Melissa’s Best Ever Broccoli Casserole Recipe
Looking for the ultimate comfort food that’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor? This broccoli casserole recipe will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Broccoli casserole is a dish that brings comfort, warmth, and a touch of nostalgia to the table. For my family, it’s not just a recipe—it’s a tradition. You won’t find this recipe anywhere else. This is my recipe! 🙂
Of course, if you do, it came from me lol. This recipe is one of my beloved, pride and joy recipes.
With its creamy, cheesy goodness and the perfect balance of textures, this broccoli casserole is more than a side dish—it’s usually the star of the meal. Today, I’m sharing my best broccoli casserole recipe, the one I’ve been making for my own family for over 30 years.
Over the years, I’ve tweaked and perfected this dish, turning it into a family favorite that’s requested at every gathering, from holiday dinners to simple weeknight meals. It’s also a perfect casserole to take your next church potluck.
I generally use fresh broccoli florets for this recipe, but you can use frozen broccoli or cut up a head of broccoli. I personally like tender broccoli, but I have made it with frozen broccoli cuts many times when on a budget when that’s what I have on hand and it’s just as good.
There’s something truly special about a dish that combines simplicity with crowd-pleasing flavor, and this broccoli casserole delivers every time.
Whether you’re preparing a holiday feast, hosting a potluck, or simply looking for a comforting side dish, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit. It’s creamy, cheesy, and topped with a buttery crunch—everything you could want in a casserole.
Melissa’s Best Ever Broccoli Casserole
It’s easy to prepare, and I promise, you’ll want to add it to your recipe box for years to come!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. broccoli (I like florets): The heart of this dish, steamed to perfection.
- 1 ½ cups sour cream & 1 ½ cups mayonnaise: These create the creamy base that holds everything together.
- Salt and pepper to taste: A little seasoning goes a long way.
- 2 tbsp. dried minced onion: Adds a subtle kick of flavor.
- 2 cups shredded cheese (I used sharp cheddar): The star of the show for that gooey, melty goodness.
- 1 cup Ritz crackers, crushed: The perfect crispy topping for added texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions
#1 Steam the Broccoli: Start by steaming your broccoli until it’s fork-tender. You want it soft enough to blend with the creamy sauce but still firm enough to hold its shape. Once it’s done, drain any excess water to keep your casserole from becoming soggy.
#2 Mix the Creamy Sauce: In a mixing bowl, stir together the sour cream, mayonnaise, dried minced onion, and a dash of salt and pepper to taste. This mixture ties the whole casserole together. You will love this combination.
#3 Assemble the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a casserole dish. Spread the broccoli evenly across the bottom. Pour the creamy sauce over the broccoli, making sure to cover it completely.
#4 Add the Cheese and Cracker Crumbs: Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over the sauce. Then, top it all with crushed Ritz crackers for that golden, buttery crunch.
#5 Bake: Pop the casserole into the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the crackers are beautifully golden brown.
Serve and Enjoy!
This broccoli casserole is wonderful served hot and fresh from the oven. It pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, mashed potatoes, or even as a standalone dish for a vegetarian option. But I have to say, I look forward to the times we have leftovers of this casserole, i.e. Thanksgiving dinner. I usually warm them up and the leftovers taste just as good to me.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Did your family love it as much as mine does? Let me know in the comments, and don’t forget to save or share this recipe for later!
Best Ever Broccoli Casserole Recipe
A creamy, cheesy broccoli casserole topped with buttery Ritz cracker crumbs—this crowd-pleasing side dish is perfect for holidays, potlucks, or weeknight dinners. Simple to make and absolutely delicious!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. broccoli (I like florets)
- 1 1/2 cups sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp. Dried minced onion
- 2 cups shredded cheese (I used sharp)
- 1 cup Ritz crackers, crushed
Instructions
1. Steam broccoli until fork tender. Drain.
2. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
3. In a mixing bowl, stir together sour cream, mayonnaise, dried minced onion, and salt and pepper to taste.
4. In a greased casserole dish, layer broccoli. Top with sour cream mixture. Top with cheese and then cracker crumbs.
5. Bake for 30 -35 minutes or until cheese is melted and crackers are golden brown.
6. Serve and enjoy!