Frances Phillip'S Broccoli Casserole
A comforting broccoli casserole layered with creamy soup, sharp cheese, and topped with crunchy Ritz crackers. This versatile dish features tender broccoli and a savory flavor profile, making it perfect for family dinners or potlucks that crave a warm, cheesy vegetable side.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Partially cook the broccoli in salted water and drain.
- Mix the cream of celery soup, diced onion, and mayonnaise together.
- Layer the cooked broccoli, soup mixture, and shredded cheese in a 2-quart casserole dish.
- Top with crumbled Ritz crackers and pour melted margarine over the top.
- Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a touch of sour cream or cream cheese to the soup mixture. If you prefer a different flavor, you can substitute the cream of celery soup with cream of mushroom soup. Fresh broccoli can be used instead of frozen, but make sure to blanch it briefly before layering. This dish is versatile, and you can even sneak in some cooked chicken for added protein.
Serving Suggestions
Frances Phillip's Broccoli Casserole pairs beautifully with roasted chicken or a simple green salad for a complete meal. For a comforting side dish, serve it alongside Corn Bread Stuffing. You can also offer some crusty bread or a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the casserole. It’s a great option for potlucks or family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store 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 20-25 minutes until heated through. If the top starts to brown too much, cover it with foil to prevent burning. This casserole also freezes well; just thaw and reheat as needed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Frances Phillip'S Broccoli Casserole contains roughly 1108 calories, with 25g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 86g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (50% of the Daily Value), calcium (48% of the Daily Value), and iron (22% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1228mg per serving (53% 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. Just assemble it without baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake it directly from the fridge, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time to ensure it heats through properly.
What can I use instead of Ritz crackers?
If you don’t have Ritz crackers, you can substitute with crushed butter-flavored crackers or even panko breadcrumbs for a crunchier topping. For a gluten-free version, try using gluten-free crackers or crushed cornflakes mixed with a little melted butter.
Is this casserole suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this casserole is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat. Just ensure that the cream of celery soup and cheese you use are free from animal rennet if you are catering to strict vegetarians.
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).