This broccoli and cheese casserole is so easy to make with few ingredients! Layer tender broccoli, condensed soup, cheese, and buttery croutons to make this classic favorite.
I didn’t realize until I was an adult how much I loved our traditions and the consistency they bring to each season. Like the broccoli cheese dip we make for any sports party, this broccoli and cheese casserole is our favorite side dish for any big family meal. When I smell it baking in the oven, I am brought back to the different seasons of my life.
What I Love About This Recipe
- It’s easy to make with very few ingredients. While I don’t always reach for the condensed soups in my recipes, it’s worth it once in awhile for ease.
- Make this recipe ahead of time with frozen broccoli. Simply layer as directed and store in the refrigerator to thaw the broccoli overnight. Bake the next day.
- It makes quite a few servings which is why it’s perfect for big family meals.
Broccoli and Cheese Key Ingredients
- 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.
- Croutons – Choose a basic crouton with a buttery taste. Avoid Ceasar, ranch, or other heavily flavored croutons.
- Cheese – My mom always used good ol’ American cheese. I like to purchase a quality deli American cheese to control the thickness.
Casserole Layers
This recipe will literally take you five minutes to throw together. Spray a 9×13 pan with cooking spray then layer the following.
- Broccoli Florets
- Cream of Mushroom Soup
- American Cheese
- Prepped croutons.
Every time I make this dish I’m taken back to big family gatherings. It’s amazing how the scent of things baking in the oven can take us back to those childhood moments. It’s why I love making these classic dishes and sharing them with you. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Make-Ahead – If making this dish the day before, use frozen broccoli. Make as directed. Cover the 9×13 baking dish with plastic wrap or a cover and store it in the refrigerator until you bake it the next day.
Storing Leftovers – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
More Delicious Side Dishes
- Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole – another make-ahead side dish for big gatherings
- Easy Scalloped Potatoes – one of my favs!
- Easy Traditional Homemade Stuffing – the classic!
Broccoli and Cheese Casserole
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 60 mins
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
- Category: Side Dish
Description
This broccoli and cheese casserole is so easy to make! Layer broccoli, condensed soup, cheese, and buttery croutons to make this classic favorite.
Ingredients
- 30 oz of broccoli florets, thawed
- 2 Tablespoons of butter, melted
- 6 – 8 slices of American cheese
- 2 bags of croutons
- 2 cans of cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup of water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees˚ F and spray a 9×13 pan with cooking spray.
- Layer the following:
- broccoli
- cream of mushroom soup
- American cheese
- In a bowl mix the melted butter and water. Pour over the croutons and mix. Add the croutons to the top of the casserole.
- Bake for 40 minutes or until the broccoli is fully cooked and the cheese has melted.*Check the croutons after 25 minutes of baking. If they are browning too much, add foil to cover and finish baking.
Notes
Make Ahead – If making this dish the day before, use frozen broccoli. Make as directed. Cover the 9×13 baking dish with plastic wrap or a cover and store it in the refrigerator until you bake it the next day.
Storing Leftovers – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Cup
- Calories: 124
- Sugar: 2.4
- Sodium: 474.9
- Fat: 6.9
- Carbohydrates: 11.6
- Protein: 5.4
- Cholesterol: 10
Keywords: broccoli and cheese casserole
This recipe was originally published December, 2016. It has been updated with better instructions and photographs.
This looks so delicious! Like crunchy, cheesy broccoli! I definitely need to make this for dinner, like tonight! Oh man, I am definitely adding this to my shopping list!
This sounds delicious! I’m vegetarian so I am always looking for more dishes to include for holiday get-togethers that don’t include meat and this is one I definitely wouldn’t mind trying. Also I loved seeing all of your holiday traditions come to life through the photos!
I always like to have my family’s outfits match at Christmas time, too. Why is that? 🙂 Your broccoli casserole sounds so delicious! I can see why it is a family tradition in your home.
I’ve never had broccoli casserole before but after looking at yours, I’d love to have one! Thanks for sharing your recipe, I’ll surely be trying it out. Looks like your first dinner hosting was a success! Happy new year to you 😀
I’ve had broccoli casserole before but your recipe is totally different. I’ve never thought to add croutons. And I like the cream of mushroom soup spin. Plus the bits of ham add extra protein. I’ll have to try this recipe.
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I love broccoli casserole. It is one of our favorite holiday meal traditions. This looks like it could easily be adapted to gluten free too! I love easy casseroles when I am feeding a big crowd. Thanks for sharing your holiday traditions!
★★★★★
Oh wow that looks quite rich! Your meal and traditions sound wonderful. I do love myself some broccoli. 🙂 Your traditions sound lovely and it’s wonderful you had such a great holiday with your family.
What a good looking bunch. I’ve never tried the broccoli with croutons. I could eat that now. Yummy. Happy New Year.
I always have a bag of frozen broccoli in the freezer – it comes in handy for so many different meals!