Denine'S Broccoli Casserole
Denine's Broccoli Casserole is a comforting dish featuring tender broccoli combined with a creamy mushroom and cheese sauce, topped with crunchy bread crumbs. Perfect as a side for family dinners or holiday gatherings, it offers rich flavors with a satisfying texture that appeals to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook broccoli according to package directions, then drain.
- Stir together the cream of mushroom soup and shredded cheddar cheese; gradually add milk, mayonnaise, and beaten egg, stirring to blend.
- Place the cooked broccoli in a casserole dish and pour the cheese mixture over the top.
- Combine bread crumbs and melted butter, then sprinkle over the casserole.
- Bake in a 350°F oven for 35 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier casserole, consider adding a bit more cheese or using a creamier soup base. If you don't have sharp Cheddar, any good melting cheese will work, such as Monterey Jack. You can also substitute fresh broccoli for frozen, just blanch it first. To add more flavor, try incorporating garlic powder or onion powder into the cheese mixture.
Serving Suggestions
This broccoli casserole pairs beautifully with a light salad such as Orange Vegetable Salad or a protein like grilled chicken. It's a great side dish for any American recipes meal and works well alongside baked potatoes or quinoa. For a complete vegetarian meal, serve with crusty bread and a glass of white wine.
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 for about 15-20 minutes until heated through, or microwave individual portions for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even warming.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Denine'S Broccoli Casserole contains roughly 647 calories, with 10g protein, 89g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (26% of the Daily Value) and protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin A.
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 make sure to blanch it in boiling water for a couple of minutes before adding it to the casserole to ensure it cooks properly in the oven.
How can I make this dish healthier?
To make the casserole healthier, consider using low-fat cream of mushroom soup and Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. You could also reduce the amount of cheese or use a lower-fat cheese option.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's coming straight from the fridge.
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).