Broccoli With Cheese
Creamy and cheesy broccoli casserole combines tender cooked broccoli with rich cheese, mushroom soup, and crunchy Ritz crackers. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, it offers a comforting taste with a blend of savory flavors and a crispy topping that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and spray a baking dish with nonstick spray or lightly grease it.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked broccoli, mayonnaise, beaten eggs, melted butter, cream of mushroom soup, sliced water chestnuts, and Velveeta cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix everything well until thoroughly combined.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle crushed Ritz crackers over the top of the casserole.
- Sprinkle paprika over the crackers for color.
- Cover and refrigerate if preparing a day ahead.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
- Serve warm and enjoy the cheesy broccoli dish.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting Greek yogurt for mayonnaise, which provides a tangy taste and reduces calories. If you don't have Velveeta, any creamy cheese like cheddar or Monterey Jack will work. To enhance the dish, add cooked bacon or diced onions to the broccoli mixture. For a gluten-free alternative, use crushed gluten-free crackers instead of Ritz.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cheesy broccoli dish as a comforting side for grilled meats or roasted chicken. It pairs beautifully with American recipes like meatloaf or barbecue ribs. For a complete meal, consider adding a fresh salad or serving it alongside baked potatoes for a hearty dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to retain moisture. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Broccoli With Cheese contains roughly 750 calories, with 7g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 57g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (41% of the Daily Value) and iron (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 523mg per serving (23% 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 fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh broccoli! Just steam or blanch it until tender before mixing it with the other ingredients. Fresh broccoli may require a shorter cooking time in the oven, so keep an eye on it to prevent overcooking.
Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, simply pop it in the oven without the need to thaw. This makes it a perfect dish for gatherings or busy weeknights.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To keep this dish vegetarian, ensure that the cream of mushroom soup is meat-free. You can also add more vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor. This recipe is a great fit for vegetarian recipes, making it a delicious option for all diets.
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).