Yummy Southern Broccoli Casserole: A Comforting Recipe!
Are you on the lookout for a warm and comforting casserole recipe that reminisces of classic Southern-style cooking? Look no further because I am here to present to you the ultimate Southern Broccoli Casserole recipe that will knock your socks off!
This easy broccoli casserole features tender and fresh broccoli florets baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce made of mayonnaise, sharp cheddar cheese, and condensed cream mushroom soup. Topped with crispy bread crumbs and baked until bubbling hot, this recipe is perfect for family gatherings or holiday dinners.
Think of this dish as your go-to comfort food that comes together easily with pantry ingredients. It’s the dish that gets passed around the table over and over again until there are no leftovers. It can be served as a side dish, or make it the star of your meal by adding diced chicken or rice to the mix.
Give this classic Southern staple a try and taste the pure joy of mouth-watering nostalgia with every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Southern Broccoli Casserole is a classic southern dish that will leave you feeling satisfied and comforted, especially during the colder months. This broccoli casserole recipe is easy to make and has a perfect combination of tender broccoli florets, creamy mayonnaise, and melted sharp cheddar cheese to give it that extra cheesy flavor you crave.
What sets this recipe apart from the rest is the addition of condensed cream mushroom soup and diced onions, giving it that extra richness and depth of flavor. The buttery cracker crumbs on top add an irresistible crunch to every bite.
This dish is perfect for those who want a quick and easy meal without sacrificing taste. It’s also a great way to sneak in some vegetables into your diet, as broccoli is loaded with nutrients like fiber, vitamin C, and potassium. Whether you’re looking for a side dish for Thanksgiving or a hearty casserole for dinner, this Southern Broccoli Casserole recipe will surely satisfy your cravings.
So why not give this Southern-style broccoli casserole a try? You won’t regret it!
Ingredient List
Before starting the Southern Broccoli Casserole Recipe, make sure to have all the ingredients needed. Here are the casserole recipe ingredients 6 cups of fresh broccoli florets (or 2 bags/10 ounces of frozen chopped broccoli), 1 small onion diced, 2 eggs, 1 cup mayonnaise, one sleeve of saltine crackers, half a stick of unsalted butter (melted), 10 oz condensed cream of mushroom soup, 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and salt and pepper to taste. You can also use fresh or frozen broccoli when making this cheesy broccoli casserole.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have all of the casserole ingredients prepared and gathered, it’s time to get cooking! In this section, I’ll show you how to put everything together to make this delicious southern broccoli casserole. Get ready for a mouthful of cheesy, creamy goodness!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This will give us plenty of time to prepare the rest of the recipe while making sure our oven is nice and hot for baking.
Step 2: Mix the Casserole Ingredients
Next, in a large bowl mix together broccoli florets, diced onions, sharp cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and cream of mushroom soup. These are the core ingredients that make up our tasty casserole filling.
Step 3: Prep the Casserole Dish
Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with some unsalted butter or margarine. This will ensure that our casserole doesn’t stick to the bottom of the dish as it bakes.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Now it’s time for the fun part – assembling our casserole! Start by spreading half of the broccoli mixture into the greased baking dish.
Next, sprinkle on grated cheddar cheese for an extra layer of cheesy goodness.
Add a layer of cooked rice (either white rice or brown rice works great). Again, sprinkle some grated cheddar cheese on top.
Then, add another layer of broccoli mixture and sprinkle some more shredded cheddar cheese on top.
Repeat these layers one more time until all ingredients are used up.
Step 5: Bake & Enjoy
Bake your southern broccoli casserole in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are slightly browned.
Once your casserole is ready, take it out of the oven and let it cool down for a few minutes before slicing and serving on plates. Enjoy this southern-style casserole as a side dish to any meal or as a main course if you’re feeling indulgent!
Substitutions and Variations
As a chef, I understand that sometimes we may not have all the ingredients available in our pantry, or perhaps we might want to put our own spin on a classic recipe. Here are some substitutions and variations you can try for this southern broccoli casserole recipe:
– Margarine can be substituted with unsalted butter.
– Mayonnaise can be replaced with sour cream or cream cheese for an added tangy flavor.
– Onions can be left out if you don’t like their taste.
– If you don’t have fresh broccoli, you can use frozen chopped broccoli or frozen broccoli florets. Just make sure to thaw them first before using.
– You can use cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, or any other condensed cream soup instead of cream of broccoli soup.
– Instead of rice or cheese rice casserole, try adding cooked chicken to make it a chicken and broccoli casserole.
– Sharp cheddar cheese can be substituted with grated parmesan cheese or any other type of hard cheese.
Remember, these substitutes may alter the overall taste and texture of the dish, so experiment according to your preferences. Feel free to play around and create your own variations for this classic southern-style broccoli casserole recipe.
Serving and Pairing
Now that your Southern Broccoli Casserole is cooked to perfection, it’s time to enjoy it with some mouth-watering pairings. This cheesy and savory casserole is the perfect addition to any meal during a cold winter night or for a summer barbecue.
One classic pairing option is to serve the casserole alongside crispy fried chicken or smoky grilled pork chops. The juicy and tangy flavors of these meats perfectly complement the cheesy broccoli rice, creating a stunning explosion of flavors in every bite.
For those who prefer lighter dishes, you can serve the casserole with a fresh green salad made of cucumbers, tomatoes, and lettuce topped with a simple vinaigrette dressing. The lightness of the salad nicely balances out the richness of the cheese and mayonnaise in the casserole.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try serving your Southern Broccoli Casserole with a side of mashed sweet potatoes or a warm loaf of garlic bread. The sweetness of the sweet potato perfectly matches this savory dish while the garlic bread adds extra texture and flavor.
No matter how you choose to serve it, this Southern-style casserole is sure to become an instant hit on your dinner table. So sit back, relax, and enjoy this comforting and delectable casserole that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
As a busy chef, I know how important it is to plan ahead when it comes to meal preparation. The good news is that this Southern Broccoli Casserole recipe is perfect for making ahead of time and storing for later use, without compromising on taste or texture.
To make this recipe ahead of time, simply prepare as directed and store the casserole dish in the refrigerator for up to two days before baking. When you are ready to cook, remove from the fridge and let it come to room temperature before placing it in the preheated oven.
Storing this casserole is easy as well. Once cooked, allow your Southern Broccoli Casserole to cool completely, then cover with foil or plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to freeze the casserole, it can be done by allowing it to cool completely at room temperature, wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap, then covering in foil or placing in an airtight container. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating this Southern-style broccoli casserole is simple too! To reheat leftovers or frozen casserole, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and place the dish in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. If reheating from frozen, add an extra 10-15 minutes of cooking time.
Remember that microwaving leftovers isn’t always the best idea for maintaining optimal flavor and texture. The cheese sauce may separate if reheated in a microwave. So, always use an oven or toaster oven if possible.
With these make-ahead, storing and reheating tips at your fingertips, you can serve up deliciously cheesy broccoli rice casserole any night you need a quick and easy dinner on the table with no fuss.
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you have all the ingredients gathered and the recipe for this southern broccoli casserole ready, let’s go over some tips to ensure perfect results.
1. Use fresh broccoli florets: Fresh broccoli yields better results than frozen. The texture and flavor of fresh broccoli will make your casserole dish stand out.
2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit: As with any baked dish, preheat your oven properly to guarantee a evenly cooked casserole.
3. Mix well: Ensure that the mixture is evenly distributed before baking to avoid lumps or uneven cooking.
4. Add right amount of cheese: Cheese is essential in this dish, but it can be overwhelming if not used correctly. Follow the recipe measurements for the correct balance of ingredients.
5. Top with breadcrumbs or cracker crumbs: Topping your casserole with bread crumbs or cracker crumbs will create a crunchy texture your guests will love.
6. Bake until golden brown: Bake casserole until golden brown on top which should take 25-30 minutes based on your oven settings.
7. Let Sit for a Few Minutes Before Serving: After removing from the oven, let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set up and maintain its shape when plating.
By following these few easy steps, you will ensure that your Southern broccoli casserole is perfectly cooked every time. Your loved ones won’t be able to resist their second helping!
Bottom Line
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In conclusion, this Southern Broccoli Casserole recipe is an excellent dish that is easy to make and perfect for family dinners and potlucks. Its cheesy and creamy texture will make your taste buds wanting more. With the abundance of broccoli, cheese, and mayonnaise incorporated in this dish, it’s healthy enough to serve as a standalone dish or can be paired with other Southern-style dishes.
From my personal experience and expertise as a southern cuisine chef, I can guarantee that if you follow this recipe, you’ll have a delightful meal on your hands. The ingredients used for this recipe are simple and easy to find in any grocery store, making it convenient for anyone who wants to recreate the classic Southern casserole casserole.
I hope that you try out this recipe and enjoy its fantastic taste! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations, but always remember to stick to its classic Southern-style roots by using fresh ingredients to maintain authenticity. It’s my pleasure to share one of my favorite Southern dishes with you, and I hope that it becomes a staple in your home too.
Southern Broccoli Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 10 ounces broccoli, thawed, chopped
- 2 tablespoons onions, chopped
- 1 (10 1/2 ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup mayonnaise (preferably Duke's)
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 eggs
- 1 1/2 cups Ritz crackers, crumbled
- 3 tablespoons margarine, melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Add 1 tablespoon margarine to a pan and lightly sautee onions until soft.
- Remove onions and set aside, reserving remaining margarine.
- Beat two eggs and set aside.
- Add broccoli, sauteed onion, mushroom soup, mayonnaise, cheese, and eggs to a medium bowl and mix together until well-blended.
- Add mixture to a 1.5 to 2 quart casserole dish.
- Combine reserved margarine from pan and remaining 2 tablespoons of melted margarine and gently mix together with Ritz crackers in a small bowl until crackers are coated but not saturated.
- Layer crackers as a topping over broccoli mixture.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 30-45 minutes.
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