Classic Broccoli Casserole
(aka: The One Everyone Asks For)
This is rich, creamy, cheesy, and has that mandatory crunchy topping. It’s a side dish, but honestly, it could be a main course if you’re feeling decadent.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
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2 tablespoons butter
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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2 cans (10.5 oz each) condensed cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
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1 cup mayonnaise (do not substitute with Miracle Whip or light mayo)
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1 large egg, lightly beaten
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1 teaspoon lemon juice
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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2 (16 oz) bags frozen chopped broccoli, thawed and drained very well
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3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded, divided
For the “Not Healthy” Topping:
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1 sleeve (about 35-40 crackers) Ritz crackers, crushed (about 1.5 cups of crumbs)
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¼ cup salted butter, melted
Instructions
1. Prep and Preheat
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) .
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Crucial Step: Make sure your broccoli is thoroughly thawed and drained. Frozen broccoli holds a lot of water, and if you don’t squeeze it out, you’ll have a watery casserole. Press it in a colander or pat it dry with paper towels.
2. Make the Filling
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In a large skillet, melt the 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
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In an enormous mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, beaten egg, lemon juice, and pepper. Whisk until smooth.
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Stir in the cooked onions, the drained broccoli, and 2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until everything is well coated in that creamy, fatty, delicious mixture.
3. Assemble
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Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish (or a similar 3-quart casserole dish). Spread it into an even layer.
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Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
4. Make the Topping
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In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with the ¼ cup of melted butter. Stir until all the crumbs are moistened.
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Sprinkle the buttery cracker crumbs evenly over the cheese layer.
5. Bake
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Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly around the edges and the topping is deep golden brown.
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Let it rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. This allows it to set up so it’s scoopable and not a soupy mess.
Why this is the “Not Healthy” Champion:
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Mayonnaise: Adds a tangy creaminess and fat content that low-fat versions just can’t replicate.
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Canned Soup: The classic base. It’s salty, savory, and reliable.
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Ritz Crackers + Butter: Buttery crackers coated in more butter. This is the textural crown jewel of the dish.
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3 Cups of Cheese: Because one cup is for the inside, and the rest is for the glorious cheese pull on top.
Enjoy! This is pure comfort food.