Barbara Poe'S Broccoli Casserole
A comforting broccoli casserole with cheesy, creamy flavors, topped with crunchy bread crumbs—perfect for family dinners and potlucks.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute chopped onion in butter.
- If using onion powder, skip sautéing.
- Steam the broccoli while cooking the rice.
- Mix onion, rice, broccoli, milk, and cream of chicken soup in a large bowl and stir well.
- Pour the mixture into a large Pyrex dish.
- Spread grated cheese and bread crumbs on top.
- Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding garlic or herbs like thyme or rosemary to the sautéed onions. If you don’t have cream of chicken soup, a homemade version with chicken broth and a roux could work well. You can also swap out the cheese for a sharper variety, or use a dairy-free alternative if needed. If using frozen broccoli, thaw and drain excess moisture to prevent a watery casserole.
Serving Suggestions
This broccoli casserole makes a delightful side dish to accompany grilled chicken or fish. It pairs beautifully with Chicken Glamorous for a comforting meal. For a complete dinner, serve it alongside a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables. You can also enjoy it as a hearty main dish for a vegetarian option.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover broccoli casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, covering with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Barbara Poe'S Broccoli Casserole contains roughly 921 calories, with 12g protein, 90g carbohydrates, and 57g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (31% of the Daily Value), protein (24% of the Daily Value), and calcium (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 700mg per serving (30% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other vegetables in this casserole?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like cauliflower, carrots, or bell peppers to customize the dish to your taste. Just ensure that they are cooked until tender before mixing them in to ensure even cooking.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make this broccoli casserole gluten-free by using gluten-free bread crumbs and ensuring that the cream of chicken soup is also gluten-free. Many brands offer gluten-free options that can be substituted without compromising flavor.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it with foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge to ensure it heats through evenly.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).