Cheesy Broccoli Casserole with Mushrooms and Panko Breadcrumb Topping Recipe
Introduction
This Broccoli Casserole is a comforting and cheesy side dish perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings. Packed with tender broccoli, savory mushrooms, and sharp cheddar, it’s creamy with a crunchy breadcrumb topping that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 32 ounces frozen broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ medium yellow onion, sliced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 12 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 3 cups)
- 1 (4 ounce) can sliced mushrooms, drained
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup panko bread crumbs (regular or seasoned)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 2.5-quart or larger baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set it aside.
- Step 2: Prepare the broccoli according to the package directions. Drain it well and set aside.
- Step 3: In a medium skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and cook, stirring often, for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Step 4: Transfer the sautéed onion and garlic to a large mixing bowl. Add the cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, beaten egg, and black pepper. Stir until everything is well combined.
- Step 5: Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese, drained sliced mushrooms, and the cooked broccoli.
- Step 6: Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Step 7: Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in a small microwave-safe bowl. Stir in the panko bread crumbs until they are coated with butter, then sprinkle the crumbs evenly over the casserole.
- Step 8: Bake the casserole uncovered for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.
- Step 9: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the sauce mixture.
- Use fresh broccoli if preferred; just steam it until tender before adding.
- Swap panko breadcrumbs for crushed crackers or crushed cornflakes for a different crunchy topping.
- Add cooked bacon bits or diced ham for a heartier casserole.
- Use a blend of cheeses like mozzarella and cheddar for a gooier texture.
Storage
Store any leftover casserole covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole dish in a 350°F oven until heated through. This casserole is best enjoyed fresh but reheats well.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh broccoli works great. Just steam or blanch it until tender before mixing it into the casserole.
Can I prepare the casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
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Cheesy Broccoli Casserole with Mushrooms and Panko Breadcrumb Topping Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Broccoli Casserole is a comforting and creamy baked dish featuring tender broccoli florets in a savory blend of cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, sautéed onions, garlic, and sharp cheddar cheese. Topped with buttery panko breadcrumbs, it’s the perfect side for family dinners or holiday meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 32 ounces frozen broccoli florets
- ½ medium yellow onion (sliced)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1 (4 ounce) can sliced mushrooms (drained)
Dairy & Eggs
- 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 large egg (lightly beaten)
- 12 ounces sharp cheddar cheese (shredded, about 3 cups)
Canned Goods
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
Other
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup panko bread crumbs (regular or seasoned)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 2.5 quart or larger baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set it aside.
- Cook Broccoli: Prepare the frozen broccoli florets according to the package instructions, usually by steaming or boiling until tender. Drain well to remove excess water and set aside.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: In a medium skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and cook, stirring often, for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Transfer the sautéed onion and garlic mixture to a large mixing bowl. Add the cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, lightly beaten egg, and black pepper. Stir all ingredients together until well combined.
- Add Cheese, Mushrooms, and Broccoli: Fold in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, drained sliced mushrooms, and the cooked broccoli into the mixture, stirring gently to combine evenly.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the broccoli mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top.
- Prepare Topping: In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Stir in the panko bread crumbs until they are evenly coated with butter.
- Add Topping and Bake: Sprinkle the buttery panko bread crumbs evenly over the casserole. Bake the uncovered dish in the preheated oven for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole edges are bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes before serving to set and cool slightly.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh broccoli florets, just be sure to steam them until tender before assembling.
- For a lower fat version, use reduced-fat mayonnaise and cheddar cheese.
- For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of dried thyme or paprika to the mixture before baking.
- Use seasoned panko breadcrumbs if you want added herbs and spices in the topping.
- Leftovers store well covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: broccoli casserole, baked broccoli dish, cheddar broccoli casserole, creamy broccoli casserole, holiday side dishes
