Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe

Broccoli florets: Fresh or frozen, these provide the base for the casserole.

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

Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and helps bind the ingredients together.

Condensed cream of mushroom soup: Provides a savory, creamy base for the casserole.

Eggs: Beaten, these help to set the casserole.

Ritz crackers: Crushed, these add a crunchy topping.

Butter: Melted, this helps to bind the cracker topping and adds flavor.

When preparing the broccoli, make sure to blanch it first if you're using fresh florets. This involves briefly boiling the broccoli in salted water for about 2-3 minutes, then immediately transferring it to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Blanching helps to maintain the vibrant green color and ensures the broccoli is tender but still has a slight crunch, which adds a delightful texture to your casserole.

• broccoli florets - Substitute with cauliflower florets: Cauliflower has a similar texture and can absorb flavors well, making it a great alternative.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella melts well and provides a creamy texture, though it has a milder flavor.

• mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt offers a tangy flavor and creamy texture while being lower in fat and calories.

• condensed cream of mushroom soup - Substitute with condensed cream of chicken soup: Cream of chicken soup provides a similar creamy consistency and savory flavor.

• beaten eggs - Substitute with flaxseed meal and water mixture: Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water per egg; this works as a binding agent and is a good vegan alternative.

• crushed ritz crackers - Substitute with panko breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs offer a similar crunchy texture and can be seasoned to taste.

• melted butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil provides a similar richness and helps in browning the topping, while being a healthier fat option.

• Allow the broccoli cheese casserole to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation from forming inside the storage container, which can make the dish soggy.

• Transfer the cooled casserole into an airtight container. If you prefer, you can also use heavy-duty aluminum foil to cover the baking dish tightly.

• For short-term storage, place the container in the refrigerator. The casserole will stay fresh 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 long-term storage, consider freezing the casserole. Wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. This double layer helps prevent freezer burn and maintains the dish's flavor.

• Label the container with the date of freezing 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. This gradual thawing process helps maintain the texture and flavor of the dish.

• Reheat the thawed casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes, or until it is heated through and bubbly. If the topping isn't as crispy as you'd like, you can broil it for a few minutes at the end.

• For an extra touch of freshness, consider adding a sprinkle of freshly grated cheddar cheese or a handful of crushed ritz crackers before reheating. This will enhance the texture and flavor, making it taste as good as freshly baked.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Transfer the leftover broccoli cheese casserole to an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the top from burning.
  4. Bake for about 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. Place a portion of the casserole in 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 intervals until the casserole is heated through.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Place a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of butter or olive oil to the skillet.
  3. Add the leftover broccoli cheese casserole to the skillet.
  4. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to ensure even heating.
  5. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the casserole is thoroughly heated.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover casserole in an air fryer-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the top from burning.
  4. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, checking halfway through.
  5. Remove the foil for the last 3-5 minutes to crisp up the ritz cracker topping.

• Oven: Used to bake the casserole at a consistent temperature of 350°F (175°C).

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl to combine the broccoli, cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, cream of mushroom soup, and beaten eggs.

• Baking dish: A greased dish to pour the mixture into for baking.

• Small bowl: Used to mix the crushed ritz crackers and melted butter for the topping.

• Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the broccoli, cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and other ingredients.

• Can opener: Needed to open the can of condensed cream of mushroom soup.

• Whisk: Useful for beating the eggs before adding them to the mixture.

• Spatula: Handy for mixing the ingredients together and scraping the bowl.

• Knife: If using fresh broccoli, a knife is needed to cut it into florets.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface to chop the broccoli if using fresh.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the melted butter accurately.

• Oven mitts: Important for safely handling the hot baking dish when removing it from the oven.

Use pre-cut broccoli: Save time by using pre-cut broccoli florets from the store instead of chopping fresh ones.

Shredded cheese: Buy pre-shredded cheddar cheese to skip the shredding step.

Ready-made topping: Use store-bought crushed Ritz crackers to avoid crushing them yourself.

Mix in the dish: Combine all ingredients directly in the baking dish to reduce cleanup time.

Microwave broccoli: Quickly steam frozen broccoli in the microwave instead of boiling it.