Special Broccoli
A creamy broccoli casserole with cheddar, water chestnuts, and a crunchy cracker topping, perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings craving comfort food with fresh flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix butter with the cooked broccoli in a greased casserole dish.
- Blend sour cream, mayonnaise, and finely chopped onion to make the sauce.
- Put the broccoli in the casserole and top with a layer of the sauce, shredded Cheddar cheese, and sliced water chestnuts.
- Sprinkle crushed Ritz crackers over the top.
- Bake in a 375°F oven for 35 to 40 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, you can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream and reduce the amount of mayonnaise. If you prefer fresh broccoli, blanch it before mixing with butter. Consider adding a dash of garlic powder or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra flavor. This dish is also versatile; you can swap out Cheddar for mozzarella or even a mix of cheeses for a unique twist.
Serving Suggestions
This Special Broccoli casserole makes a great side dish for holiday dinners or potlucks. Serve it alongside roasted chicken or grilled fish for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Bootsie'S Layered Salad for a refreshing contrast. For a complete vegetarian meal, serve it with a side of quinoa or a simple green salad.
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, covering it with foil if the top is browning too quickly. This helps maintain moisture and keeps the dish creamy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Special Broccoli contains roughly 948 calories, with 8g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 88g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (60% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 603mg per serving (26% 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 can be used! Just make sure to blanch it briefly in boiling water until bright green and tender before mixing it with butter. This will help maintain the broccoli's color and texture in the casserole.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the Ritz crackers with gluten-free cracker alternatives or crushed gluten-free cornflakes. Be sure to check the labels on your mayonnaise and sour cream to confirm they are gluten-free as well.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to a day in advance. Assemble it in the casserole dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time to ensure it heats thoroughly.
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).