Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe

Broccoli florets: Fresh or frozen, these are the main vegetable component of the dish.

Cheddar cheese: Shredded, this adds a rich, cheesy flavor to the casserole.

Cream of mushroom soup: A condensed soup that provides a creamy base with a hint of mushroom flavor.

Sour cream: Adds creaminess and a slight tang to the mixture.

Ritz crackers: Crushed, these create a crunchy topping for the casserole.

Butter: Melted, it helps bind the ritz crackers together for the topping.

When preparing the broccoli for this casserole, consider blanching the fresh florets in boiling water for 2-3 minutes before combining them with the other ingredients. This technique helps to maintain the vibrant green color and ensures the broccoli is tender but not mushy. If using frozen broccoli, make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.

• Broccoli florets - Substitute with cauliflower florets: Cauliflower has a similar texture and can be cooked in the same way as broccoli, making it a great alternative.

• Broccoli florets - Substitute with green beans: Green beans provide a different texture but still offer a nutritious and tasty option.

• Shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella melts well and has a mild flavor that complements many dishes.

• Shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with gruyere cheese: Gruyere offers a rich, creamy texture and a slightly nutty flavor.

• Condensed cream of mushroom soup - Substitute with condensed cream of chicken soup: Cream of chicken soup provides a similar creamy base with a different flavor profile.

• Condensed cream of mushroom soup - Substitute with homemade white sauce: A homemade white sauce made from butter, flour, and milk can replace the canned soup for a fresher taste.

• Sour cream - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt has a similar consistency and tangy flavor, but with added protein.

• Sour cream - Substitute with creme fraiche: Creme fraiche offers a rich, creamy texture and a slightly tangy flavor.

• Crushed ritz crackers - Substitute with panko breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs provide a similar crunchy topping with a lighter texture.

• Crushed ritz crackers - Substitute with crushed cornflakes: Crushed cornflakes offer a crispy texture and a slightly sweet flavor.

• Melted butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can provide a similar richness and help bind ingredients together.

• Melted butter - Substitute with melted coconut oil: Coconut oil offers a different flavor but can still provide the necessary fat content.

• Allow the broccoli cheese casserole to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the dish soggy.

• For short-term storage, transfer the casserole to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

• For longer storage, consider freezing the casserole. First, wrap the entire baking dish tightly with plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil. Alternatively, you can portion the casserole into individual servings and store them in freezer-safe containers.

• Label the container with the date and contents to keep track of its freshness. The broccoli cheese casserole can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

• When ready to enjoy, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until the casserole is bubbly and heated through, which usually takes about 20-30 minutes. If reheating from frozen, it may take a bit longer, so keep an eye on it.

• To maintain the crunchy topping, consider adding a fresh layer of crushed ritz crackers mixed with melted butter before reheating. This will ensure the casserole retains its delightful texture.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover broccoli cheese casserole in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from drying out.
  4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and bubbly.
  5. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp up the ritz cracker topping.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Transfer a portion of the casserole to a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes.
  4. Stir the casserole halfway through to ensure even heating.
  5. Continue microwaving in 1-minute increments until the broccoli and cheese are hot.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Place the leftover broccoli cheese casserole in a non-stick skillet.
  2. Add a splash of milk or cream to help maintain moisture.
  3. Heat over medium-low, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  4. Cook until the casserole is heated through, about 10-15 minutes.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the casserole in an air fryer-safe dish or line the basket with aluminum foil.
  3. Heat for 10-12 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. If the ritz cracker topping starts to brown too quickly, cover it with foil for the remaining time.

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) for baking the casserole.

• Large mixing bowl: Combine the broccoli, cheddar cheese, cream of mushroom soup, and sour cream.

• Baking dish: Transfer the mixture to this dish and spread it out evenly.

• Separate bowl: Mix the crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter.

• Measuring cups: Measure out the ingredients like sour cream and melted butter.

• Wooden spoon: Mix the ingredients in the large mixing bowl.

• Spatula: Spread the mixture evenly in the baking dish.

• Oven mitts: Safely handle the hot baking dish when removing it from the oven.

• Knife: Chop the fresh broccoli florets if using fresh broccoli.

• Cutting board: Provide a surface for chopping the broccoli.

• Cheese grater: Shred the cheddar cheese if not using pre-shredded cheese.

Use pre-cut broccoli: Save time by using pre-cut broccoli florets from the store instead of cutting them yourself.

Shred cheese in advance: Shred the cheddar cheese ahead of time and store it in the fridge until needed.

Use pre-made soup: Opt for condensed cream of mushroom soup from a can to avoid making it from scratch.

Crush crackers quickly: Place Ritz crackers in a ziplock bag and crush them using a rolling pin for a fast and easy method.

Melt butter in microwave: Melt the butter in the microwave to save time compared to stovetop melting.