Alton Brown Broccoli Casserole Recipe: Crowd-Pleasing Magic!

A mouthwatering broccoli casserole can turn mundane weeknight dinners into extraordinary culinary experiences.

These emerald-green florets whisper promises of delectable comfort and zesty excitement.

Each forkful promises a delightful blend of creamy textures and robust flavors that awaken sleepy taste buds.

Fresh ingredients conspire to create a magnificent side dish that transcends ordinary vegetable preparations.

Cheese, herbs, and perfectly cooked broccoli weave together into a tantalizing masterpiece that challenges traditional expectations.

Crafted with love and precision, this recipe transforms humble vegetables into a gastronomic sensation that sparks joy at every table.

Check out this irresistible dish and watch dinner conversations come alive with excitement.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Calories: 312 kcal

Servings: 5

Alton Brown’s Broccoli Casserole Ingredient Guide

• Mayonnaise: Select a rich, tangy variety for deep flavor complexity.
• Yogurt: Choose thick, creamy Greek-style yogurt for extra richness.
• Blue Cheese Dressing: Opt for a robust, artisan-crafted dressing with intense cheese notes.
• Cheddar Cheese: Pick a sharp, aged cheese for bold, nutty undertones.

• Eggs: Use fresh, large eggs at room temperature for smooth incorporation.
• Salt: Select fine sea salt for balanced seasoning.
• Black Pepper: Grind whole peppercorns for a fresh, vibrant kick.

• Noodle Package: Select instant noodles with a flavorful seasoning packet.
• Mushrooms: Choose firm, fresh mushrooms with no soft spots or discoloration.
• Broccoli: Pick bright green, crisp florets with tight, compact clusters.

• Flavor Pack: Use the seasoning packet from noodle package for concentrated taste.
• Aluminum Foil: Select heavy-duty foil for even heat distribution and protection.

Equipment List for Broccoli Casserole

• Mixing Bowl: Large bowl for combining creamy ingredients and blending them smoothly.
• Whisk: Perfect for mixing the creamy sauce until silky and well incorporated.
• 7-by-7-inch Baking Dish: Ideal size for creating the casserole and ensuring even cooking.
• Measuring Cups: Essential for accurately portioning ingredients.
• Cutting Board: Used for chopping mushrooms and broccoli with precision.
• Sharp Knife: Helps chop vegetables into consistent, bite-sized pieces.
• Aluminum Foil: Covers the casserole during initial baking to prevent burning.
• Oven Mitts: Protects hands when handling hot baking dishes.

Directions for Making Alton Brown’s Broccoli Casserole

• Fire Up the Oven

Warm your kitchen by setting the oven to a cozy 350°F. Grab a baking dish and give it a quick spray to keep things from sticking.

• Whip Together the Creamy Goodness

Grab a mixing bowl and blend the flavor pack, mayo, yogurt, cheeses, eggs, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Whisk until silky smooth, creating a sauce that’ll make your taste buds dance.

• Toss in the Veggie and Noodle Party

Chop up those mushrooms and broccoli, then crumble the noodles into a large bowl. Pour your dreamy sauce over the veggies and noodles, gently mixing so every bite is packed with flavor.

• Bake to Perfection

Slide your creation into the prepped baking dish. Cover with foil and let the oven work its magic for about 45 minutes, allowing all those tasty ingredients to mingle and get to know each other.

• Crisp and Golden Finale

Uncover the dish and let it bake for another 15 minutes. Watch as the top turns a beautiful golden brown, promising a crispy, delightful crust that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.

• Rest and Enjoy

Give your casserole a quick breather for 15 minutes. This little pause helps everything settle and makes serving a breeze. Get ready to dig into a comfort food masterpiece that’ll warm both body and soul.

Flavor Tweaks for Alton Brown’s Broccoli Casserole

Mix in crispy bacon bits or cooked chicken for extra protein and flavor. Experiment with different cheese combinations like mozzarella or gouda to create unique taste profiles.

Replace mushrooms and broccoli with zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach to match seasonal availability and personal preferences. Seasonal vegetables can transform the entire dish’s nutritional value and taste.

Sprinkle red pepper flakes, add a dash of hot sauce, or include diced jalapeños for those craving a spicier version. Heat levels can be adjusted to suit individual taste buds.

Prepare the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate before baking. Cover tightly with plastic wrap, then remove and replace with foil just before putting in the oven. This method saves time and allows flavors to meld beautifully.

Serving Suggestions for Alton Brown’s Casserole

• Pair with Fresh Greens: Serve alongside a crisp mixed salad with light vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy casserole and add refreshing texture.
• Elevate with Protein Side: Add grilled chicken strips or seared shrimp on top to transform this dish into a complete, hearty meal with extra protein boost.
• Customize with Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs or crushed crackers over the final layer to create a delightful crispy contrast to the soft, cheesy casserole.
• Wine and Dine Pairing: Complement the cheesy, creamy flavors with a chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Chardonnay to enhance the overall dining experience.

Storage Advice for Broccoli Casserole

• Preserve Freshness: Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking to maintain quality and prevent bacterial growth.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Keep the casserole refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to sealed containers to lock in moisture and flavor.
• Freezer-Friendly Tip: Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Wrap securely to prevent freezer burn and maintain texture.
• Reheating Recommendation: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in the oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes. Add a splash of milk or broth to restore creamy consistency and prevent drying out.

Hearty Alton Brown Broccoli Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Alton Brown’s broccoli casserole melds rich cheese and tender vegetables into a comforting side dish. Creamy textures and savory flavors make this classic recipe a reliable companion for family dinners you’ll want to enjoy again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 6 cups broccoli (peeled stems and heads, chopped and blanched in salted water)
• 12 oz (340 g) sliced mushrooms (sauteed in 1 tbsp/15 ml butter)
• 1 ¼ cup (296 ml) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup (118 ml) mayonnaise
• ½ cup (118 ml) plain yogurt
• 2 eggs
• 1 package chicken flavored ramen noodles (broken up)
• ⅓ cup (79 ml) blue cheese dressing
• ½ tsp (2.5 g) salt
• 1 ½ tsp (7.5 g) fresh ground black pepper
• Flavor pack from ramen

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly spray a 7-by-7-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Flavor Blend: Whisk instant noodle flavor packet, mayonnaise, yogurt, cheddar cheese, blue cheese dressing, eggs, salt, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl until thoroughly combined.
3. Texture Layer: Crush instant noodles into smaller fragments, then fold in chopped mushrooms and broccoli florets, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
4. Mixing Technique: Gently combine wet mixture with noodle-vegetable combination, creating a uniform coating that ensures balanced flavor throughout the casserole.
5. Baking Process: Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish, spreading evenly, then cover with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes to maintain moisture and prevent burning.
6. Finishing Touch: Remove foil and continue baking for 15 additional minutes to develop a golden-brown crust and crispy exterior.
7. Resting Period: Remove from oven and allow casserole to rest for 15 minutes, enabling ingredients to set and flavors to meld before serving.

Notes

• Prevent Soggy Texture: Break noodles into smaller, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and maintain a crisp, appetizing texture.
• Cheese Melting Tip: Gently fold cheese into the mixture to prevent clumping and create a smooth, creamy consistency throughout the casserole.
• Vegetable Prep Matters: Chop broccoli and mushrooms into similar-sized pieces to guarantee even cooking and balanced flavor distribution.
• Resting is Crucial: Allow the casserole to rest for 15 minutes after baking, which helps the ingredients set and makes serving easier without falling apart.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 312
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 1032 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 11 g
• Cholesterol: 123 mg