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    Home » Recipes » Side Dishes

    Published: Nov 17, 2024 · Modified: May 22, 2025 by AshleyFreeman ·

    Mom's Famous Broccoli and Cheese Casserole Recipe

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    If it's a holiday meal, you better believe my mom's broccoli cheese casserole recipe is on the menu. This go-to side is made from simple ingredients that I almost always have on hand, and it's really easy to put together.

    Plus, it's cheesy, creamy, and topped with buttery Ritz crackers--perfect for even those picky eaters in the crowd. What's not to love?

    Broccoli and cheese casserole in a white oval casserole dish on top of a wooden board with a wooden handled spoon scooped in as well as a green checked cloth and a stack of plates with a green napkin.

    In the South, we love a great casserole. Broccoli casserole is a classic. Why have boring steamed broccoli when you can add a creamy cheese sauce and a Ritz cracker topping to it?

    My mom's recipe for broccoli casserole has a higher cheese to broccoli ratio, so I have added a little more broccoli to my recipe. In my opinion, cheese is one of those ingredients you can measure by your heart. If your heart says to add more cheese to your casserole...do it.

    Like I mentioned before, in my family, this is an essential easy side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. If you're looking for other great holiday side dishes, be sure to check out my Southern dressing, smoked gouda macaroni and cheese, and bacon succotash recipes.

    For a great recipe to serve as your holiday main dish showstopper, you'll love my Thanksgiving turkey and gravy.

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Substitutions
    • Variations
    • Equipment
    • Storage
    • How to Reheat
    • Tasty Tip
    • Frequently asked questions
    • Related
    • Pairing
    • 🍽Get the recipe
    • Recipe guidelines and test kitchen tips
    • Food safety

    Ingredients

    Before we get started, let's gather the ingredients we need for this cheesy broccoli casserole recipe:

    Ingredients for Cheddars Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe.
    • frozen broccoli florets
    • sharp Cheddar cheese
    • cream of mushrooms soup
    • large eggs
    • mayonnaise
    • Ritz crackers or other buttery crackers
    • salted butter

    (See recipe card for quantities.)

    Instructions

    Now that we've got our ingredients, it's time to get cooking!

    Chopped broccoli on a wooden cutting board with a chef's knife off to the side.
    1. First, coarsely chop the thawed broccoli into bite-size pieces.
    Stirring together the cream filling mixture for broccoli cheese casserole in a glass bowl with a green rubber spatula.
    1. Then, stir together the cream of mushroom soup, eggs, mayonnaise, and cheese in a large bowl.
    Folding broccoli into the filling mixture for broccoli cheese casserole in a glass bowl with a spatula.
    1. Next, fold in the chopped broccoli and spoon into a lightly greased 3-quart baking dish. Bake at 375°F for 40 minutes or until the casserole is lightly browned and set.
    Spooning crushed crackers onto the top of baked broccoli casserole in an oval casserole dish.
    1. Finally, crush the Ritz crackers and mix with the melted butter. Sprinkle over the top of the casserole. Return to the oven and bake for 5 to 10 minutes longer or until the crackers are lightly browned.

    Hint: To crush the crackers with less mess, place them in a zip-top bag and use a rolling pin to crush them.

    Substitutions

    Check out these simple swaps to accommodate different diets or what you have on hand.

    • Frozen broccoli - I like to use broccoli florets and coarsely chop them but you can also use chopped broccoli. Or, use fresh broccoli florets and blanch them. Cook the broccoli in boiling salted water until tender and bright green and then plunge in ice water to stop the cooking process.
    • Cheddar cheese - I love to use sharp Cheddar cheese but feel free to use extra-sharp, mild, or medium Cheddar.
    • Ritz crackers - Instead of Ritz crackers use another kind of cracker.
    • Cream of mushroom soup - Cream of chicken soup is a good substitution for cream of mushroom soup.

    Variations

    Try these ways to change up this broccoli casserole:

    • Spicy - Stir in a little cayenne pepper to give this casserole a kick.
    • Cheesy Broccoli-Rice Casserole with Chicken - Makes this a one-pan meal. Double the soup, mayo, cheese, and add an extra egg plus 2 to 3 cups of chopped cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken is perfect)  and 1 ½ cups of cooked white rice or brown rice.
    • Super Cheesy - Instead of Ritz crackers, use Cheez-Its and sprinkle the top with an additional 1 cup of cheese.

    Equipment

    Here's the equipment you'll need for this simple broccoli casserole recipe:

    • 3-quart baking dish
    • chef's knife
    • dry measuring cups
    • cheese grater
    • large bowl
    • rubber spatula

    Storage

    Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

    For the best results, freeze the casserole up to the cracker step (before baking). Thaw and then bake as directed. You can also freeze baked casserole in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.

    How to Reheat

    Oven Method
    Preheat your oven to 350°F. Cover the broccoli casserole with aluminum foil to retain moisture and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until warmed through. Remove the foil during the last 5 minutes to refresh the breadcrumb crunch.

    Microwave Method
    Place a portion on a microwave-safe plate and cover loosely with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 2 to 3 minutes, checking and stirring halfway to promote even cooking.

    Stovetop Method
    For smaller portions, reheat in a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Cover and warm gently, stirring occasionally to avoid burning or drying out.

    Tasty Tip

    Oops! Did you forget to thaw the broccoli? Place it in a colander and run under water until it thaws. Be sure to drain thoroughly so the casserole doesn't become watery.

    Frequently asked questions

    Can you freeze broccoli and cheese casserole?

    You can! For the best results, I recommend assembling the casserole and freezing just before the baking step. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze.

    Why is my broccoli casserole watery?

    Did you thaw the frozen broccoli before assembling? If you didn't, then the liquid from the broccoli has likely leached out and caused everything to be watery.

    Is it better to use fresh or frozen broccoli in a casserole?

    You can use either! If you use fresh, just be sure to blanch it first: Cook the broccoli in boiling salted water until tender and bright green and then plunge in ice water to stop the cooking process.

    Is it okay to cook the casserole the day before?

    You certainly can! I would leave the Ritz cracker topping step until the day of. Reheat the casserole first in the oven and then add the cracker topping.

    Do you cook the vegetables before putting them in casserole?

    Good news! For this recipe, you don't have to do any cooking before assembling. It's a dump and stir dish!

    Do I cook my broccoli cheese bake covered or uncovered?

    Uncovered. That way the top can get nicely browned and bubbly.

    Related

    Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

    • Mini cast-iron dishes filled with Creamy Baked Cheddar and Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese with wooden handled forks off to the side.
      Creamy Baked Cheddar and Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese
    • Campbell's beef consomme rice recipe in a white casserole dish with a wooden spoon inside.
      Mimi's French Onion and Consomme Rice with Mushrooms
    • White bowl filled with Ruby Tuesday Broccoli Salad with a yellow striped napkin on the side and a wooden handled spoon inside the bowl.
      Simple Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cheddar Recipe
    • Blue-rimmed white enamel pan filled with braised collard greens with a wooden-handled slotted spoon and hot sauce off to the side.
      Southern Braised Collard Greens with Ham Hocks

    Pairing

    These are my favorite dishes to serve with this broccoli cheese casserole with Ritz crackers:

    • Sliced Spatchcock Turkey on an oval platter with a plain table runner, gold and wooden serving knife and fork, a gravy boat, salt and pepper shakers, and a cream colored plate off to the side.
      Spatchcock Turkey and Gravy (With or Without Poultry Shears)
    • Grilled garlic rosemary pork chops on a gray platter.
      Grilled Pork Chops with Rosemary Dijon Marinade
    • Air Fryer Dressing in a white casserole dish with a silver serving spoon.
      Easy Southern Dressing (Stuffing) in the Air Fryer
    • Platter of mini monster meatloaf recipe.
      Mini Monster Meatloaf (Fun Halloween Dinner Recipe)

    🍽Get the recipe

    Broccoli and cheese casserole in a white oval casserole dish on top of a wooden board with a wooden handled spoon scooped in as well as a green checked cloth and a stack of plates with a green napkin.

    Mom's Famous Broccoli and Cheese Casserole

    In our family, it isn't a proper holiday meal without this broccoli and cheese casserole on the menu. A cheesy cream sauce enhances frozen broccoli and a crunchy Ritz cracker topping makes it irresistible. It's comfort food at its best!
    5 from 6 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: American, Southern
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 45 minutes minutes
    Servings: 8

    Equipment

    • 3-quart baking dish
    • chef's knife
    • dry measuring cups
    • cheese grater
    • large bowl
    • rubber spatula

    Ingredients

    • 2 (12-ounce) packages frozen broccoli florets, thawed
    • 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
    • 2 large eggs
    • 1 cup mayonnaise
    • 1 (8-ounce) block sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded
    • 3 small sleeves Ritz crackers (about 42 crackers), crushed (2 cups)
    • ¼ cup salted butter, melted

    Instructions

    • Preheat the oven to 375°F. Coat a 3-quart baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Drain the broccoli and coarsely chop if needed.
    • Stir together the soup, eggs, mayonnaise, and cheese in a large bowl. Fold in the broccoli and stir until combined.
    • Spoon the mixture into the casserole dish. Bake for 40 minutes or until lightly browned and set.
    • Stir together the crushed crackers and melted butter. Sprinkle over the casserole. Bake for another 5 to 10 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.

    Notes

    Drain the broccoli: Be sure to drain the broccoli before adding it with the other ingredients so it doesn't make the broccoli casserole watery.
    Let the casserole rest before serving: After baking, let your casserole sit for about 10 minutes. It helps everything set up, making it easier to serve.
    Wait to add the crackers: For the best results, bake the broccoli Cheddar casserole without the Ritz topping. Add the crushed crackers at the end and bake for 5 to 10 more minutes.
    Fresh broccoli option: If you decide to use fresh broccoli instead of frozen broccoli for this broccoli casserole recipe, I recommend blanching it first. That will prevent the broccoli from releasing extra water during baking.

    Recipe guidelines and test kitchen tips

    When developing and testing recipes, here are some key things that I do for more success in the kitchen:

    • Be sure to use dry measuring cups for things like flour, sugar, and mayonnaise and a liquid measuring cup for things like water, milk, and broth.
    • When measuring dry ingredients like flour and powdered sugar that can pack down, spoon the ingredient into a dry measuring cup and level with a knife as opposed to scooping the measuring cup into the ingredient.
    • I test and develop recipes using a standard electric oven and standard gas stovetop. Be aware that if you use an electric stovetop or convection oven, your bake times will be different.
    • When recipes call for kosher salt, I use Diamond Crystal kosher salt.

    Food safety

    Keep these things in mind for this recipe regarding food safety.

    • Don't leave the pie sitting out at room temperature for extended periods of time.
    • Never leave cooking food unattended. Ovens vary, so keep an eye on the casserole as it cooks.
    • Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove.

    See more guidelines at USDA.gov.

    More Side Dishes

    • Wooden bowl filled with creamy chicken macaroni salad with ceramic serving spoons, an orange checked cloth, two yellow glasses filled with ice water, and one pottery plate topped with a serving to the side.
      The Best Creamy Macaroni Pasta Salad with Chicken
    • Light wooden bowl filled with Zoe's Kitchen Copycat Pasta Salad with a wooden salad set in the bowl, a blue cloth, two blue glasses, a bowl of fresh basil, and salt and pepper shakers on the side.
      Tomato, Basil, and Feta Pasta Salad (Zoe's Copycat)
    • Green bowl filled with Elote Pasta Salad with a small wooden bowl of Cotija cheese and a small white bowl of cilantro on the side plus a green checked napkin and wooden serving spoon.
      Zesty Elote (Mexican Street Corn) Pasta Salad
    • Wooden rimmed white bowl filled with sweet pepper and cucumber salad on top of a raffia placemat along with a wooden spoon and blue towel.
      Sweet Pepper and Cucumber Salad with Ginger Dressing

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Linda Monts de Oca says

      February 11, 2025 at 2:49 am

      can you mix ingredients the night before and bake the next morning?

      Reply
      • AshleyFreeman says

        February 11, 2025 at 10:03 am

        Hi Linda! Yes, you can mix everything up the night before! We do that all the time when we make this recipe for the holidays.

        Reply
      • April says

        May 18, 2025 at 5:02 pm

        can you use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?

        Reply
        • AshleyFreeman says

          May 19, 2025 at 8:08 am

          Hi April! Yes, you can use fresh broccoli florets and blanch them. Cook the broccoli in boiling salted water until tender and bright green and then plunge in ice water to stop the cooking process. (Cooking the broccoli first will prevent the casserole from becoming watery during baking.)

          Reply
    2. Michele says

      December 18, 2024 at 8:46 am

      5 stars
      A broccoli casserole is a must at our family dinners and this one was a winner!

      Reply
      • AshleyFreeman says

        December 22, 2024 at 1:41 pm

        Us too, Michele!

        Reply
    3. Natalie Perry says

      December 17, 2024 at 4:28 pm

      5 stars
      I’ve tried many broccoli and cheese casseroles, but this is by far the best. So easy and delicious. I just substituted ritz for an organic brand I prefer and it worked great.

      Reply
      • AshleyFreeman says

        December 22, 2024 at 1:41 pm

        That's a great substitution--so glad you loved it!

        Reply
    4. Nicole Kendrick says

      December 17, 2024 at 3:06 pm

      5 stars
      This is so good! I love all that broccoli and cheese. There's a reason this is a classic!

      Reply
      • AshleyFreeman says

        December 22, 2024 at 1:41 pm

        You're so right Nicole!

        Reply
    5. Nora says

      December 17, 2024 at 2:36 pm

      5 stars
      This casserole turned out perfectly! The whole family loved it!

      Reply
      • AshleyFreeman says

        December 22, 2024 at 1:41 pm

        Yay! I'm so glad!

        Reply
    6. Nisha says

      December 17, 2024 at 11:59 am

      5 stars
      I made this and it was so easy to put the dish together with broccoli, creamy cheese sauce, and the Ritz cracker topping, and the outcome was so delicious.

      Reply
      • AshleyFreeman says

        December 17, 2024 at 12:34 pm

        Hooray! I'm so glad it was a hit!

        Reply
    7. Magali Mutombo says

      December 17, 2024 at 10:31 am

      5 stars
      Thank you so much for sharing this recipe! My kids love vegetables again! They loved it so much that they forgot that they were eating veggies! LOL

      Reply
      • AshleyFreeman says

        December 17, 2024 at 12:34 pm

        Amazing! Cheese makes everything better 🙂

        Reply
    5 from 6 votes

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    Photo of Ashley Strickland Freeman in a kitchen.

    Hi, I'm Ashley, "your best friend in the kitchen." I'm a food stylist, culinary producer, editor, travel junkie, and author of The Duke's Mayonnaise Cookbook from Charleston, SC. Thanks for stopping by Little Black Skillet!

    More about me →

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