Margaret'S Broccoli
A creamy broccoli casserole featuring cheese, mushroom soup, and topped with Ritz crackers for a crunchy finish, perfect as a comforting side dish or family dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the frozen chopped broccoli for 5 minutes, then drain well.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the well-beaten egg, mayonnaise, undiluted cream of mushroom soup, grated sharp cheese, and chopped small onion.
- Add the drained broccoli to the mixture and stir until well coated.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Top with Ritz cracker crumbs and dot with small pieces of butter.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour until bubbly and golden on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing the onion before adding it to the mixture. You can substitute the cream of mushroom soup with a homemade white sauce or another cream soup if desired. If you want a healthier option, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. For a crunchy topping, try crushed tortilla chips instead of Ritz crackers.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. It also works well as a hearty side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish. For a fun twist, serve alongside Jello Salad (Pink Stuff) for a retro-style dinner, creating a colorful and diverse table.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, but the texture may vary slightly compared to oven reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Margaret'S Broccoli contains roughly 815 calories, with 10g protein, 75g carbohydrates, and 54g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 732mg per serving (32% 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 adding it to the mixture. This will enhance the flavor and texture of the dish, giving it a fresh taste compared to using frozen broccoli.
Is there a vegetarian alternative for the cream of mushroom soup?
Absolutely! You can easily make a vegetarian version by using a homemade white sauce or a store-bought vegetarian cream soup. This will maintain the creamy texture and flavor while keeping the dish meat-free.
What can I substitute for sharp cheese?
If sharp cheese isn't available, you can use medium cheddar or even mozzarella for a milder flavor. For a twist, try adding some crumbled feta or goat cheese to give a different taste dimension to the dish.
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).