Special Broccoli Casserole
Creamy broccoli casserole with cheesy flavor, perfect for comforting family dinners or potlucks, combining tender broccoli, cheesy sauce, and savory soup in a baked dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook broccoli until tender.
- Drain the cooked broccoli.
- Chop the broccoli if desired.
- Add Cheez Whiz, soup, and melted margarine to the broccoli and stir together.
- Put the mixture into a casserole dish.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 to 35 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the mixture. If you want to reduce calories, opt for low-fat versions of Cheez Whiz and soup. You can also substitute fresh broccoli with frozen broccoli florets to save time. For added flavor, sprinkle some garlic powder or onion powder into the mix before baking.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is a hearty side dish that pairs beautifully with roasted chicken or baked fish. For a complete meal, serve it alongside a fresh garden salad or some crusty bread. You can also make it a main dish by adding cooked chicken or ham, transforming it into a comforting meal reminiscent of Chicken Can-Can.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover broccoli casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for a quicker option, heating in 30-second intervals until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Special Broccoli Casserole contains roughly 657 calories, with 15g protein, 100g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (63% of the Daily Value), protein (31% of the Daily Value), and iron (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1291mg per serving (56% 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?
Absolutely! Fresh broccoli is great for this casserole. Just be sure to cook it until tender before mixing it with the other ingredients. This will enhance the flavor and texture of the dish. If using frozen, ensure it’s thawed and drained well to avoid excess moisture.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Simply assemble all the ingredients, cover, and refrigerate until you're ready to bake. This allows the flavors to meld together nicely. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
What can I do if I don't have Cheez Whiz?
If you don't have Cheez Whiz, you can substitute it with a blend of shredded cheddar cheese and a bit of milk to achieve a similar cheesy consistency. This will add a nice sharp flavor to the casserole. Alternatively, a homemade cheese sauce could also work well.
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).