Decadent Broccoli Delight Casserole
Creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly delicious, this Decadent Broccoli Delight Casserole is a comforting dish that turns healthy broccoli into a flavor-packed feast! Layered with a rich blend of sharp cheddar cheese, creamy mayonnaise, and a hint of onion, this casserole is perfectly topped with crunchy, buttery Ritz crackers that add a delightful contrast to the tender broccoli. Whether you're serving it at a potluck, holiday gathering, or just a cozy family dinner, this dish will steal the show! Though it might not be the healthiest option on the table, every bite is a celebration of indulgence. Once you taste it, you'll wonder how you ever lived without it!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Frozen broccoli
2 (8 ounce boxes, cooked and drained)
Sharp cheddar cheese
8 (ounces, shredded)
Mayonnaise
2/3 (cup)
Egg
1 (lightly beaten)
Yellow onion
1 (small, diced)
Cream of celery soup
1 (10.75 ounce can)
Ritz crackers
36 (approximately 1 large sleeve, crushed)
Butter
1/2 (cup, melted)
Pepper
1/2 (teaspoon)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Cook the frozen broccoli according to the package directions and then drain well.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, beaten egg, diced onion, and cream of celery soup. Mix until well blended and creamy.
4
Spread half of the cheesy soup mixture evenly in the bottom of a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
5
Layer the drained, cooked broccoli on top of the first half of the soup mixture.
6
Spread the remaining soup mixture over the broccoli layer, ensuring even coverage.
7
In a zip-top bag, crush the Ritz crackers into small pieces. Melt the butter in a small bowl and toss the crushed crackers in the melted butter until evenly coated.
8
Evenly sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture over the top of the casserole.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top. For best results, allow to cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Decadent Broccoli Delight Casserole?
It is a creamy, cheesy vegetable casserole made with broccoli, sharp cheddar, mayonnaise, and a buttery Ritz cracker topping.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How much broccoli do I need for this recipe?
The recipe requires two 8-ounce boxes of frozen broccoli, which should be cooked and drained before use.
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh broccoli, but you must steam or boil it until tender and drain it well before adding it to the casserole.
What type of cheese is best for this dish?
Sharp cheddar cheese is recommended for its bold flavor, which stands up well to the creamy soup and mayonnaise.
How long does the casserole take to bake?
Bake the casserole for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the mixture is bubbly.
Is there an egg in the recipe?
Yes, one lightly beaten egg is used to help bind the cheese and soup mixture together.
What size baking dish should I use?
A greased 9x13 inch baking dish is the appropriate size for this recipe.
How many Ritz crackers are needed for the topping?
You will need approximately 36 crackers, which is roughly one large sleeve.
Do I need to cook the onion before adding it?
No, you can add one small diced yellow onion directly into the mixing bowl; it will cook while the casserole bakes.
Can I substitute the cream of celery soup?
Yes, you can substitute cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup if you prefer a different flavor profile.
How do I prepare the cracker topping?
Crush the Ritz crackers in a zip-top bag, then toss them with 1/2 cup of melted butter until evenly coated.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the layers ahead of time and store it in the fridge, but wait to add the cracker topping until just before baking to keep it crunchy.
Should I drain the broccoli thoroughly?
Yes, draining the broccoli very well is crucial to prevent the casserole from becoming watery.
Can I use light mayonnaise?
You can use light mayonnaise, though regular mayonnaise provides a richer and more decadent texture.
What is the texture of this casserole?
It is creamy and tender on the inside with a buttery, crunchy cracker crust on top.
Is this a good dish for potlucks?
Absolutely! It is a crowd-pleasing side dish that travels well and is perfect for holidays or gatherings.
Can I add black pepper to the recipe?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 1/2 teaspoon of pepper to be mixed into the cheesy soup base.
How do I layer the casserole?
Layer half the soup mixture, followed by the cooked broccoli, then the remaining soup mixture, and finally the crackers.
Should I let the casserole cool before serving?
Allowing the dish to cool slightly helps the sauce set, making it easier to serve.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I freeze this casserole?
It is possible to freeze it, but the texture of the mayonnaise and crackers may change after thawing.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
While it contains broccoli, the addition of cheese, mayo, and butter makes it more of an indulgent comfort food than a low-calorie dish.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 primary ingredients: frozen broccoli, cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, egg, onion, cream of celery soup, Ritz crackers, butter, and pepper.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, pre-shredded cheese works fine, though freshly shredded cheese may melt slightly smoother.
Can I substitute the butter in the topping?
Melted margarine can be used, but butter provides the best flavor for the Ritz cracker crust.
What can I serve with this casserole?
It pairs well with roasted meats like chicken, turkey, or ham, and works great as a holiday side dish.
Can I add other vegetables?
You could add cauliflower or carrots, provided they are cooked and drained similarly to the broccoli.
Is this dish vegetarian?
Yes, it is vegetarian as long as you ensure the cream of celery soup does not contain meat-based broths.
How much butter is used for the topping?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of melted butter to coat the cracker crumbs.