Hearty Paula Deen Broccoli Casserole Recipe for Family Gatherings

Craving a broccoli casserole that transforms humble vegetables into a culinary sensation?

Southern kitchens have mastered this creamy, cheesy marvel that turns simple ingredients into pure comfort.

Every forkful of this golden-brown delight promises a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Crispy cracker toppings add a delightful crunch that perfectly complements the smooth, velvety interior.

Packed with nutrients and bursting with rich, indulgent goodness, this dish is more than just a side, it’s a celebration of home cooking.

Families gather around this mouthwatering creation, savoring each bite of this irresistible comfort food.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 480 kcal

Servings: 5

What You’ll Use for Paula’s Broccoli Casserole

• Broccoli: Choose fresh, vibrant green florets with tight, compact clusters for the best texture and flavor.
• Mayonnaise: Opt for a creamy, full-bodied brand that adds rich smoothness to the casserole.
• Cheddar Cheese: Select a sharp, aged variety that melts beautifully and provides a tangy kick.
• Cream Of Mushroom Soup: Pick a high-quality, condensed version for maximum creaminess.
• Eggs: Use fresh, large eggs at room temperature for better mixing and binding.

• Crackers, Butter: Choose buttery, salted crackers that crisp up perfectly and add a golden, rich layer to the casserole.

• Vegetable Oil Cooking Spray: Select a non-stick spray to ensure easy dish release and prevent sticking.

Kitchen Tools for Cheesy Broccoli Goodness

• Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining all the creamy broccoli mixture ingredients.
• Metal Spoon: Ideal for stirring and blending ingredients smoothly.
• 13×9-inch Baking Dish: Essential for creating and baking the casserole.
• Vegetable Oil Cooking Spray: Helps prevent sticking and ensures easy dish release.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: Useful for accurately measuring ingredients.
• Oven: Necessary for baking the casserole to golden perfection.
• Butter Melting Dish: Convenient for melting butter to drizzle over the topping.
• Cracker Crusher/Rolling Pin: Great for breaking crackers into crispy topping pieces.

Cook This Broccoli Casserole in Just a Few Steps

• Warm Up Your Oven

Fire up the oven to a cozy 350°F and lightly coat a 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

• Create Creamy Broccoli Blend

Toss cooked broccoli, mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, cream of mushroom soup, and eggs into a large mixing bowl. Whisk everything together until the mixture looks silky smooth and well combined.

• Assemble Casserole Base

Pour the broccoli mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with the back of a spoon to create a perfect base layer.

• Add Crunchy Cracker Topping

Scatter crushed crackers across the entire surface, creating a delightful crispy layer that will add texture and excitement to each bite.

• Finish With Buttery Magic

Drizzle melted butter over the cracker topping, ensuring every inch gets a touch of golden, crispy goodness that will make your taste buds dance.

• Bake Until Golden

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and let it bake for about 35 minutes. Watch for a beautifully bronzed top and a set, creamy center that signals it’s ready to devour.

Serve piping hot and savor this ultimate comfort food that’ll warm your heart and soul!

Tips to Enhance Paula’s Classic Broccoli Bake

• Boost Flavor Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack or gruyere to add a unique twist to the classic cheddar base.
• Customize Crunch Levels: Swap out regular crackers for panko breadcrumbs or crushed butter crackers to create different textures and enhance the topping's crispiness.
• Make It Protein-Packed: Add cooked diced chicken, ham, or crispy bacon bits to transform this side dish into a hearty main course that'll satisfy hungry families.
• Lighten Up the Recipe: Substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise and use low-fat cream of mushroom soup to create a lighter, healthier version without sacrificing delicious flavor.

Serving Broccoli Casserole for Any Occasion

• Pair with Hearty Proteins: Serve alongside grilled chicken breasts or roasted turkey for a complete, satisfying meal that balances the creamy broccoli casserole.
• Add Fresh Salad Companion: Toss a light green salad with vinaigrette to contrast the rich, cheesy casserole and provide a crisp, refreshing side dish.
• Create Family-Style Presentation: Bring the hot casserole directly to the table in its baking dish, allowing everyone to scoop their own generous portion and enjoy the warm, comforting meal together.
• Elevate with Wine Pairing: Complement the casserole's creamy texture with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Chardonnay to enhance the overall dining experience.

Storage Tips for Broccoli Casserole from Paula

• Preserve Freshness: Store leftover casserole in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking to maintain taste and prevent bacterial growth.
• Refrigerate Wisely: Keep broccoli casserole in sealed containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring maximum flavor and food safety.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap the casserole tightly in freezer-safe plastic wrap and aluminum foil, storing it for up to 2 months without losing quality.
• Reheat with Care: Warm refrigerated portions in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and maintaining the casserole's creamy texture.

Cheesy Paula Deen Broccoli Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Creamy comfort defines this paula deen broccoli casserole with cheesy goodness and crispy breadcrumb topping. Quick weeknight dinners gain delicious southern charm when you add this simple, crowd-pleasing side dish.

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Ingredients

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• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 20 oz (566 g) frozen chopped broccoli, cooked and drained
• 10 ¾ oz (305 g) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 2 tbsps butter, melted
• 2 cups buttery crackers, crushed

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Instructions

1. Preheat Preparation: Warm the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking dish with vegetable oil spray to ensure effortless serving and cleanup.
2. Mixture Fusion: Blend pre-cooked broccoli florets with mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, cream of mushroom soup, and eggs in a large mixing bowl until ingredients are thoroughly integrated and create a smooth, cohesive texture.
3. Layering and Topping: Pour the broccoli mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly, then crush crackers into fine crumbs and generously scatter over the surface, creating a delightful crispy layer.
4. Butter Infusion: Drizzle melted butter across the cracker topping, ensuring complete coverage to promote a rich, golden-brown crust that promises a delectable crunch and enhanced flavor profile.
5. Baking Finale: Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes, watching for a beautifully bronzed top and a firm, set interior that signals the dish is perfectly cooked and ready to be savored.

Notes

• Prevent Soggy Bottom: Pat broccoli florets dry after cooking to eliminate excess moisture and ensure a crisp, well-textured casserole.
• Cheese Melting Tip: Grate cheese fresh for optimal melting and smoother consistency throughout the dish.
• Cracker Crumb Hack: Use butter crackers or Ritz for extra richness and a more flavorful topping that adds delightful crunch.
• Temperature Check: Insert a knife near the center to verify the casserole is thoroughly cooked, with no raw egg residue visible.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 950 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg