Broccoli Cheese Casserole

This recipe for Broccoli Cheese Casserole is delicious and goes well with any meal because it’s creamy and cheesy. This casserole is a satisfying side dish for any occasion since it is loaded with fresh broccoli, a rich cheese sauce, and a crispy, golden topping.

Components:

Regarding the casserole:

1. Four cups of blanched or cooked fresh broccoli florets
2. One cup of finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or a combination of mozzarella and cheddar)
3. Half a cup of Parmesan cheese, grated
4. One can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (for a non-vegetarian variant, use cream of chicken)
5. Half a cup of mayonnaise
6. Half a cup of sour cream
7. One teaspoon of powdered garlic
8. Half a teaspoon of onion powder
9. One tablespoon of Dijon mustard, if desired, to add a little flavor
10. To taste, add salt and pepper.

Regarding the topping:

• One cup of crushed Ritz crackers (or breadcrumbs or crackers of your choice)
• Two tablespoons of melted butter
• 1/4 cup of optionally grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor

Directions:

1. Get the broccoli ready:

• Set the oven temperature to 175°C (350°F).
• Broccoli florets can be blanched or steamed for 3–4 minutes, or until they are crisp but yet delicate. After draining any extra water, set aside.

2. Prepare the mixture for the casserole:

• Mix the cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, sour cream, onion and garlic powders, Dijon mustard (if using), and a dash of salt and pepper in a large bowl. Mix to blend.
• Stir the mixture thoroughly after adding the grated Parmesan cheese and the shredded cheddar cheese.
  Make sure the steamed broccoli florets are covered with the creamy mixture by gently folding them in.

3. Put the casserole together:

• Grease a 9 x 9-inch or 8 x 8-inch baking dish (or casserole dish of comparable dimensions) with a little oil.
  Evenly distribute the cheese and broccoli mixture in the baking dish that has been prepared.

4. Get the topping ready:

• Grated Parmesan cheese (if used), melted butter, and broken Ritz crackers should all be combined in a small basin.
• For a crunchy, golden topping, evenly distribute the cracker mixture over the casserole’s top.

The casserole should be baked.

• The casserole should be bubbling and the topping should be golden brown and crispy after 25 to 30 minutes of baking in a preheated oven.

6. Offer:

• Before serving, take the casserole out of the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes.
• Serve as an accompaniment to your preferred main course, such as grilled steak, roasted chicken, or vegetarian fare.

Advice:

• Make it in advance: The casserole can be made all the way to the baking stage, covered, and kept in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just extend the cooking time by a few minutes when you’re ready to bake.
• Add protein: Cooked chicken, sausage, or bacon bits can be added to the casserole to give it more substance.
• Make it gluten-free: If you require a gluten-free version, use breadcrumbs or crackers for the topping.
• Additional cheese: You can mix in a variety of your favorite cheeses or sprinkle more shredded cheese on top of the casserole before baking for an extra delicious dish.

Your taste buds will be pleased by this hearty and delectable meal of broccoli cheese casserole. It will be a popular favorite and is ideal for weeknight dinners or holiday meals! Have fun!