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Gather these simple ingredients to make your Cheesy Broccoli Casserole. They are easy to find and full of flavor. - 4 cups fresh broccoli florets - 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1 cup cooked quinoa - 1 cup cream of mushroom soup - ½ cup milk (or a dairy-free alternative) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - ½ teaspoon salt - ¼ teaspoon black pepper - 1 cup crushed crackers (like Ritz) - 2 tablespoons olive oil (for greasing) These ingredients make a warm, cheesy dish that everyone will love. The fresh broccoli adds color and health, while the cheese brings a rich taste. You can swap the milk for any dairy-free option if needed. This recipe also allows for creativity; feel free to add your favorite spices or proteins! For the full experience, check the Full Recipe to ensure you don’t miss any flavors. Each ingredient plays a key role in making this casserole delightful. - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). - Grease the casserole dish with olive oil. Start by heating your oven. Preheating helps cook the casserole evenly. While the oven heats, take a 9x13 inch casserole dish. Use olive oil to grease the bottom and sides. This step helps the casserole not stick. - Blanch the broccoli florets. - Drain and cool. Next, bring water to a boil in a large pot. Add the fresh broccoli florets. Blanch them for about 3 minutes. They should turn bright green and stay crisp. After three minutes, drain the broccoli and let it cool for a bit. This step locks in color and flavor. - Mix the soup and milk. - Add seasoning and fold in quinoa and cheese. - Combine with broccoli and transfer to baking dish. - Add toppings. In a big mixing bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup and milk. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth. Next, fold in cooked quinoa and 1 ½ cups of sharp cheddar cheese. Make sure everything blends well. Now, add the cooled broccoli. Gently fold until the broccoli is coated. Spoon the mixture into your greased casserole dish. Spread it out evenly. For the toppings, sprinkle the rest of the cheddar cheese and crushed crackers on top. The crackers will give a nice crunch. Now, you can place the dish in the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. The cheese should bubble and the top should turn golden brown. After baking, let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. This wait helps the flavors come together. For the full recipe, check the complete ingredient list and instructions. To make the best Cheesy Broccoli Casserole, you need to blanch the broccoli well. - How to blanch broccoli effectively: Start by boiling water in a large pot. Once it boils, add your fresh broccoli florets. Let them cook for about three minutes. This step keeps the broccoli bright and crisp. After that, drain it quickly and run it under cold water to stop the cooking. This keeps the color and texture perfect. - Ensuring even cooking of the casserole: Make sure to mix all the ingredients well. When you layer the casserole, spread it evenly in the dish. This way, every bite gets the same cheesy goodness. Don’t skip the final baking step. It helps blend the flavors and heat everything through. Getting that perfect, bubbly cheese top is key to a great casserole. - Tips for getting a bubbly, golden cheese top: Use a mix of cheeses for the best flavor. I love using sharp cheddar. It melts well and adds great taste. Also, sprinkle cheese on top just before baking. This helps it melt and brown nicely. - Choosing the right cheese for flavor: While sharp cheddar is a favorite, you can mix in mozzarella or Gruyere for a creamy texture. Experiment with cheeses to find your ideal blend. Presentation and sides can elevate your casserole experience. - Accompaniments for Cheesy Broccoli Casserole: Serve this casserole with a simple green salad. The freshness of the salad balances the rich flavors. You can also enjoy it with crusty bread for a filling meal. - Ideal garnishes to enhance presentation and taste: For a pop of color, sprinkle fresh parsley or chives on top just before serving. This adds a nice touch and some fresh flavor to the dish. For the full recipe, check out the details above. Enjoy your cooking! {{image_4}} You can make this dish your own. If you want a dairy-free option, use almond or oat milk. Swap cream of mushroom soup for a vegan version or make your own. You can also use gluten-free crackers for a tasty crunch. For a nutrient boost, try other veggies. Cauliflower or carrots work well. You can even add spinach for extra color and nutrition. These swaps keep the casserole delicious and healthy. Want to add protein? Add cooked chicken or turkey. They blend well with the cheese and broccoli. This makes the dish heartier and perfect for a main meal. You can also spice things up. Try adding paprika or a pinch of cayenne for heat. Mix in some Italian herbs for a new flavor twist. These changes give your casserole a fresh take. For the full recipe, check out the Cheesy Broccoli Casserole section. To keep your Cheesy Broccoli Casserole fresh, let it cool down first. Store it in an airtight container. You can also cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps prevent it from drying out. In the fridge, your casserole stays good for up to four days. If you want to save some for later, you can freeze the casserole. Make sure it’s cooled completely before freezing. Use a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly. It can last for about three months in the freezer without losing taste. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw the casserole in the fridge overnight. Reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 minutes. This keeps the cheese nice and melty. Avoid microwaving if you can, as it can make the dish soggy. Enjoy your Cheesy Broccoli Casserole even after storing! For the full recipe, check the earlier sections. What can I serve with Cheesy Broccoli Casserole? You can serve this dish with grilled chicken or a fresh salad. Rice or quinoa also makes a good side. Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare it a day before. Just cover it and store it in the fridge. Bake it when you're ready to eat. Is it possible to use frozen broccoli? Absolutely! Just thaw and drain the frozen broccoli before adding it to the mix. This saves time and still tastes great. How can I make it healthier? You can use low-fat cheese and add more vegetables. Swap the cream of mushroom soup for a low-sodium version or make your own. What are the best crackers for the topping? Ritz crackers are my favorite for a buttery crunch. Gluten-free options, like crushed rice crackers, also work well. Can I add more cheese for extra creaminess? Yes! Feel free to mix in more cheese. Just remember to melt it before adding it to the casserole for an even creamier texture. Is Cheesy Broccoli Casserole suitable for vegetarians? Yes, this dish is vegetarian-friendly. It has no meat and is packed with healthy veggies. Can I modify this recipe for vegan diets? You can make it vegan by using dairy-free cheese and plant-based cream soup. Replace milk with almond or oat milk for a great alternative. For the full recipe, check the detailed instructions above. In this post, we explored how to make a tasty Cheesy Broccoli Casserole. We discussed the ingredients, from fresh broccoli to sharp cheddar cheese. The step-by-step instructions help you create it easily. We shared tips for cooking and variations to suit your taste. Finally, we covered storage options and common questions about this dish. Enjoy making this hearty casserole, and don’t hesitate to try different flavors or ingredients. You’ll love how versatile and satisfying it can be!

Cheesy Broccoli Casserole

Craving a comforting dish? Discover the deliciousness of Cheesy Broccoli Casserole! This easy recipe combines fresh broccoli, hearty quinoa, and sharp cheddar cheese into a creamy, mouthwatering dish topped with a crunchy cracker layer. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, it’s a delightful way to enjoy veggies. Click through for step-by-step instructions and make this flavorful casserole your next go-to recipe!
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Ingredients
  

4 cups fresh broccoli florets

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup cooked quinoa

1 cup cream of mushroom soup (feel free to use a healthier homemade variant or a low-sodium option)

½ cup milk (or choose a dairy-free alternative)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon black pepper

1 cup crushed crackers (such as Ritz or a gluten-free substitute)

2 tablespoons olive oil (for greasing)

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish with olive oil and set aside for later use.

    In a large pot, bring water to a rolling boil. Add the broccoli florets and blanch them for about 3 minutes until they turn bright green and are tender-crisp. Drain the broccoli and set it aside to cool slightly.

      In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and milk, incorporating the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

        Carefully fold in the cooked quinoa along with 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese into the soup mixture, ensuring even distribution.

          Gently add the blanched broccoli to the bowl, folding it into the mixture until all the ingredients are well coated and combined.

            Spoon the broccoli and cheese mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.

              Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese on top of the casserole, followed by the crushed crackers to create a delightful crunchy topping.

                Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and the top is a lovely golden brown.

                  Once baked, allow the casserole to cool for about 5 minutes, enhancing the flavors before serving.

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

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve the casserole directly from the dish, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for a vibrant touch and additional flavor.