Cheesy Broccoli Casserole with Crispy Onions and Cheese Crackers Recipe
This classic Broccoli Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting dish perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings. Featuring fresh broccoli florets mixed with condensed soups, sharp cheddar cheese, and topped with crispy fried onions and cheese crackers, this casserole bakes to golden perfection in under an hour.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 pound fresh broccoli (cut into small florets, about 1 large or 2 small heads)
Wet Ingredients
- 1 can condensed broccoli cheese soup (10.5 ounces)
- 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup (10.5 ounces)
- 2 large eggs (lightly beaten)
- ¼ cup sour cream
Seasonings
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Cheese and Toppings
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 container French’s Crispy Fried Onions (2.8 ounces)
- 1 cup cheese crackers (lightly crushed, such as Cheez-Its)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 13x9-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and set it aside for later.
- Blanch Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and boil them for 2 to 3 minutes until they are just tender but still crisp. Drain the broccoli well and set it aside.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the condensed broccoli cheese soup, condensed cream of mushroom soup, lightly beaten eggs, sour cream, sea salt, and black pepper until smooth and combined. Gently fold in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and the French’s crispy fried onions, then carefully fold in the blanched broccoli florets, ensuring the broccoli is evenly coated with the mixture.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread the broccoli mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the lightly crushed cheese crackers evenly over the top to create a crunchy topping.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly throughout and the top is golden brown and crispy.
Notes
- Make sure not to overcook the broccoli during blanching to keep it crisp and prevent mushiness in the casserole.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the cheese crackers and fried onions with gluten-free alternatives.
- To enhance flavor, you can add a pinch of garlic powder or smoked paprika to the mixture if desired.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
- This casserole pairs beautifully with grilled meats or as a hearty vegetarian main dish.
