Southern Broccoli Casserole: This simple recipe uses everyday ingredients and has an unbelievable flavor, using Cheez-It® crackers, shredded sharp cheddar, and cream of chicken soup!
1/2stickbutter (unsalted)melted (if using salted, don't use as much salt below)
2eggslightly beaten
1/2onionfinely chopped
1/2teaspoonsalt(omit some if using salted butter)
1/4teaspoonblack pepper
1 ½cupssharp cheddar cheeseshredded (shred your own if you can - see post for details)
1 ½cupsCheez-It® crackerscrushed
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350° F
Remove frozen broccoli from packagin and place in microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 3-4 minutes or until thawed. (Does not have to be fully steamed/cooked - it will continue to cook in oven.)NOTE: if water has gathered in bottom of bowl, from condensation of frozen broccoli, discard water as this could make your casserole "soupy".
In large mixing bowl, mix together thawed broccoli, soup, mayo, butter, eggs, onion, salt, and pepper. Stir to evenly combine.
Pour only one cup of the shredded cheese in to the broccoli casserole mixture, and stir to combine.
Pour broccoli casserole mixture in to a greased 9x13 baking dish and spread evenlly using the back of a spoon or a ladle.
Using the remainder of the shredded cheese, sprinkle on top of casserole, trying to sprinkle and cover the entire casserole.
Next, sprinkle the crushed Cheez-It® crackers all over the top of the casserole, trying to cover it entirely.
Place dish in oven and bake for 30-40 minutes or until heated through and bubbly! Serve.
Notes
How to store leftover broccoli casseroleIf you have leftovers, this can be amazing the next day. Simply cover the broccoli casserole dish with plastic wrap, or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate.How long is broccoli casserole good for?If properly refrigerated, the casserole should be good to eat for 3-4 days after baking.Can I freeze broccoli casserole?Absolutely!If freezing cooked leftovers, transfer to a freezer-safe dish when casserole has FULLY COOLED. freeze for up to 6 months.If freezing an entire fully cooked casserole for use later, it's best to bake in a freezer-safe/oven-safe dish, so you do not have to transfer containers to freeze.If freezing an uncooked casserole, assemble in a freezer-safe and oven-safe container, so casserole can thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking, and so the dish can simply go in to the oven once thawed, without transferring dishes.