Night-Before Broccoli Casserole
A creamy, cheesy broccoli casserole with a crunchy topping, perfect for make-ahead meals or family dinners, combining comforting flavors and flexible preparation options.
Ingredients
- 2 (10 oz.) packages frozen chopped broccoli, thawed and drained ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) jar pimentos, drained ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped yellow or green onion ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 1 (10.5 oz.) can cream of mushroom soup
- 3/4 cup sour cream
- 1 cup grated cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 to 1 cup cracker crumbs, stuffing mix or dry bread crumbs ⓘ
- butter or margarine ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine drained broccoli, pimentos, chopped onion, and chopped celery in a bowl and toss well.
- Stir in undiluted cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and grated cheese, mixing thoroughly.
- Pour the mixture into a casserole dish and smooth the top.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight if desired.
- Before baking, sprinkle the top with cracker crumbs, stuffing mix, or dry bread crumbs, and dot with butter or margarine.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes, or microwave on High for 15 minutes until bubbly, then run under the broiler to brown the top.
- If the casserole was refrigerated, increase baking time by 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider incorporating garlic powder or a pinch of nutmeg into the mixture. You can substitute the broccoli with other vegetables like spinach or cauliflower for variation. If you prefer a twist, try using a blend of cheeses such as cheddar and mozzarella. Make sure to thoroughly drain the broccoli to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is a hearty side dish that pairs beautifully with roasted chicken or grilled fish. Consider serving it alongside a fresh garden salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal. For a vegetarian twist, serve it with a side of quinoa or your favorite grain. You can also explore other comforting dishes like Spicy Applesauce Cake for dessert.
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 20 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions on high for 2-3 minutes, adding a splash of water to keep it moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Night-Before Broccoli Casserole contains roughly 131 calories, with 4g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is a good source of calcium (13% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (11% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (10% 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, this casserole is perfect for making ahead. Prepare it the night before, cover, and refrigerate. It will allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Just remember to increase the baking time by 10 minutes if it has been refrigerated before baking.
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
If you want a healthier alternative, you can use a homemade white sauce or a low-fat cream soup. Alternatively, try using cream of chicken soup or a dairy-free option like coconut milk mixed with nutritional yeast for a creamy texture.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. To bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and follow the baking instructions. It should be eaten within 2-3 months for the best quality.
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).