Classic Southern Broccoli Casserole (Perfect Holiday Side Dish)

Classic Southern Broccoli Casserole is the ultimate comfort side dish that perfectly captures the warmth and flavor of Southern home cooking. It’s rich, creamy, and loaded with tender broccoli, melted cheese, and buttery crackers on top. Perfect for holidays, Sunday dinners, or potluck gatherings, this casserole is the kind of old-fashioned favorite that brings everyone back for seconds.

What Is Classic Southern Broccoli Casserole?

Classic Southern Broccoli Casserole is a baked dish made with tender broccoli florets mixed in a creamy sauce of cheese, condensed soup, and eggs, then topped with crushed buttery crackers. It’s baked until golden and bubbly, creating a rich, savory, and satisfying texture. Known for its homestyle flavor, this casserole is a staple at Southern gatherings and family meals.

Other Popular Broccoli Casserole Recipes

• Chicken Broccoli Casserole
• Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole
• Easy 30-Minute Broccoli Cheese Casserole
• Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
• Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole

Reasons to Try Classic Southern Broccoli Casserole

• True Southern Comfort – Creamy, cheesy, and perfectly golden.
• Simple and Quick – Made with easy, accessible ingredients.
• Family Favorite – Loved by kids and adults alike.
• Perfect for Any Occasion – Works as a holiday side or a weeknight meal.
• Make-Ahead Friendly – Can be prepared in advance and baked before serving.
• Crowd-Pleasing Texture – Creamy inside with a buttery, crisp topping.

Ingredients Needed to Make Classic Southern Broccoli Casserole

• 4 cups fresh or frozen broccoli florets (steamed until tender)
• 1 can (10 oz) cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 30 crackers), crushed
• 2 tbsp melted butter

Instructions to Prepare Classic Southern Broccoli Casserole

• Preheat the oven – Set oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
• Steam the broccoli – Cook broccoli until just tender, about 4–5 minutes. Drain well to remove excess water.
• Mix the creamy base – In a large bowl, combine cream of soup, mayonnaise, eggs, onion, salt, pepper, and 1 ½ cups of shredded cheese. Stir until smooth.
• Add the broccoli – Fold the steamed broccoli into the creamy mixture and gently stir to coat evenly.
• Assemble the casserole – Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
• Add the topping – Mix crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter and sprinkle evenly over the top. Add the remaining cheese for extra flavor.
• Bake until golden – Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
• Cool slightly before serving – Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving for the best texture.

What Goes Well With Classic Southern Broccoli Casserole

• Baked Chicken – Pairs beautifully with the creamy, cheesy flavor.
• Honey Glazed Ham – A perfect Southern-style combination for holidays.
• Roast Turkey – Complements the rich, savory taste.
• Mashed Potatoes – Doubles up on comfort for a hearty meal.
• Cornbread – Adds a traditional Southern touch to the table.

Key Tips for Making Classic Southern Broccoli Casserole

• Drain broccoli well – Prevents a watery casserole.
• Use sharp cheddar – Adds stronger, richer flavor.
• Add a touch of mayo – Keeps the casserole moist and adds tanginess.
• Don’t skip the topping – Ritz crackers add crunch and buttery texture.
• Mix gently – Keeps broccoli pieces intact for better presentation.
• Add spice – A dash of paprika or cayenne gives a mild Southern kick.
• Let it rest – Allows the casserole to set before serving.

Creative Variations of Classic Southern Broccoli Casserole

• Broccoli Rice Casserole – Add 1 cup cooked rice to make it more filling.
• Chicken Broccoli Bake – Stir in 1 cup shredded chicken for a complete meal.
• Low-Carb Option – Skip the crackers and top with crushed almonds or pork rinds.
• Extra Cheesy Version – Mix in mozzarella or Monterey Jack for added creaminess.
• Vegan Option – Use plant-based cheese, vegan mayo, and dairy-free soup.
• Spicy Southern Style – Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce for a flavorful twist.

Storage Guidelines for Classic Southern Broccoli Casserole

• Refrigeration – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing – Freeze cooled casserole in a freezer-safe dish for up to 2 months.
• Defrosting – Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Avoid sogginess – Reheat uncovered to maintain a crisp topping.
• Label before freezing – Helps keep track of storage time.

Reheating Tips for Classic Southern Broccoli Casserole

• Oven Method – Reheat covered with foil at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes until hot.
• Microwave Method – Warm individual portions for 2–3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Air Fryer Method – Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 5–6 minutes to crisp the topping.

Nutrition Value (Per Serving)

• Calories: 390 kcal
• Protein: 13 g
• Fat: 29 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sodium: 690 mg
• Calcium: 240 mg

FAQs

Should I cook the broccoli before adding it to the casserole?

Yes, the broccoli should be lightly steamed or boiled before adding it to the casserole. This helps it reach the perfect tenderness and ensures it blends well with the creamy sauce without turning mushy during baking.

How do you keep Southern broccoli casserole from getting watery?

To avoid a watery casserole, drain the cooked broccoli completely before mixing. Using frozen broccoli? Thaw it fully and pat it dry with paper towels. Also, avoid overmixing the ingredients, which can release extra moisture.

Can I prepare broccoli casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day ahead and refrigerate it before baking. When ready to serve, let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes, then bake as directed. This makes it a great make-ahead dish for holidays or gatherings.

What cheese works best in a broccoli casserole?

Sharp cheddar cheese is the classic choice for a rich, bold flavor. You can also mix it with mozzarella or Monterey Jack for extra creaminess. Always use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt and texture.

Final Words

Classic Southern Broccoli Casserole is a true comfort food that brings the taste of home-cooked goodness to your table. With its creamy texture, cheesy richness, and buttery topping, it’s the kind of dish that never goes out of style.

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