A creamy, cheesy, and comforting casserole with tender broccoli florets, perfect as a side dish or a hearty vegetarian meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 (10-ounce) packages frozen broccoli florets, thawed and drained
- 1 (10.75-ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken or celery)
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 sleeve of Ritz crackers, crushed (about 1 1/2 cups)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare Broccoli: Thaw the frozen broccoli florets and drain them thoroughly. You can gently squeeze out excess water.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, shredded cheese, and chopped onion. Mix well.
- Add Broccoli: Add the drained broccoli florets to the cheese mixture and stir gently to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Prepare Cracker Topping: In a separate small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter. Mix until the crackers are evenly coated.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the broccoli mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the cracker topping evenly over the broccoli mixture.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
Variations and Tips:
- Cheese: You can experiment with different cheeses, such as pepper jack, Colby, or Gruyere.
- Vegetables: Add other vegetables like chopped carrots, cauliflower, or bell peppers.
- Protein: Add cooked chicken, ham, or bacon for a heartier casserole.
- Spices: Add a dash of garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika for extra flavor.
- Creaminess: For an extra creamy casserole, add 1/4 cup of sour cream or heavy cream to the cheese mixture.
- Fresh Broccoli: Fresh broccoli can be used. Just make sure to steam or blanch it until tender-crisp before adding it to the casserole.
- Make ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated. Add the cracker topping just before baking