Okay, let’s dive into one of my family’s favorite ways to sneak in some veggies: Broccoli Cheese Casserole! I remember when I first tried making this; it was a total experiment born out of desperation to get my kids to eat more broccoli. I had some leftover cheese, a head of broccoli that was about to go bad, and a mission! To my surprise, it was a huge hit! The cheesy goodness masked the broccoli perfectly, and it became a dinnertime nutrition win.

This Broccoli Cheese Casserole is a total lifesaver for busy weeknights, potlucks, or even holiday gatherings. It’s warm, comforting, and surprisingly nutritious! As moms, we all know the struggle of getting our families to eat their greens.

It can be hard, sometimes it feels like a lose-lose situation, but that is where small victories come in! I’m excited to share my go-to recipe for Broccoli Cheese Casserole with you all. If you’re a fellow busy mom seeking simple nutrition solutions, you’re in the right place! If you’re looking for other simple solutions, check out mac and cheese soup.

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this cheesy, veggie-packed dish. This Broccoli Cheese Casserole is simple because busy moms need nutrition without complexity!

1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets: (About 4 cups) Broccoli is packed with vitamins and fiber, so it’s a nutritional powerhouse!
1/2 cup chopped onion: Adds a little flavor that the family will love
1/4 cup butter: For sautéing the onion and adding richness.
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup: Provides a creamy base.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: The star of the show! You can use any cheese you like, but cheddar is classic.
1/2 cup milk: Adds moisture to the casserole.
1/4 teaspoon salt: To enhance the flavors.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a little kick.
1/2 cup bread crumbs: For a crispy topping.
2 tablespoons melted butter: To mix with the bread crumbs.

No worries if you don’t have cream of mushroom soup – I use plain Greek yogurt for extra protein and nutrients in my Broccoli Cheese Casserole. You can find these wholesome ingredients at your regular grocery store.

This Broccoli Cheese Casserole nutrition hack changed our family’s health; I always keep frozen broccoli on hand! This Broccoli Cheese Casserole proves nutritious doesn’t mean expensive. Here’s a simple ingredient prep shortcut: buy pre-cut broccoli florets to save time! My family gets extra nutrition when I add a handful of spinach to the broccoli. You can also find similar recipes online, such as this Awesome Broccoli-Cheese Casserole Recipe.

Let’s Make it Happen!

Ready to make this Broccoli Cheese Casserole? Don’t worry, it’s easier than folding laundry (and maybe even more fun!).

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Trust me, a little grease goes a long way!
2. Steam or boil the broccoli florets until they are tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Drain well. You don’t want soggy broccoli in your Broccoli Cheese Casserole!

While your broccoli is cooking, take a moment to appreciate nourishing your family! If you are short on time, you can steam them in a plastic bag in the microwave. Place the broccoli in a plastic bag with a little water and microwave for 3-5 minutes until tender.

1. In a skillet, melt 1/4 cup butter over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion until softened, about 5 minutes. This adds a layer of flavor to the Broccoli Cheese Casserole.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked broccoli, sautéed onion, cream of mushroom soup, cheddar cheese, milk, salt, and pepper. Mix well. Here’s where I used to struggle with my Broccoli Cheese Casserole – learn from my experience! Make sure everything is well combined.
3. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. This Broccoli Cheese Casserole should smell nourishing by now!
4. In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the broccoli mixture. Here’s another great way to sneak in some extra nutrients.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly. In my busy kitchen, this nutritious Broccoli Cheese Casserole usually takes closer to 30 minutes.

While your Broccoli Cheese Casserole is cooking, perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch!

1. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Don’t worry if your Broccoli Cheese Casserole looks a little uneven – it will still taste amazing!

Here’s a family-tested nutrition shortcut: I prep this Broccoli Cheese Casserole the night before and bake it the next day!

I’ve discovered that adding a little garlic powder to the breadcrumb topping adds a delicious twist!

How We Love to Eat This!

Okay, now for the fun part: serving this delicious Broccoli Cheese Casserole! We love this dish in so many ways.

The kids devour this nutritious Broccoli Cheese Casserole when I serve it with grilled chicken and a side of fruit. It makes for a complete and balanced meal! I also love serving it with a simple salad. This recipe is similar to Creamy Broccoli Casserole Recipe.

This Broccoli Cheese Casserole is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need good nutrition fast! It’s also a great dish to bring to potlucks or holiday gatherings. I love that it’s always a crowd-pleaser, and it’s a sneaky way to get everyone to eat their veggies.

For a fun presentation, I like to sprinkle a little extra shredded cheese on top before serving. This makes it look extra appealing to the kids (and the adults, let’s be honest!).

Got leftovers? No problem! This Broccoli Cheese Casserole is great reheated for lunch the next day. The kids love taking it to school in their lunchboxes.

For a seasonal variation, try adding some roasted red peppers in the fall or some fresh herbs in the spring. It’s a great way to change things up and keep it interesting.

One time, I brought this Broccoli Cheese Casserole to a friend’s house for dinner, and she couldn’t believe how much her kids loved it! She asked me for the recipe, and now it’s a staple in her house too. Get more simple nutrition ideas for busy families from Busy Mom Simple Nutrition.

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Alright, let’s tackle some common questions I get from fellow busy moms about this Broccoli Cheese Casserole.

Is this Broccoli Cheese Casserole really nutritious enough for growing kids?

Absolutely! Broccoli is packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The cheese adds calcium and protein. It’s a great way to sneak in those essential nutrients.

What if my picky eater won’t try this healthy Broccoli Cheese Casserole?

Been there! Try cutting the broccoli into very small pieces or even pureeing some of it into the cheese sauce. You can also add a little bacon or ham to make it more appealing. Make it the cheesy broccoli bake that they will love.

Can I meal prep this Broccoli Cheese Casserole for busy weeks ahead?

Yes! Assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. Add the breadcrumb topping just before baking.

Can I freeze this cheesy broccoli bake?

I wouldn’t recommend it. The cheese sauce may separate and become grainy when thawed.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli in this Broccoli Cheese Casserole. Just make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess water before adding it to the casserole.

Can I make this Broccoli Cheddar Casserole gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free bread crumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers for the topping.

Can I add other vegetables?

Of course! Cauliflower, carrots, or peas would all be great additions to this Broccoli Cheese Casserole. You can look at making it a creamy broccoli casserole with all sorts of variations.

I’ve been making this Broccoli Cheese Casserole for years, and it’s always a hit. My kids love it, and I love that it’s a quick and easy way to get them to eat their veggies. One reader asked me if you could add bacon? The answer is, of course! You may also enjoy these Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles! If you are looking for more simple ways to get your kids to eat their veggies, check out No Bake Halloween Cheesecake.

Final Thoughts

This Broccoli Cheese Casserole is a true sanity-saver for busy moms. It’s a simple, nutritious, and delicious way to get your family to eat their veggies without any fuss. The easy broccoli casserole recipe is a great way to get your kids involved in the cooking process.

My Broccoli Cheese Casserole Nutrition Hacks:

Sneak in extra veggies: Add spinach, carrots, or cauliflower.
Use Greek yogurt instead of cream of mushroom soup: Adds protein and cuts down on fat.
Top with whole-wheat bread crumbs: Adds fiber and nutrients.

Some family-tested healthy Broccoli Cheese Casserole variations include:

Bacon Broccoli Cheese Casserole: Add cooked bacon crumbles for extra flavor.
Spicy Broccoli Cheese Casserole: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Garlic Broccoli Cheese Casserole: Add minced garlic to the sautéed onion for a garlicky kick.

My son loves the bacon version, while my daughter prefers the classic. I encourage you to make this Broccoli Cheese Casserole your own! Experiment with different cheeses, vegetables, and toppings to find your family’s favorite combination.

I hope this recipe brings you as much joy and dinnertime nutrition wins as it has brought my family. I’m sending you warm encouragement and hoping for your family’s nutrition success as you try this nourishing Broccoli Cheese Casserole!

Broccoli Cheese Casserole

Print Recipe

This classic Broccoli Cheese Casserole is a comforting and easy side dish or main course. Tender broccoli florets are baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce for a crowd-pleasing favorite.

Author: Juliette
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped broccoli, thawed and drained
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 egg, beaten
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup butter, melted
1/4 cup bread crumbs

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a large bowl, combine broccoli, cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, egg, cheddar cheese, onion, and pepper.
Pour mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
In a small bowl, combine melted butter and bread crumbs. Sprinkle over the top of the casserole.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.

Notes

For a richer flavor, use sharp cheddar cheese. You can also add cooked ham or bacon for extra protein.