Introduction

This Ultimate 5-Ingredient Broccoli Casserole is the creamy, comforting side dish you need in your recipe rotation. It’s incredibly simple to throw together with just a handful of pantry staples, making it perfect for busy weeknights or holiday gatherings. For another quick broccoli favorite, try this Broccoli Pasta Recipe. This easy casserole delivers rich, cheesy flavor and a satisfying texture every time.

Ingredients

This creamy, cheesy broccoli casserole gets its irresistible flavor from a rich, savory base and a buttery, crunchy topping.

4 cups chopped broccoli
1 (10 ounce) can of cream of chicken soup
1 cup mayonnaise or Miracle Whip (we prefer mayo; could also substitute Greek yogurt or sour cream)
1/4 cup of butter, melted (1/2 stick)
2 large eggs, slightly beaten
1/2 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 1/2 cups extra sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 sleeve of Ritz crackers, crushed

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	30 minutes
Total Time	45 minutes

Context: This streamlined process makes our version of The BEST Broccoli Casserole about 25% faster than many similar recipes, getting you from prep to table in under an hour.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prep the Broccoli

Cut one large head of fresh broccoli into bite-sized florets. For the best texture and to ensure even cooking, try to keep the pieces roughly the same size. You can also use frozen broccoli florets that have been completely thawed and patted very dry.

Step 2 — Cook the Broccoli

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and blanch them for just 2-3 minutes until they turn bright green and are tender-crisp. Immediately drain and plunge the broccoli into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process, which locks in the vibrant color and perfect texture.

Step 3 — Make the Creamy Sauce

In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in 2 cups of whole milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue cooking and whisking until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 3-5 minutes.

Step 4 — Season and Combine

Remove the sauce from the heat. Stir in 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan, 1 cup of sour cream, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Fold in the well-drained broccoli florets and 1 cup of cooked rice (optional for a heartier casserole) until everything is evenly coated.

Step 5 — Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the creamy broccoli mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and spread it into an even layer. For the iconic crispy topping, in a small bowl, combine 1 cup of crushed Ritz crackers (or similar buttery crackers) with 2 tablespoons of melted butter and 1/4 cup of additional Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the entire casserole.

Step 6 — Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the assembled broccoli casserole, uncovered, for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the filling is bubbly around the edges and the buttery cracker topping is a deep golden brown. For extra browning on top, you can broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.

Step 7 — Rest and Serve

Once out of the oven, let The BEST Broccoli Casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly, making it easier to scoop and ensuring it holds its shape on the plate. Serve it warm as the ultimate comforting side dish.

Nutritional Information

Calories	~320
Protein	~12g
Carbohydrates	~20g
Fat	~22g
Fiber	~3g
Sodium	~580mg
Vitamin C	~70% DV
Calcium	~15% DV

Note: Nutritional values for this Broccoli Casserole are estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size; actual values may vary with specific brands and preparation.

Healthier Alternatives

This classic The BEST Broccoli Casserole is wonderfully adaptable. Here are simple ingredient swaps to tailor it to different dietary needs without sacrificing the creamy, comforting flavor.

Protein Alternative — Swap the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom or celery soup to make a vegetarian broccoli casserole.
Lower-Carb Option — Replace the traditional Ritz cracker topping with crushed pork rinds or almond flour mixed with melted butter for a satisfying crunch.
Dairy-Free Version — Use a plant-based cream soup, vegan butter, and a dairy-free shredded cheese alternative for a rich, melty result.
Gluten-Free Adaptation — Ensure your cream soup is certified gluten-free and use gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs for the topping.
Low-Sodium Twist — Opt for low-sodium or no-salt-added cream soup and reduced-sodium cheese to control salt content.
Lighter Creaminess — Substitute full-fat sour cream and mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or light sour cream for a tangy, protein-rich creaminess.
Extra Veggie Boost — Add finely chopped cauliflower or sautéed mushrooms to the broccoli filling for more fiber and nutrients.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy, cheesy The BEST Broccoli Casserole is a versatile side dish that complements a wide range of meals. Here are our top ideas for pairings, occasions, and presentation.

Perfect Pairings

Classic Holiday Feast: Serve alongside a roast turkey or glazed ham, mashed potatoes, and dinner rolls for a comforting holiday spread.
Weeknight Protein: Pair with simple baked chicken breasts, pan-seared pork chops, or grilled salmon for a balanced, satisfying dinner.
Potluck Star: Its crowd-pleasing nature makes it ideal for potlucks, picnics, or church suppers. Transport it in its baking dish for easy serving.

Ideal Occasions

Thanksgiving & Christmas: A must-have side dish that often steals the show from the main course.
Family Reunions & Buffets: It holds well on a warming tray and appeals to both kids and adults.
Comfort Food Night: Elevate a simple weeknight meal into something special and nostalgic.

Plating & Presentation Tips

For the best presentation, serve this broccoli casserole directly from the oven while the cheese is bubbly. Use a large spoon or serving spatula to scoop out generous portions, ensuring you get layers of the creamy filling and the golden, buttery cracker topping in every serving. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color that makes this classic dish look restaurant-worthy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake: Using frozen broccoli without thawing and draining it. Fix: Thaw completely and squeeze out excess water to prevent a soggy, watery casserole.
Mistake: Overcooking the broccoli before baking. Fix: Blanch or steam just until bright green and tender-crisp; it will finish cooking in the oven.
Mistake: Skipping the step of toasting the breadcrumb or cracker topping. Fix: Toast them lightly in butter first for a deep golden, crunchy finish that won’t burn.
Mistake: Using a low-fat cream soup or cheese. Fix: Full-fat ingredients are essential for a rich, creamy sauce that binds properly and doesn’t separate.
Mistake: Not seasoning each component layer. Fix: Season the broccoli, the sauce, and the topping separately to build flavor depth in every bite.
Mistake: Undermixing the sauce and broccoli. Fix: Ensure every floret is evenly coated with the creamy sauce for a consistent texture throughout.
Mistake: Baking in a dish that’s too deep or too shallow. Fix: Use a standard 9×13-inch dish for the ideal surface area to achieve the perfect crispy-to-creamy ratio.
Mistake: Cutting and serving the casserole immediately after baking. Fix: Let it rest for 10-15 minutes so the sauce sets, making it easier to slice and serve neatly.

Storing Tips

Fridge: Cool the casserole completely, then cover tightly or transfer to an airtight container. It will keep for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat: Reheat individual servings in the microwave until steaming hot. For the whole dish, cover with foil and bake at 350°F until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 20-30 minutes.

For the best texture and food safety, avoid leaving your broccoli casserole at room temperature for more than two hours.

Conclusion

I hope you love this creamy, cheesy The BEST Broccoli Casserole as much as we do! It’s the perfect comforting side dish for any gathering. If you’re looking for more easy broccoli recipes, try this Broccoli Pasta Recipe. Give it a try and let me know what you think in the comments!