Go Back
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets - 1 cup cooked quinoa - 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1 cup cream of mushroom soup - ½ cup milk - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - ½ cup crushed crackers - 2 tablespoons olive oil (for greasing) When I make Cheesy Broccoli Casserole, I always start with fresh broccoli florets. They give the dish a bright green color and a nice crunch. I also like to add cooked quinoa. It makes the casserole hearty and adds protein. Next, I choose my cheeses. I use shredded sharp cheddar cheese for its rich flavor. Mixing it with cream of mushroom soup and milk creates a creamy base. This blend keeps the casserole moist and tasty. Don't forget the seasonings! I use garlic powder for a hint of savory flavor. The crushed crackers on top add a delightful crunch that everyone loves. I grease my baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking. This mix of fresh ingredients, creamy components, and toppings brings the perfect taste to the dish. You can find the full recipe [here](#). - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease the casserole dish. - Blanch the broccoli florets in boiling water. This means you quickly cook them to keep them crisp. - Combine cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Mix until smooth. - Stir in the cooked quinoa and 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese. This adds creaminess and flavor to your dish. - Gently fold in the blanched broccoli. This keeps the florets whole and adds color. - Transfer the mixture to the greased casserole dish. Spread it out evenly. - Top the casserole with the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese. Sprinkle crushed crackers over the top for crunch. You can find the full recipe with detailed instructions and ingredient lists to help guide you through the process. To get the best texture for your broccoli, start by blanching it. Boil the florets for about 3 minutes until they turn bright green. This keeps them tender but still crisp. After blanching, drain them well. This step helps avoid mushy broccoli in your casserole. For that perfect cheese melt, use shredded cheese instead of blocks. Shredded cheese melts more evenly. Mix the cheese into the warm soup mixture before adding the broccoli. This helps the cheese melt smoothly throughout the dish. To elevate the taste, try adding some simple seasonings. Garlic powder and onion powder work great. They add depth without being overpowering. You can also sprinkle in a little paprika for a smoky flavor. Using different types of cheeses can add fun twists. While sharp cheddar is classic, you might try Gruyère or mozzarella for a creamier texture. Mixing cheeses can create a unique flavor profile that surprises your taste buds. For the full recipe, check this [Full Recipe]. {{image_2}} To make a healthier Cheesy Broccoli Casserole, you can swap some ingredients. Here are some ideas: - Gluten-free: Use gluten-free crackers instead of regular ones. This keeps the crunch without gluten. - Dairy-free: For a dairy-free version, try using plant-based cheese and milk. Almond or oat milk works well here. - Lighter version: Use low-fat cream of mushroom soup and reduce cheese to one cup. This cuts calories while keeping flavor. These swaps can help you enjoy this dish without straying from your health goals. You can customize your casserole by adding more ingredients. Here are some tasty options: - Protein: Add cooked chicken or tofu for extra protein. This makes the meal heartier and helps keep you full. - Other vegetables: Mix in veggies like carrots, bell peppers, or spinach. This adds color and boosts nutrition. By making these additions, you can create a unique casserole that fits your taste and dietary needs. You can find the Full Recipe for more guidance. After you enjoy your cheesy broccoli casserole, you may have some left. The casserole stays good in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days. To keep it fresh, place it in an airtight container. This way, the flavors stay intact, and it won’t get dried out. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Just remember to wrap it well in plastic wrap before putting it in a freezer bag. When it’s time to eat your leftovers, reheating them correctly is key. The best method is to use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in a baking dish and cover it with foil. This helps keep the moisture in. Bake for about 20-25 minutes until heated through. You can also use the microwave if you’re in a rush. Heat it in short bursts, about 1-2 minutes at a time. Stir in between to heat evenly. For serving suggestions, try adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top. It adds a nice touch and bright flavor. You can also serve it with a side salad for a complete meal. If you want to try something new, pair it with a dollop of Greek yogurt for creaminess. Now you're ready to enjoy your cheesy broccoli casserole again! Be sure to check out the Full Recipe for more tips. Can I make Cheesy Broccoli Casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare this casserole in advance. Just follow all the steps until you are ready to bake. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. When you're ready to eat, bake it from the fridge. You may need to add a few more minutes to the cooking time. How can I make this recipe vegetarian? This recipe is already vegetarian since it uses cheese and no meat. To keep it vegetarian, ensure your cream of mushroom soup does not contain meat stock. You can also add more veggies or use plant-based cheese for a twist. What is the calorie count and nutritional breakdown per serving? Each serving of Cheesy Broccoli Casserole has about 300 calories. It includes roughly 15 grams of protein, 20 grams of fat, and 25 grams of carbs. This dish packs a good amount of fiber from the broccoli and quinoa. Does this recipe contain allergens? Yes, this recipe has common allergens. It contains dairy from the cheese and milk. Also, it includes wheat in the crackers. If you have allergies, you can use gluten-free crackers or dairy alternatives. Check all labels to be safe. For the full recipe, be sure to check the earlier sections! This blog post covered a tasty and easy Cheesy Broccoli Casserole recipe. We explored fresh ingredients, creamy components, and ways to season and top your dish. You learned how to prepare, mix, and assemble it for great results. We shared tips for perfecting your casserole and suggested variations for healthier options. Lastly, you discovered storage and reheating methods. Now, you can enjoy cooking this dish and share it with others. Happy cooking!

Cheesy Broccoli Casserole

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Broccoli Casserole recipe! Packed with fresh broccoli, gooey cheddar, and nutritious quinoa, it's a delightful dish that the whole family will love. Perfect for gatherings or as a cozy weeknight dinner, this easy recipe combines creamy goodness with a crunchy topping. Ready in just 45 minutes, get the full recipe and step-by-step instructions to create this delicious casserole today!

Ingredients
  

4 cups fresh broccoli florets

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup cooked quinoa

1 cup cream of mushroom soup (you can use a healthier homemade version or a low-sodium option)

½ cup milk (dairy or plant-based)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon black pepper

1 cup crushed crackers (like Ritz or gluten-free option)

2 tablespoons olive oil (for greasing)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish with olive oil and set aside.

    In a large pot of boiling water, blanch the broccoli florets for about 3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Drain and set aside.

      In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until smooth.

        Stir in the cooked quinoa and 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese into the soup mixture.

          Add the blanched broccoli to the mixture, folding it in gently until everything is coated evenly.

            Transfer the broccoli and cheese mixture to the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.

              Top the casserole with the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese and then sprinkle the crushed crackers over the top for added crunch.

                Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the top is golden brown.

                  Allow to cool for about 5 minutes before serving.

                    Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 45 mins | Servings: 6-8

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve directly from the casserole dish, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color.