Cheesy Broccoli Casserole Recipe: Comfort Food at Its Best

Welcome to my Southern Broccoli & Cheese Casserole recipe, where comfort food meets a classic side dish. Nothing says “Southern” like a good casserole. Whether it’s the star of your dinner plate or nestled in beside your main dish, casseroles always bring a bit of nostalgia and warmth to any meal. And what better way to celebrate the South than with a cheesy broccoli casserole?

This easy-to-follow recipe uses frozen broccoli and other simple ingredients found in your pantry and fridge. Don’t be fooled by its simplicity though; each bite is filled with gooey cheddar cheese goodness and the perfect amount of tanginess from the mayonnaise.

I have been serving this Southern-style broccoli cheese casserole for years, and it has since become a favorite among my family and friends. It’s the perfect companion for grilled meat or as an all-in-one vegetarian option. Trust me when I say this recipe won’t disappoint.

So go ahead, preheat your oven to 350°F and gather the ingredients – let’s get started on making this delicious Southern Broccoli & Cheese Casserole.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Are you looking for a go-to side dish that is both comforting and delicious? Look no further than this Southern Broccoli & Cheese Casserole recipe. Trust me, once you give this recipe a try, it’ll quickly become a staple in your recipe book.

What’s not to love about a cheesy casserole packed with tender broccoli florets? The combination of sharp cheddar cheese, creamy mayonnaise, and fluffy eggs make for the perfect texture and just the right amount of gooeyness. Plus, the subtle hint of onion adds a bit of zing to the dish without overpowering the other flavors.

And let’s be real – who doesn’t love a dish that is so easy to make? With just a handful of ingredients that you likely already have on hand, this recipe comes together in no time. Simply mix everything up in a bowl, then pop it into the oven and let it bake until golden brown and bubbly.

Not to mention, this broccoli casserole is incredibly versatile. You can swap out fresh or frozen broccoli florets depending on what you have on hand, or even mix in diced chicken breast to turn it into a full meal. And if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, try swapping out the cheddar cheese for a different variety like pepper jack or gouda.

Overall, this Southern Broccoli & Cheese Casserole recipe hits all the marks for a perfect side dish – it’s cheesy, easy to make, and endlessly adaptable. Give it a try and see how quickly it becomes your new favorite!

Ingredient List

Here are the ingredients you’ll need to prepare this southern-style broccoli and cheese casserole recipe:

• 2 (10 oz) packages of frozen chopped broccoli, thawed
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 cup of mayonnaise
• 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 cups of shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
• 2 tablespoons of butter
• 1 teaspoon of salt
  -½ teaspoon of black pepper

You can also use fresh broccoli florets instead. The key is to blanch it first for a few minutes to ensure that it’s tender enough once baked in the oven. Additionally, you can use Southern-style broccoli rice instead of plain rice if you want extra texture and an additional source of veggies in your casserole. Finally, if you are lactose intolerant or simply do not like mayonnaise, feel free to use plain Greek yogurt as a substitute – this will still add creaminess to your dish!

The Recipe How-To

Preparing and Assembling the Dish

Step 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.

Step 2. Prepare the broccoli: cut off any leaves, then use a sharp knife to separate the broccoli into bite-size florets. If using frozen chopped broccoli, thaw it first and drain excess water.

Step 3. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup mayonnaise, 1 can (10 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup, 2 beaten eggs and 1 small onion, diced. Mix well.

Step 4. Add 4 cups of cheddar cheese, reserving 1 cup for later. Mix well.

Step 5. Fold in the chopped or florets of broccoli until coated with the mayo-cheese mixture.

Step 6. Spread the broccoli mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.

Baking Instructions for Southern-Style Broccoli Cheese Casserole

Step 7. Sprinkle the reserved cup of cheese over the top of the casserole.

Step 8. Bake at 350°F for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown on top and set in the middle.

Checking for Doneness

To know when this easy southern casserole is done baking, insert a toothpick in the center of the dish. The toothpick should come out clean, indicating that your broccoli casserole is cooked through.

Serving

Once out of oven, let cool for about 5 minutes before slicing into individual portions to serve hot at any special dinner event or family gathering or just as an anytime snack! Enjoy your tasty Southern-style broccoli cheese casserole!

Substitutions and Variations

Substitutions and variations are great ways to add your own twist to the Southern broccoli and cheese casserole recipe. Here are some ideas to customize the dish according to your preferences.

– Cheese Options: While this recipe calls for sharp cheddar cheese, you can use other types of cheeses like Colby, Monterey Jack or even a blend of cheeses for a more complex flavor. Or you can use a mixture of different shredded cheeses to create your own signature dish.

– Broccoli Options: If you prefer fresh florets over frozen broccoli, feel free to use them instead. Just make sure to steam them beforehand so they are cooked through. Similarly, you can switch out the broccoli and add another vegetable such as cauliflower, asparagus or zucchini.

– Mayonnaise Alternatives: Mayo is a key ingredient in this recipe, but for those who do not like mayonnaise or would like a healthier option, Greek yogurt is a perfect substitute. It gives the casserole that creamy texture whilst providing some extra protein.

– Addition of toppings: Adding toppings after baking such as breadcrumbs or crumbled bacon is a great way to add more crunch and flavor. Sprinkle bread crumbs over the top of the casserole before baking for a crispy crust OR add some fried bacon crumbles for some smoky flavors that pair great with cheese.

– Meat Additions: You can also turn this recipe into a main course by adding some diced chicken breast, ground beef or sausage to the casserole for an additional protein boost. It will be just as creamy and cheesy but with an added twist.

By incorporating these substitutions and variations into the recipe, you can create your own custom Southern-style broccoli and cheese casserole that reflects your personal taste preferences. Enjoy!

Serving and Pairing

Southern Broccoli & Cheese Casserole is a dish that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner, potluck, or holiday gathering. The casserole pairs well with a variety of dishes and can be served as a side or main course.

If you’re serving the casserole as a main course, you can pair it with a salad or vegetable side. A simple garden salad or roasted Brussels sprouts would be perfect compliments to the creamy and cheesy casserole. You could also serve it alongside some grilled chicken breasts or roasted pork chops to create a complete and hearty meal.

When serving the casserole as a side dish, it pairs well with classic southern dishes like fried chicken, collard greens, mac and cheese, or cornbread. You could also serve it with some grilled shrimp or salmon to add some protein to your meal.

For those who are looking for a lighter option, you can pair the casserole with some steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. Adding these fresh veggies will not only boost the nutritional value of your meal but also create a tasty combination of textures and flavors.

Overall, Southern Broccoli & Cheese Casserole is a versatile dish that can be served in many different ways. Experiment with different pairings to find your perfect match!

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

The Southern Broccoli & Cheese Casserole is an excellent dish to make ahead of time, as it can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer and reheated when needed.

To make ahead of time, prepare the dish as the recipe instructs but stop before baking it in the preheated oven. Instead, cover with foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours or freeze for up to 3 months.

When ready to eat, remove from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes if it has been frozen. Preheat oven to 350°F and bake for 30-35 minutes if it has been refrigerated, or 50-60 minutes if it has been frozen. The casserole should be heated through and bubbling around the edges.

To store leftovers, allow the dish to cool completely before placing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. If you need to reheat a single serving, place on a microwave-safe plate and heat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through.

For best results when reheating larger portions, heat in a preheated oven at 350°F covered with foil for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.

Overall, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or as a side dish for holiday gatherings since it can easily be prepared days ahead of time, making it convenient and stress-free.

Tips for Perfect Results

To ensure your Southern broccoli and cheese casserole is nothing short of perfection, follow these tips:

Firstly, for a fresher taste, I recommend using fresh broccoli florets instead of the frozen ones. Not only do they have better texture but also retain more nutrients from the vegetable.

Secondly, don’t be afraid to use alternative cheese combinations. While sharp cheddar cheese is the traditional choice, you can experiment with different types of cheeses like Gruyere or Fontina, which will add a unique flavor profile to the dish.

Thirdly, make sure you evenly spread out the ingredients in the casserole dish. This will ensure even cooking and help prevent dry spots in the dish.

Fourthly, if you prefer your casserole with a thicker consistency, mix in an extra egg or two before baking. This will give your dish a more custard-like texture.

Fifthly, when baking your casserole, don’t overcook it. Bake at 350°F until golden brown on top and the center is fully cooked. Overcooking it results in dry edges and can ruin the creamy consistency of this delectable Southern-style broccoli cheese casserole.

Lastly, let your baked casserole rest for several minutes before serving. This allows ample time for it to settle and ensures better presentation when serving.

By following these simple yet effective tips, you can elevate your Southern-style broccoli cheese casserole recipe to a whole new level that’ll leave your guests asking for more.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gKa70MGy2x4

Bottom Line

In conclusion, if you are looking for a delicious and easy-to-make casserole that showcases the fresh flavors of southern-style cuisine, the Southern Broccoli & Cheese Casserole recipe is definitely worth trying. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or as a main course, this dish is sure to impress your family and guests. With its combination of creamy cheddar cheese, savory onion, and tender broccoli florets, this casserole strikes the perfect balance between hearty and healthy. What’s more, with its simple ingredient list and clear instructions, it is a recipe that anyone can tackle in their own kitchen. So why not give it a try today? Your taste buds will thank you!

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