5- Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole

This 5 Ingredient broccoli cheese casserole is easy to make with layers of tender broccoli, condensed soup, cheese, and buttery croutons. It’s perfect for a comforting family meal or any gathering.

If you’re a fan of easy-to-make casseroles, you might also enjoy this taco casserole and easy Jiffy cornbread casserole. And if you want to stick with the broccoli theme, give this broccoli cauliflower casserole a try.

Why I Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe is a time-saver. With just 5 simple ingredients, it’s a snap to put together. Plus, you can even prepare it ahead of time!
• Family Favorite: The creamy, cheesy goodness of this casserole is a hit with both kids and adults. It’s the perfect comfort food for a family meal.
• Classic Flavors: The combination of broccoli, cheese, and croutons is a timeless trio. It’s a broccoli cheese recipe that never goes out of style.
• Generous Servings: This recipe makes quite a few servings, making it perfect for large family gatherings or potlucks. Plus, it’s easy on the budget!

Key Ingredients

• Frozen Broccoli Florets – You want to make sure to purchase the florets for this recipe as you want the best part of the broccoli. You can use either frozen or fresh, although I recommend frozen if you’re making this ahead of time.
• Butter – This will be melted and used to add a rich, creamy flavor to the casserole.
• American Cheese – My mom always used good ol’ American cheese. I like to purchase a quality deli American cheese to control the thickness.
• Croutons – Choose a basic crouton with a buttery taster. Avoid Ceasar, ranch, or other heavily flavored croutons.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup – This will add a creamy, savory flavor to the casserole and also help to bind all the ingredients together.
• Water – It will help to thin out the soup and also to cook the broccoli while the casserole bakes.

Equipment

• 9×13 Pan – You’ll need this to bake the casserole. Make sure to spray it with cooking spray to prevent the ingredients from sticking.
• Large Bowl – This is where you’ll mix the melted butter and water with the croutons to add a delicious topping to the casserole.

How to Make 5 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole

Preparation

To start, preheat your oven to 350 degrees˚ F and spray a 9×13 pan with cooking spray. This will prevent the casserole from sticking to the pan.

Step 1 – Layer the Broccoli and Cheese

Begin by placing a base layer of broccoli in the prepared baking pan. Then, spoon the cream of mushroom soup over the broccoli. Finally, top it off with slices of American cheese.

Step 2 – Prepare and Add the Crouton Crust

In a bowl, mix the melted butter and water. Pour this mixture over the croutons and stir to combine. Next, add the crouton crust to the top of the casserole, spreading it out evenly.

Step 3 – Bake the Casserole

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the broccoli is fully cooked and the cheese is melted. Enjoy your delicious, cheesy broccoli casserol

Expert Tip

To prevent your croutons from burning, check on them after 25 minutes of baking. If they are browning too much, simply add foil to cover and allow the casserole to finish baking.

The flavor of your casserole is altered by the type of croutons you use. I prefer the herb flavored ones with this recipe.

Recipe Variations

• Cheddar Cheese: If you’re a fan of a sharper cheese flavor, feel free to swap out the American cheese for cheddar. It will add a deliciously sharp and tangy flavor to your casserole.
• Add Protein: Turn this side dish into a complete meal by adding some protein. You can mix in some cooked, diced chicken or brown some ground beef and layer it in with the broccoli.
• Extra Crunch: While the recipe already includes a layer of croutons for a bit of crunch, you can also top the casserole with Ritz crackers like my green bean and corn casserole or top it with a sprinkle of breadcrumbs mixed with a little melted butter before baking. This will add an extra crispy, golden topping to your dish.

What to Serve With

• This 5 Ingredient broccoli cheese casserole is a perfect side dish for a family dinner. Serve it with roasted chicken and mashed potatoes for a classic and comforting meal.
• If you’re hosting a brunch, this casserole pairs well with a creamy fruit salad and some fluffy buttermilk biscuits.
• For a quick and easy lunch, serve this casserole with a side of garlic bread. The cheesy, garlicky flavors complement each other perfectly.
• If you’re a fan of soup and sandwich combos, this casserole goes great with a hot bowl of tomato basil soup and a grilled cheese sandwich. It’s a real crowd-pleaser every time!

Recipe FAQs

Storing and Reheating

• Storing: After enjoying this 5 Ingredient broccoli cheese casserole, you can easily store any leftovers. Simply let the casserole cool to room temperature, then place it in an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing this broccoli cheese casserole. Freezing can alter the texture of the cheese and may cause the casserole to become watery when thawing.
• Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy your leftover casserole, simply preheat your oven to 350 F. Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature while the oven preheats. Once the oven is ready, cover the casserole with foil and reheat for about 20-25 minutes, or until it’s warmed through.

Serving Size

• What to Expect: This 5 Ingredient broccoli cheese casserole recipe yields a hearty casserole dish, enough to serve 8 people.
• How to Scale: If you’re planning to serve a larger crowd, you can easily double the recipe and follow the instructions as directed. Just make sure to use a larger casserole dish to accommodate the increased quantity.

This recipe was originally published December, 2016. It has been updated with better instructions and photographs.