A Classic Southern Comfort Food – Broccoli Casserole Recipe
Welcome to my Southern-style broccoli casserole recipe – a dish that is sure to make your taste buds tingle with joy! As someone who loves comfort food and Southern cuisine, I am excited to share this recipe with you. This hearty casserole perfectly combines creamy and cheesy flavors with the comforting textures of broccoli.
Growing up in the South, casseroles were always a staple at any gathering or potluck. And, there was no shortage of broccoli casserole recipes! However, I like to think that this one perfects the classic southern version by adding some extra ingredients for flavor and by showcasing fresh broccoli florets.
This broccoli cheese casserole is easy to prepare and is a great way to get your daily vegetable intake in a tasty way. It’s also an excellent addition to any holiday meal or special occasion. With only a handful of ingredients and simple steps, this cheesy broccoli bake will quickly become a family favorite.
So, whether you’re looking for a comforting dish on a cozy night in or something special for a family gathering, this Southern-style broccoli casserole is sure to please everyone at the table. So let’s get started and create something deliciously amazing!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you love a classic southern-style dish, then this Southern Broccoli Casserole recipe is a must-try for you. With its delicious flavor, creamy texture, and cheesy goodness, it is sure to become your new go-to recipe for gatherings, potlucks, and family dinners.
One of the best things about this recipe is its simplicity. It requires only a handful of easy-to-find ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your pantry or fridge! Plus, it takes only 10 minutes to prepare and can be made ahead to save time on busy weeknights.
This casserole also delivers on nutrition with the inclusion of vitamin-rich broccoli florets. The dish takes advantage of frozen broccoli to make cooking even faster while still retaining much of its nutrients. And let’s not forget the savory flavors from sharp cheddar cheese, diced onion, and cream mushroom soup packed together with eggs and mayonnaise.
Whether you’re looking for a hearty side dish or a filling main course, this easy broccoli casserole has got you covered. The creamy texture combined with classic southern-style seasonings that will win over anyone’s heart at first bite! It’s comforting and satisfying, just like any other comfort food should be.
Now that you know why people rave about this simple southern broccoli casserole so much, it’s time to grab your apron and give it a try in your own kitchen! Trust me; you won’t regret it!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this classic southern style broccoli casserole:
- 4 cups frozen broccoli florets, thawed
- 1 small onion, diced
- 10 oz condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
- 1 stick unsalted butter, melted
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the topping:
- 1 1/2 cups crushed Ritz crackers (about 1 sleeve)
- 4 tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
Note: you can also use fresh broccoli instead of frozen if you prefer.
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have all the casserole ingredients in front of you, it’s time to get cooking! To start, preheat your oven to 350 degrees. In a large mixing bowl, combine your frozen chopped broccoli and diced onion with 2 beaten eggs, 1 cup of mayonnaise, and 1 can of condensed cream of mushroom soup. Mix well.
Next, it’s time to add in the cheesy goodness. Mix in 1 cup of sharp cheddar cheese and 1 cup of southern broccoli cheese Rice into the broccoli mixture. Make sure the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the mixture, so each bite is filled with cheesy deliciousness.
Once everything is mixed together, pour it into a greased 9×13 baking dish. Smooth out the top of the mixture with a utensil, so it bakes evenly.
In a separate bowl, mix together 2 cups of crushed Ritz crackers, ¼ cup of melted unsalted butter and some salt and pepper. Sprinkle this cracker mixture evenly over the top of the broccoli mixture.
Pop your broccoli cheese casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes or until the top starts to turn golden brown.
Once done baking, remove from oven and let sit for a few minutes before serving. This southern-style broccoli casserole will be a guaranteed hit amongst all who take a bite!
Substitutions and Variations
If you’re someone who likes to make their own spin on a classic recipe, then this section is for you. Here are some substitutions and variations you can try out:
1. Fresh broccoli: While frozen broccoli works just fine, there’s nothing like using fresh broccoli in a dish. If you have access to fresh broccoli, go ahead and use it for a brighter flavor.
2. Cheese: You can always switch up the type of cheese used in this casserole recipe. Try using a mix of cheeses such as Monterey Jack, Colby or Parmesan for an added twist.
3. Cream Soup: Instead of using cream of mushroom soup, give cream of chicken or celery soup a try.
4. Mayonnaise: If you’re not a fan of mayonnaise, use Greek yogurt or sour cream instead.
5. Rice: Substitute the rice with quinoa for a healthier option.
6. Add some meat: For an extra protein kick, add diced chicken, bacon bits, or even ground beef to the casserole mixture.
7. Play around with spices: Add more or less seasoning to your liking – adjust the salt, pepper or paprika to your pleasing and taste as you go along.
Whichever variation you decide to go with, the Southern Broccoli Casserole recipe makes a great base for many tasty twists!
Serving and Pairing
You’re probably thinking, “what could possibly be paired perfectly with southern broccoli casserole?” The answer is simple: almost anything! The dish’s creamy, savory flavor profile pairs well with a variety of different main dishes, from ham to fried chicken to baked fish.
If you’re looking for a more elegant meal, try serving this casserole with roasted pork tenderloin or grilled salmon. The hearty flavors of the broccoli and cheddar will help balance out these lighter proteins perfectly.
For a classic southern meal, serve it up alongside some succulent pulled pork or crispy fried chicken. Or for something a bit more unique, why not serve it as part of a vegetarian banquet alongside other veggie sides and mains?
The cheesy texture makes it a perfect choice to complement casseroles or any dish with rice. It’s also great for potlucks and parties since it tastes just as delicious hot or cold! In addition, this dish can easily be made ahead of time and reheated the day of an event.
For wine pairings, a dry white wine like Chardonnay is an excellent option. It complements the richness of the cheese sauce and enhances its flavors without overpowering them. But if you’re not much of a wine drinker, any light-bodied beer with smooth caramel or biscuity notes can make an ideal pairing.
In summary, whether you’re looking for something simple or more extravagant, this easy-to-make southern-style broccoli casserole recipe is extremely versatile in terms of pairing options, making it perfect for any occasion!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the best parts of this Southern Broccoli Casserole Recipe is that it can be made ahead of time, making it a perfect dish for meal planning or preparing for a party. If you want to make this casserole ahead of time, simply follow the recipe as usual and then let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
When you are ready to serve the casserole, simply heat it up in the oven or microwave until it is warmed through. I recommend reheating this dish in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until it is heated through, which usually takes about 20-30 minutes.
If you have any leftovers, store them in the refrigerator and enjoy them within 3-4 days. Simply reheat them in the oven or microwave until they are warmed through.
One tip I have for reheating this casserole is to cover it with foil while reheating in the over. This will prevent the cheese from over-browning and keep your casserole moist and delicious.
Remember not to freeze this casserole, as freezing can cause the ingredients to separate and affect the texture of the dish.
Tips for Perfect Results
As a Southern cuisine chef, I know that some dishes can be more challenging to master than others. Here are some tips to ensure your Southern Broccoli Casserole turns out perfectly every time.
1. Don’t overcook the broccoli.
The key to a great Southern Broccoli Casserole is to maintain the texture of the broccoli. Frozen broccoli should be thawed prior to cooking and fresh broccoli florets should be steamed until just tender. Overcooked broccoli will result in a soggy casserole – one of the most common but avoidable pitfalls.
2. Use quality ingredients.
Ingredients such as sharp cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, onion, eggs, frozen broccoli, and cream mushroom soup are what make this dish so flavorful but unnecessary additives or substitutions could ruin it. You can get creative with variations, but make sure you’re using high-quality and true-to-recipe ingredients.
3. Customize your casserole.
While the recipe calls for frozen or fresh broccoli florets, don’t be afraid to get creative with other greens such as spinach, kale or even zucchini noodles. You may also try different cheese varieties like gouda or gruyere.
4. Thoroughly combine all ingredients.
When mixing the casserole ingredients together in a bowl, make sure everything is well combined – this will help everything cook evenly and avoid any clumping that could occur.
5. Let it rest before serving.
Allowing your casserole to cool for about 10 minutes after taking it out of the oven can prevent it from breaking apart when being served—a major faux pas at the dinner table—while also allowing more time for flavors to meld together.
By following these tips and trusting yourself in the kitchen, you’ll achieve exemplary Southern Broccoli Casserole results every time – guaranteeing the title of comfort food royalty among friends and family alike.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a delicious and easy-to-follow recipe for a classic southern-style broccoli casserole, this is the perfect one for you. With simple ingredients such as frozen broccoli, cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, mushrooms soup, onions and eggs, you can prepare a cheesy and savory dish that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
By following my tips and recommendations on ingredient substitutions, make-ahead options, and serving ideas, you can tailor this recipe to your needs and preferences. Whether you’re looking for a side dish to serve at a family gathering or a hearty meal for a cold winter night, this southern broccoli casserole recipe is sure to hit the spot.
So go ahead and give it a try! Don’t be surprised if your guests ask for seconds or even thirds. With its combination of creamy cheese and tender broccoli florets, this classic southern comfort food is truly irresistible. Just remember to enjoy it with good company and a smile on your face. Happy cooking!
Southern Broccoli Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups frozen broccoli, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 tablespoon onion, grated
- 3/4 cup cheddar cheese, crackers crushed
Instructions
- Thaw 2 pkgs of frozen chop broccoli. Drain well.
- In a bowl combine broccoli, soup, cheese, eggs and onion. Mix well.
- Spoon mixture in to greased baking dish.
- Top with crushed crackers.
- Bake at 350 for 30minutes.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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