I have a confession to make. Growing up, broccoli was my sworn enemy. If there was even a hint of green on my plate, I’d stage a full-blown protest—pushing it around, feeding it to the dog, or, in truly desperate moments, sneaking it into my napkin. My mom, a patient woman, tried every trick in the book to get me to eat my greens. But nothing worked—until she introduced me to the magical world of casseroles.
And then, one day, I stumbled upon Paula Deen’s Broccoli Casserole recipe. Paula Deen, the queen of comfort food, had somehow turned my least favorite vegetable into something creamy, cheesy, and downright irresistible. I was hooked. This easy Broccoli Casserole transformed my broccoli-hating soul into a full-fledged believer. The best part? It takes just 20 minutes to make, and it’s as comforting as a warm hug from Grandma.
Over the years, I’ve made my own little tweaks—sometimes throwing in some crispy bacon, other times swapping in potatoes for an incredible Broccoli Potato Casserole twist. No matter how I make it, one thing remains the same: it disappears faster than I can get it out of the oven. And trust me, if a former broccoli-hater like me can fall in love with this dish, I promise you will too.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
1. It’s the Perfect Comfort Food
This cheesy Broccoli Casserole is like a warm, creamy hug in a dish. The rich, velvety cheese sauce coats every bite of tender broccoli, making it the ultimate comfort food for chilly nights, lazy Sundays, or any day that just needs a little extra coziness.
2. Quick and Easy to Make
Who has time to spend hours in the kitchen? Not me. This easy Broccoli Cheese Casserole comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, last-minute potlucks, or when you just need something delicious without the fuss.
3. A Crowd-Pleaser for All Ages
Even the pickiest eaters (like my former self) can’t resist this dish. Kids love the creamy texture, and adults appreciate the nostalgic, down-home flavors. It’s a surefire hit whether you’re serving it at Thanksgiving or a casual dinner with friends.
4. Customizable to Your Taste
Want to add a little protein? Toss in some shredded chicken. Prefer a bit of crunch? Top it with buttery Ritz crackers or crispy fried onions. This casserole is a blank canvas, ready for whatever delicious twist you want to give it.
5. It Pairs with Everything
Whether you’re serving it as a side dish with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or even just a simple green salad, this creamy Broccoli Casserole fits right in. It even works as a stand-alone dish when you’re craving something warm and cheesy.
6. Make-Ahead Friendly
Busy week ahead? No problem. You can assemble this casserole the night before and pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat. It’s meal-prep magic at its finest.
7. A Paula Deen Classic
Paula Deen Recipes are famous for their rich, indulgent flavors, and this one is no exception. It brings that signature Southern charm straight to your table.
Ingredients for Paula Deen’s Broccoli Casserole Recipe
Main Ingredients:
- 2 (10-ounce) packages frozen chopped broccoli, thawed and drained
- 1 cup mayonnaise (or sour cream for a lighter option)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Optional Variations:
- Swap out the cheddar for a mix of cheeses (Colby Jack, mozzarella, or Gouda)
- Add 1/2 cup cooked, crumbled bacon for extra flavor
- Substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or cream of cheddar soup
- Toss in some diced potatoes for a Broccoli Potato Casserole twist
Cooking Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven
Cooking Instructions for Paula Deen’s Broccoli Casserole
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- Prepare the filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli, mayonnaise, shredded cheese, cream of mushroom soup, beaten eggs, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined.
- Assemble the casserole: Pour the broccoli mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Add the crunchy topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Bake to perfection: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Serve and enjoy! Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Dig in and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!
Notes
1. Make It Ahead of Time
You can prep this dish the night before and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just add an extra 5 minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
2. Go for Fresh Broccoli
While frozen works great, if you have fresh broccoli on hand, use it! Just steam it lightly before mixing it into the casserole to ensure it stays tender.
3. Add a Protein Boost
Want to turn this into a complete meal? Mix in some shredded rotisserie chicken or diced ham before baking.
4. Play with the Cheese
Sharp cheddar is a classic, but don’t be afraid to experiment with other cheeses like smoked Gouda, pepper jack, or even a mix of different cheeses for a more complex flavor.
5. Make It Extra Crispy
If you love a crunchy topping, double up on the Ritz crackers or mix in some crushed Cornflakes for added texture.
6. Keep It Creamy
If you want an even richer texture, mix in 1/2 cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt. It adds an extra layer of creaminess without making the dish too heavy.
Macronutrients Count Per Serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fats: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg
Pro Tips for the Recipe
1. Use Freshly Grated Cheese
Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. For the creamiest, most luscious casserole, grate your cheese fresh from the block.
2. Don’t Overcook the Broccoli
If you’re using fresh broccoli, steam it just until it’s slightly tender but still vibrant green. Overcooked broccoli can turn mushy in the casserole.
3. Add a Crunchy Topping
For an irresistible crunch, mix crushed Ritz crackers with a bit of melted butter and sprinkle it on top before baking. Want more crunch? Try crispy fried onions or even crushed potato chips.
4. Make It More Flavorful
A teaspoon of garlic powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper adds a nice depth of flavor to the creamy mixture.
5. Turn It Into a Complete Meal
Add cooked shredded chicken or diced ham to make this a one-dish dinner.
6. Keep It Moist
If your casserole seems too thick, stir in a little milk or extra soup before baking to keep it rich and creamy.
Broccoli Casserole Q&A: Your Burning Questions Answered!
1. What Should I Serve With This Casserole?
This casserole pairs well with roasted chicken, grilled steak, baked salmon, or even a simple side salad. It’s also a fantastic addition to a holiday table alongside mashed potatoes and stuffing.
2. Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover it, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add 5 extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
3. Can I Freeze This Casserole?
Yes! You can freeze it before or after baking. If freezing unbaked, wrap it tightly and store it for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 50-60 minutes.
4. How Can I Make This Casserole Even Creamier?
For an extra creamy texture, stir in ½ cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt before baking.
5. What Are Some Fun Variations?
Try swapping cheddar cheese for pepper jack for a spicy kick, or add crumbled bacon for extra flavor. If you love potatoes, try making it a Broccoli Potato Casserole by mixing in diced, pre-cooked potatoes.
6. Can I Use Fresh Broccoli Instead of Frozen?
Yes! Just steam or blanch it lightly before mixing it into the casserole. This keeps it from becoming too tough or watery during baking.
