Broccoli Vegetable Casserole
A comforting broccoli casserole featuring seasoned croutons, melted cheese, and a savory mushroom sauce, perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Toss seasoned croutons with melted margarine and set aside.
- Cook frozen broccoli until half done; leave a little crisp, then drain.
- Combine condensed mushroom soup and shredded cheese until the cheese melts.
- Stir the cooked broccoli into the soup and cheese mixture.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and cover with the prepared croutons.
- Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes or until bubbling.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using garlic powder or Italian seasoning when tossing the croutons with margarine. If you prefer a healthier option, substitute the margarine with olive oil. You can also use fresh broccoli if you have it on hand; just blanch it before adding it to the casserole. For a creamier texture, mix in a bit of sour cream or cream cheese with the soup and cheese mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this casserole as a hearty side dish alongside roasted chicken or grilled fish for a well-rounded meal. It also pairs beautifully with Mr. Jackson'S Barbecue Sauce for a flavorful twist. Consider a fresh garden salad on the side to balance the richness of the casserole, or enjoy it as a vegetarian main dish with a slice of crusty bread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F, cover the casserole with foil to prevent drying out, and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Broccoli Vegetable Casserole contains roughly 860 calories, with 13g protein, 67g carbohydrates, and 61g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (40% of the Daily Value), protein (25% of the Daily Value), and iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1338mg per serving (58% 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 make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Simply assemble it and store it in the refrigerator without baking. When ready to serve, bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it heats thoroughly.
What cheese works best for this dish?
Cheddar cheese is a popular choice for its meltability and flavor, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or a blend for a unique taste. Just ensure that the cheese melts well to create a creamy texture in the casserole.
Can I add other vegetables to this casserole?
Absolutely! You can enhance this dish by adding vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or cauliflower. Just ensure they are cooked to a similar tenderness as the broccoli before mixing them into the casserole for even cooking.
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).