This broccoli casserole is baked until bubbly and cheesy, with tender broccoli and a crisp layer of Ritz crackers on top. The homemade cream of chicken sauce brings a fresh, from-scratch flavor that makes it a standout Thanksgiving side dish.
For more broccoli recipes, try my Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese with Chicken, Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup, and these baby-friendly Broccoli Cheese Bites.
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I love making this broccoli casserole because it works just as well for Christmas dinner as it does on a busy weeknight when I want something comforting. The creamy sauce made with real cream of chicken gives it a savory flavor that feels hearty without being too heavy.
Why You’ll Love this Broccoli Casserole Recipe
Perfect Holiday Side Dish. It’s rich and indulgent, just right for serving alongside your Christmas or Thanksgiving favorites.
Customizable. You can swap in different cheeses or even add extra veggies to make it your own.
Family-Friendly Comfort. With its creamy sauce, savory flavor, and crunchy topping, it’s a hearty casserole everyone at the table can enjoy.
Broccoli Cheese Casserole Ingredients
- Broccoli florets: I like to use fresh broccoli when I can, but frozen works too. Steaming them first keeps the texture tender without turning mushy.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: The bold flavor of sharp cheddar melts into the casserole, giving it that cheesy richness in every bite.
- Breadcrumbs or Ritz crackers: Either option works for the topping, but Ritz crackers add that buttery crunch I really enjoy.
- Egg: Mixing in one egg helps bind the casserole so it holds together nicely when baked.
For the Homemade Cream of Chicken Sauce:
- Butter: This is the base of the roux and adds richness to the sauce.
- All-purpose flour: Cooking it with butter thickens the sauce into a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Chicken broth: Adds savory depth that balances the creaminess.
- Whole milk: Keeps the sauce light and creamy without being too heavy.
- Cream cheese: I stir this in to make the sauce extra smooth and tangy.
- Garlic powder: A little goes a long way to boost flavor without overpowering.
- Onion powder: Balances the garlic and adds a subtle sweetness.
- Smoked paprika: Brings a gentle smokiness that makes the casserole more flavorful.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the other ingredients.
- Dried thyme (optional): Adds an herby note that pairs well with the savory cream of chicken base.
How to Make Broccoli Casserole
Make the Cream of Chicken Sauce
In a saucepan, I melt the butter over medium heat, then whisk in the flour and let it cook for a minute or two until it smells a little toasty. Slowly, I whisk in the chicken broth and milk until the mixture thickens into a smooth sauce. Once it’s ready, I stir in the cream cheese and seasonings until everything is creamy and blended.
Assemble the Casserole
In a large bowl, I combine the steamed broccoli with the sauce, one egg, and half of the shredded cheddar. I stir until everything is coated, then spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
Add the Topping
Next, I sprinkle the rest of the cheddar cheese over the casserole, followed by a layer of breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers. This topping bakes up golden and crisp, which I think makes the dish extra special.
Bake and Serve
I bake the casserole uncovered for about 25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the edges are bubbling. Once it comes out of the oven, I let it cool for a few minutes before serving so it sets up just right.
How to Store Leftover Broccoli Casserole
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or place the whole dish in the oven until heated through.
Recipe Variations
- Chicken: Add cooked, shredded chicken to make the casserole more filling and turn it into a complete meal.
- Rice: Stir in a cup of cooked rice for extra heartiness and a texture that pairs well with the creamy sauce.
- Mushrooms: Sauté mushrooms before mixing them in to bring a savory, earthy flavor that complements the broccoli and cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli works just as well. Just make sure to steam or cook it first so it isn’t watery when baked into the casserole.
Can I make this broccoli casserole ahead of time?
You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready, bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s going in cold
Why did my casserole turn out watery?
This usually happens if the broccoli wasn’t drained well after steaming. Make sure to pat it dry or let it sit for a few minutes before mixing it with the sauce, so the extra moisture doesn’t thin out the casserole.
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?
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Broccoli Casserole Recipe
Equipment
- 9×13-inch casserole dish
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Mixing spoon
- Large mixing bowl
- Colander for draining broccoli
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 4 cups fresh or frozen broccoli florets steamed
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for topping
- 1 large egg
For the Homemade Cream of Chicken Sauce:
- ⅓ cup butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3 oz cream cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden.
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk until the sauce thickens.
- Lower the heat and stir in cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Assemble the Casserole
- In a large bowl, combine steamed broccoli, the sauce, egg, and 1 cup cheddar cheese.
- Mix until evenly coated, then transfer to the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup cheddar and breadcrumbs/crushed crackers on top.
- Bake uncovered for 25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and golden on top.
- Let it cool slightly before serving. Perfect as a holiday side dish or cozy weeknight dinner!
