Looking for the perfect easy cheesy broccoli casserole recipe to win over the whole family? This creamy and cheesy broccoli bake combines tender broccoli florets with a sharp cheddar cheese sauce and a buttery cracker crust for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Why You'll Love It
Ya'll this cheesy broccoli casserole recipe is the ultimate comfort food that I am currently obsessed with.
This creamy casserole is packed with all the good stuff: tons of broccoli, a cheesy creamy sauce, and a buttery cracker topping that turns golden brown in the oven.
It’s also a great recipe for kids and picky eaters—because who can resist the magic of a crunchy topping paired with creamy, cheesy goodness?!
But the star (and unexpected ingredient) of this easy broccoli casserole recipe is the feta cheese. Unlike a classic broccoli casserole, the feta adds so much flavor and brightness. I swear, once you try it this way, you will never make it any other way!
You can serve this delicious side dish any time of the year - either as a side dish with a Thanksgiving turkey or with some simple roast chicken or pork chops.
Perfect for a chilly day (or any night of the week!), this broccoli cheese casserole recipe delivers creamy comfort with every bite. Let's get to it!
Ingredients & Substitutions
With simple ingredients like fresh broccoli florets, a can of cream of cheddar soup, sour cream, feta, and buttery crackers, you’ll have this easy side dish on the table in no time. Here's everything you need to make this crowd pleaser.
- Athenos Feta Chunk: Even if you're not a fan of feta, this broccoli cheddar casserole NEEDS it! As it bakes, it really mellows out while creating a rich and creamy cheese sauce that is bright and vibrant. It's the one ingredient that really makes it the perfect side dish so definitely don't skip it!
- Cheddar Soup: This covers the cheesy goodness in this recipe but if you swap for another can of cream of mushroom soup or broccoli cheddar soup for a twist... then make sure you add 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar to the mix.
- French Fried Onions: These crispy bites of joy add a subtle crunch and great depth, but you can substitute with potato chips or bread crumbs for variety.
- Sour Cream: This is the base of your creamy cheese sauce, but you can use room temperature cream cheese or Greek yogurt for a tangy alternative.
- All Purpose Seasoning: Use your favorite all purpose seasoning blend. If you don't have something like this, try using onion powder, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, paprika and parsley. You could also add a pinch of mustard powder or cayenne pepper for heat.
- Steamed Broccoli: Since this is a broccoli recipe, I don't recommend switching this ingredient up. I do recommend that you use fresh broccoli florets for a vibrant taste, or frozen broccoli if you're in a pinch... but if you use frozen, just make sure that you get as much water as possible out of them before baking so it doesn't get soggy.
- Milk: Swap with heavy cream or half-and-half for a richer, thicker sauce.
- Ritz Crackers: Crushed Ritz cracker crumbs or even panko bread crumbs make a great topping.
- Butter: Olive Oil also works just fine since the ritz crackers have so much buttery goodness.
- Optional Additions: Want to make this the main dish?! Try adding cooked rice and seared chicken breast or sliced roast turkey. If you add rice, you'll probably want to also add another can of the cheddar cheese sauce and another scoop of sour cream to make sure the entire dish is creamy and thick.
How to Make It
Here's the detailed instructions on how to make this easy weeknight side dish.
PREP BROCCOLI: Fill a large saucepan with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil. Meanwhile, cut the broccoli florets into small pieces. Once boiling, add broccoli and cook for 3-5 minutes or until fork tender. While the broccoli is cooking, fill a large bowl with ice water. Once the broccoli is al dente, remove it from the boiling water and shock it in the ice water - this preserves the color and texture. Strain the broccoli and set aside.
PREHEAT OVEN: Preheat your oven to 350°F and spray your prepared baking dish with nonstick spray.
MIX FILLING: In a large bowl, combine soup, the feta cheese, sour cream, all purpose seasoning, and fried onion bits. Stir until mostly smooth, then fold in the steamed broccoli florets and finish with the addition of milk to loosen it up.
TASTE & ADJUST: Add black pepper, salt, or a dash of cayenne pepper to taste.
ASSEMBLE CASSEROLE: Pour the broccoli mixture into your greased 13x9 inch baking dish or casserole dish and smooth it out.
PREP TOPPING: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with the crushed crackers. Spread the cracker topping evenly over the casserole.
BAKE: Bake for 45 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the topping is golden brown.
SERVE: Let cool for a few minutes before serving. It pairs perfectly with green beans, brown rice, or white rice as a complete meal!
SAVE: Although it's best served right away, you can place any leftovers in an airtight container or just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap for 4 days.
What goes with Broccoli Casserole
This cheesy broccoli casserole recipe is a great addition to any Thanksgiving spread! Here are some of my favorite side dishes to serve with it:
- The Easiest Buttermilk Brined Turkey Recipe
- Caramelized Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham (Dutch Oven, Crockpot & Instant Pot)
- Honey Roasted Carrots with Thanksgiving Crispy Chili Oil
- Easy Roasted Honey Sriracha Brussel Sprouts Recipe
Or check out my Southern Thanksgiving Recipe collection for more!
For more great casseroles, try my Slow Cooker Tortellini Casserole with Cheesy Chicken & Pesto or this Crockpot Enchilada Casserole with Butternut Squash & Goat Cheese (Vegetarian).
Recipe
Easy Cheesy Broccoli Casserole Recipe with Ritz Crust
Equipment
- Baking Dish
Ingredients
- 1 8oz container Athenos Feta crumbled
- 1 10.5oz can Cheddar Soup
- 1 cup French Fried Onions
- 1 cup Sour Cream
- 1 teaspoon All Purpose Seasoning
- 6 cups Broccoli
- ½ cup Milk
- 2 cups Ritz Crackers crumbled
- ½ cup Salted Butter melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 F degrees.
- Bring a large pot filled with water and a pinch of salt to a boil. Add broccoli and cook for a few minutes or until fork tender.
- Meanwhile, create an ice bath in a seperate bowl by filling a large bowl with ice water.
- Once the broccoli is al dente, remove it from the boiling water and shock it in the ice water to preserve color and texture. Strain and set aside.
- In a seperate large bowl, add Athenos feta crumbles, cheddar soup, fried onion bits, sour cream, all purpose seasoning and stir.
- Then add steamed broccoli and milk and stir again. Taste and season with salt if needed before setting aside.
- Pour the broccoli cheese mixture into a greased casserole dish and set aside.
- In a separate small bowl, combine the melted butter with the crushed crackers and stir.
- Pour the buttery cracker crumble over the cheesy broccoli mixture and pat down to create an even surface.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Remove and serve immediately.
