Love a cozy dish that warms your soul? This Paula Deen Broccoli Casserole Recipe is pure comfort. Creamy, cheesy and full of tender broccoli. It’s easy to make at home.
Perfect for family dinners. Try this Paula Deen Broccoli Casserole Recipe today!
My Story With This Comforting Broccoli Casserole
I first tasted something like this at a potluck years ago. A friend brought it, and it stole the show. The cheese melted just right. Broccoli stayed crisp yet tender.
I asked for the recipe right then. It reminded me of my grandma’s kitchen. Warm hugs in every bite.
Years later, I tweaked it with Paula Deen’s style. Her love for butter and cheese inspired me. Now, it’s my go-to for cold nights. My kids beg for seconds. It brings us together around the table. What’s your favorite comfort food memory?
Equipment List
- Large mixing bowl
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Saucepan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven mitts
- Cheese grater (if needed)
Recipe Overview
- Recipe Name: Paula Deen Broccoli Casserole Recipe
- Servings: 8
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Total Time: 50 mins
- Course: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American Southern
- Calories: 320 kcal per serving
Ingredients for Paula Deen Broccoli Casserole
- 2 pounds fresh broccoli florets (chopped small)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed (about 1.5 cups)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
These ingredients for Paula Deen Broccoli Casserole make it rich and flavorful. All easy to find at your local store.
Instructions for Paula Deen Broccoli Casserole
1. Preheat and Prep Broccoli
Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Steam broccoli florets for 5 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Drain well. Pat dry with a towel. This keeps the casserole from getting watery. (32 words)
2. Mix the Creamy Base
In a large bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, sour cream and mayonnaise. Stir until smooth. Add chopped onion, salt, pepper and garlic powder. Mix in 1.5 cups shredded cheddar. Blend everything well. (38 words)
3. Combine Broccoli and Sauce
Fold steamed broccoli into the creamy mixture. Gently stir to coat every floret. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Spoon into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread evenly for perfect baking.
4. Add Cheese Topping
Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese over the top. This creates a gooey, golden layer. Press lightly so it sticks. Your kitchen will smell amazing already!
5. Make Cracker Crunch
Crush Ritz crackers into fine crumbs. Mix with melted butter in a small bowl. Sprinkle evenly over the cheese. This adds that irresistible crispy top.
6. Bake to Perfection
Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes. Edges should bubble and crackers turn golden brown. Remove from oven. Let it rest 5 minutes. This sets the casserole nicely.
Now you know how to make Paula Deen Broccoli Casserole step by step. It’s foolproof!
Cooking Tips and Simple Recipe Variations
- Use frozen broccoli if short on time. Thaw and drain first.
- Add cooked chicken or ham for a main dish version. Boosts protein.
- Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack for milder flavor.
- Make it lighter: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
- Double the crackers for extra crunch. Kids love it.
- Prep ahead: Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Bake when ready.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
These tips make your Paula Deen Broccoli Casserole Recipe even better.
Little History Behind This Comfort Food
Broccoli casserole roots go back to the 1950s in the American South. Campbell’s soup recipes sparked it all. Housewives loved the easy “dump and bake” style. Paula Deen, the Southern queen of buttery dishes, made her version famous.
Her cookbook fans rave about the cheesy twist. It’s evolved into holiday staples. Simple ingredients create big nostalgia. Ever tried a family heirloom casserole?
What to Serve With This Dish
Pair it with roast chicken for Sunday dinner. Grilled pork chops work great too. Add a fresh green salad to balance the richness. Cornbread on the side screams Southern comfort.
For holidays, serve with turkey and stuffing. Mashed potatoes make it hearty. Keep sides simple so the casserole shines.
Occasion or Event Ideas
Perfect for Thanksgiving side table. Family reunions love its crowd-pleasing vibe. Potlucks? It travels well. Church dinners or game nights fit right in.
Birthday parties for kids—cheesy magic! Baby showers add creamy elegance. Even weeknight meals feel special.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Fridge: Store in airtight container up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly; freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight.
- Reheat: Oven at 350°F for 20 minutes. Cover if dry.
- Microwave: Single servings, 2-3 minutes on high. Stir halfway.
- Don’t re-crisp crackers; add fresh on top before serving.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal | 16% |
| Total Fat | 28g | 36% |
| Saturated Fat | 12g | 60% |
| Cholesterol | 50mg | 17% |
| Sodium | 650mg | 28% |
| Carbohydrates | 12g | 4% |
| Fiber | 3g | 11% |
| Sugars | 3g | – |
| Protein | 8g | 16% |
| Vitamin C | 80mg | 89% |
*Percent values based on 2000-calorie diet. Values are approximate.
Is This Dish Good for You?
This Paula Deen Broccoli Casserole Recipe packs nutrition in a cozy package. Broccoli brings vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants for immune boost. Cheese and dairy add calcium for strong bones.
It’s veggie-forward, so it sneaks greens into picky eaters. Sure, it’s rich with fats from cheese and mayo. Eat in moderation. Balance with lean proteins and salads. Overall, it’s a smart comfort food choice.
Paula Deen Broccoli Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 pounds fresh broccoli florets chopped small
- 1 can 10.5 oz cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese divided
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers crushed (about 1.5 cups)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
Preheat and Prep Broccoli
- Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Steam broccoli florets for 5 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Drain well. Pat dry with a towel. This keeps the casserole from getting watery. (32 words)
Mix the Creamy Base
- In a large bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Stir until smooth. Add chopped onion, salt, pepper and garlic powder. Mix in 1.5 cups shredded cheddar. Blend everything well. (38 words)
Combine Broccoli and Sauce
- Fold steamed broccoli into the creamy mixture. Gently stir to coat every floret. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Spoon into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread evenly for perfect baking.
Add Cheese Topping
- Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese over the top. This creates a gooey, golden layer. Press lightly so it sticks. Your kitchen will smell amazing already!
Make Cracker Crunch
- Crush Ritz crackers into fine crumbs. Mix with melted butter in a small bowl. Sprinkle evenly over the cheese. This adds that irresistible crispy top.
Bake to Perfection
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes. Edges should bubble and crackers turn golden brown. Remove from oven. Let it rest 5 minutes. This sets the casserole nicely.
- Now you know how to make Paula Deen Broccoli Casserole step by step. It’s foolproof!
Notes
- Use frozen broccoli if short on time. Thaw and drain first.
- Add cooked chicken or ham for a main dish version. Boosts protein.
- Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack for milder flavor.
- Make it lighter: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
- Double the crackers for extra crunch. Kids love it.
- Prep ahead: Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Bake when ready.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
FAQs about Paula Deen Broccoli Casserole Recipe
Can I make Paula Deen Broccoli Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it fully, cover, and fridge up to 24 hours. Bake fresh for best texture. Freezing works too for up to 2 months. Just thaw before baking.
What if I don’t have Ritz crackers?
No problem. Use any buttery crackers, panko breadcrumbs, or crushed cornflakes. They all give that crunchy top. Aim for 1.5 cups crushed.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Almost. Swap cream soup for gluten-free version and use GF crackers. Broccoli is naturally GF. Check labels for hidden gluten.
How to make Paula Deen Broccoli Casserole less creamy?
Cut mayo to 1/2 cup. Add milk to thin the sauce. Or use broccoli cheese soup instead. Still delicious!
Can kids eat this?
Absolutely. Mild flavors appeal to little ones. Chop broccoli smaller. They love the cheese pull.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—your new favorite Paula Deen Broccoli Casserole Recipe! It’s simple, soul-warming and always a hit. Whether for a quiet family night or big gathering, it delivers smiles.
I smile every time I make it, thinking of those potluck days. Grab your ingredients and give it a whirl. You’ll thank me later. Share your tweaks in the comments—what’s your twist? Happy cooking, friends!
Would you like me to adjust the word count, add more personal stories, or tweak any section for a different occasion?
Hi! I’m Livy Lane, the creator of LivyCooks.com. I share easy, delicious recipes anyone can make at home. Let’s cook, taste and enjoy every bite together!