw the frozen casserole in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain the texture and flavor of the cheddar cheese and broccoli florets.

• Reheat the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. If reheating from frozen, you may need to extend the baking time by an additional 10-15 minutes.

• To keep the cracker crumbs topping crispy, consider reheating uncovered. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover it with foil during the last few minutes of reheating.

• For a quick reheating option, you can also use the microwave. Place a portion of the casserole on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a microwave-safe lid or another plate. Heat on medium power in 1-2 minute intervals until warmed through, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

• Enjoy your reheated broccoli casserole with a fresh side salad or a slice of garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover broccoli casserole in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the cracker crumbs topping from burning.
  4. Heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is warmed through and bubbly.
  5. For a crispy top, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of reheating.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Transfer a portion of the broccoli casserole to a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes.
  4. Stir the casserole halfway through to ensure even heating.
  5. Continue microwaving in 1-minute intervals until the casserole is heated through.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Place a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of butter or olive oil to the skillet.
  3. Add the leftover broccoli casserole to the skillet.
  4. Cover the skillet with a lid to trap the heat and moisture.
  5. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the casserole is warmed through.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover broccoli casserole in an air fryer-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the cracker crumbs topping from burning.
  4. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, checking halfway through.
  5. For a crispy top, remove the foil during the last 3-5 minutes of reheating.

• Oven: Used to bake the casserole at a consistent temperature of 350°F (175°C).

• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining the broccoli, cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, cream of mushroom soup, and beaten eggs.

• Baking dish: Holds the broccoli mixture while it bakes in the oven.

• Small bowl: Used to mix the cracker crumbs with the melted butter.

• Measuring cups: Necessary for accurately measuring the broccoli florets, cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and cracker crumbs.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the 2 tablespoons of melted butter.

• Whisk: Helps in beating the eggs before adding them to the mixture.

• Spatula: Useful for mixing the ingredients together and for spreading the mixture evenly in the baking dish.

• Knife: Needed to cut the broccoli into florets if not pre-cut.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for cutting the broccoli.

• Can opener: Required to open the can of cream of mushroom soup.

• Oven mitts: Protects your hands when placing the baking dish in the oven and when removing it after baking.

• Timer: Ensures the casserole is baked for the correct amount of time, 30 minutes.

Pre-cut the broccoli: Buy pre-cut broccoli florets to save time on chopping.

Use pre-shredded cheese: Opt for pre-shredded cheddar cheese to skip grating.

Ready-made soup: Use a can of cream of mushroom soup for convenience.

Cracker crumbs: Purchase pre-made cracker crumbs to avoid crushing them yourself.

Mix in one bowl: Combine all ingredients in one mixing bowl to reduce cleanup time.