Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe

Broccoli florets: Fresh or frozen, these provide the main vegetable component of the casserole.

Cheddar cheese: Shredded, it adds a rich, cheesy flavor to the dish.

Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and helps bind the ingredients together.

Condensed cream of mushroom soup: Provides a creamy base and enhances the overall flavor.

Eggs: Beaten, they help to set the casserole and give it structure.

Crushed crackers: Used for the topping, adding a crunchy texture.

Butter: Melted, it combines with the crackers to create a golden, crispy topping.

When preparing the broccoli, make sure to blanch it first if using fresh florets. This involves briefly boiling the broccoli for 2-3 minutes and then plunging it into ice water to stop the cooking process. This technique helps maintain the vibrant green color and ensures the broccoli is tender but not mushy in the final casserole.

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

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

• mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt offers a similar creamy consistency with added protein and less fat.

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

• beaten eggs - Substitute with flaxseed meal and water mixture: Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water per egg. This works as a binding agent and is suitable for those avoiding eggs.

• crushed crackers - Substitute with panko breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs offer a similar crunchy topping and can be seasoned to taste.

• butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil provides a similar richness and helps in browning the topping, with a slightly different flavor profile.

• To store your broccoli cheese casserole, first allow it to cool completely at room temperature. This prevents condensation from forming inside the storage container, which can make the casserole soggy.
• Once cooled, transfer the casserole to an airtight container. If you prefer, you can also cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
• Place the container in the refrigerator. The casserole will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
• For longer storage, consider freezing the casserole. To do this, first line your baking dish with aluminum foil, leaving enough overhang to cover the top later.
• Assemble the casserole as directed, but do not bake it. Instead, cover the top with the overhanging foil and place the dish in the freezer until the casserole is solid, usually about 2-3 hours.
• Once frozen, lift the casserole out of the dish using the foil overhang. Wrap it tightly in additional foil or plastic wrap, then place it in a large freezer bag or airtight container. This method prevents freezer burn and keeps the casserole fresh for up to 2-3 months.
• When you're ready to enjoy your frozen broccoli cheese casserole, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. This slow thawing process helps maintain the texture and flavor.
• After thawing, bake the casserole as directed in the original recipe, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through.
• If you have leftovers after baking, you can store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the oven until warmed through.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover broccoli cheese casserole in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until it is heated through and bubbly. For a crispy topping, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of reheating.

• Microwave Method: Transfer a portion of the casserole to a microwave-safe dish. Cover it with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Continue heating in 1-minute increments if needed, until the casserole is hot.

• Stovetop Method: Place the leftover broccoli cheese casserole in a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of milk or cream to help maintain its creamy texture. Stir occasionally and heat until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an air fryer-safe dish. Heat for 10-15 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure it doesn't overcook. This method will help maintain a crispy topping.

• Toaster Oven Method: Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the broccoli cheese casserole in a toaster oven-safe dish. Cover with aluminum foil and heat for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp up the topping.

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

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl to combine the broccoli, cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, cream of mushroom soup, and beaten eggs.

• Baking dish: A greased dish to transfer the mixed ingredients into for baking.

• Small bowl: Used to combine the crushed crackers and melted butter for the topping.

• Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the broccoli, cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and crackers.

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

• Whisk: Used to beat the eggs before adding them to the mixture.

• Spatula: Helpful for mixing the ingredients together and transferring the mixture to the baking dish.

• Knife: If using fresh broccoli, a knife is needed to cut the broccoli into florets.

• Cutting board: A surface to cut the broccoli on if using fresh broccoli.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the melted butter for the topping.

• Oven mitts: Important for safely handling the hot baking dish when removing it from the oven.

Use pre-cut broccoli: Save time by using pre-cut broccoli florets from the store instead of cutting fresh ones.

Shredded cheese: Buy pre-shredded cheddar cheese to avoid the extra step of shredding it yourself.

Ready-made topping: Use pre-crushed crackers or breadcrumbs to skip the crushing step.

Microwave broccoli: Quickly steam broccoli in the microwave instead of boiling it on the stove.

One-bowl mixing: Mix all ingredients in one large mixing bowl to reduce cleanup time.