Description
Alton Brown’s broccoli casserole brings Southern comfort to the dinner table with creamy, cheesy goodness. Home cooks can savor this classic side dish that blends tangy cheese, crisp broccoli, and a golden, buttery breadcrumb topping you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 6 cups broccoli, peeled stems and heads, chopped and blanched in salted water
- 12 ounces (340 grams) sliced mushrooms, sauteed in 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) butter
- 1 package chicken flavored ramen noodles, broken up
Cheese and Dairy:
- 1 ¼ cup (296 milliliters) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup (118 milliliters) mayonnaise
- ½ cup (118 milliliters) plain yogurt
- ⅓ cup (79 milliliters) blue cheese dressing
- 2 eggs
Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:
- ½ teaspoon (2.5 grams) salt
- 1 ½ teaspoon (7.5 grams) fresh ground black pepper
- Flavor pack from ramen
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 7-by-7-inch (18-by-18-cm) baking dish by lightly coating it with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the instant noodle flavor packet, mayonnaise, yogurt, shredded cheddar cheese, blue cheese dressing, eggs, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, break the instant noodles into smaller pieces and add chopped mushrooms and broccoli florets.
- Pour the wet mixture over the noodle and vegetable combination, stirring gently to ensure even coating and distribution of ingredients.
- Transfer the entire mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a consistent layer.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 45 minutes, maintaining the foil cover to prevent excessive browning.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes to achieve a golden-brown top and crispy edges.
- Once done, remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 15 minutes, allowing it to set and cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Cold ingredients blend smoother, so take them out 30 minutes before mixing.
- Shredded cheese melts faster and creates a more uniform sauce texture.
- Room temperature mayo prevents clumping and helps ingredients combine seamlessly.
- Yogurt adds tanginess and helps balance the rich cheese flavors.
- Fresh mushrooms provide better moisture and depth compared to canned versions.
- Blanching broccoli quickly maintains its vibrant green color and crisp texture.
- Sautéing mushrooms beforehand intensifies their earthy, umami characteristics.
- Ramen seasoning packets contain concentrated flavor boosters for instant depth.
- Gently toss ingredients to prevent breaking delicate noodles or vegetable pieces.
- Aluminum foil traps steam during initial baking, keeping the dish moist.
- Uncovering allows excess moisture to evaporate and creates a delightful golden crust.
- Let the casserole rest 5-10 minutes after baking for easier serving and firmer texture.
- Ceramic or glass baking dishes distribute heat more evenly than metal pans.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg