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
