Mary Jane'S Broccoli Casserole
A comforting broccoli casserole with a creamy, cheesy filling topped with crispy Ritz crackers, perfect for family dinners and potlucks.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil frozen broccoli in salted water for 5 minutes or cook fresh broccoli until tender.
- In a bowl, mix together beaten eggs, mayonnaise, cream of mushroom soup, and dry onion; mix well.
- Add grated cheddar cheese and cooked broccoli to the mixture; stir to combine.
- Pour the mixture into a 2-quart casserole dish.
- Sprinkle the top evenly with crumbled Ritz crackers.
- Bake uncovered in a 400°F oven for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of milk or sour cream to the mixture. You can substitute the cream of mushroom soup with a homemade version or a different cream soup if desired. To make this dish lighter, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for added flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. You can serve it as a side dish for grilled chicken or fish. For a complete vegetarian meal, add a side of quinoa or brown rice. It also complements dishes like Fried Pike And Tomatoes beautifully.
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, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating, but the texture may vary.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mary Jane'S Broccoli Casserole contains roughly 793 calories, with 10g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 56g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (20% of the Daily Value) and iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 720mg per serving (31% 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, fresh broccoli works wonderfully in this recipe. Just cook it until tender before mixing it into the casserole. Fresh broccoli will provide a slightly different texture and flavor, enhancing the overall dish.
How can I make this dish dairy-free?
To make this casserole dairy-free, substitute the cheese with a dairy-free cheese alternative and replace the mayonnaise with a vegan mayo. Ensure that the cream of mushroom soup is also dairy-free or make a homemade version using coconut milk.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just remember to add the crumbled Ritz crackers right before baking to maintain their crunchiness.
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).