Easy Paula Deen Broccoli Casserole Recipe: Creamy Comfort Food

Broccoli casserole brings comfort to hungry families seeking a satisfying side dish that transforms ordinary vegetables into something magical.

Southern cooks have long celebrated this creamy, cheesy creation as a crowd-pleasing option for gatherings and weeknight dinners.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly to create a rich, indulgent experience that elevates simple broccoli into a mouthwatering masterpiece.

Warm, golden-brown edges and a velvety interior promise pure culinary delight for anyone craving a nostalgic taste of home cooking.

Crispy cracker toppings add delightful texture that contrasts beautifully with the smooth, cheesy base.

Each forkful delivers a comforting symphony of flavors that speaks to traditional Southern hospitality.

Nutritious and satisfying, this dish bridges the gap between healthy eating and pure deliciousness: get ready to fall in love.

Ingredients for Paula Deen’s Broccoli Casserole

Main Ingredients:

• Broccoli: Fresh green vegetable that provides the core flavor and nutritional base for the casserole.

• Mayonnaise, Eggs: Creamy elements that help bind and create a smooth, rich texture in the casserole.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that adds depth of flavor and helps create a creamy consistency.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Provides additional moisture and a savory background flavor.

Topping Ingredients:

• Crackers: Crispy element that adds a crunchy texture to the casserole surface.
• Butter: Helps create a golden, rich topping that enhances the overall flavor and crispness.

Preparation Ingredient:

• Vegetable Oil Spray: Ensures the casserole does not stick to the baking dish and helps with easy removal.

How to Make Paula Deen’s Broccoli Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grab a 13×9-inch baking dish and lightly spray with vegetable oil cooking spray.

Step 2: Blend Creamy Broccoli Mixture

• Cooked broccoli
• Mayonnaise
• Grated cheddar cheese
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Eggs

Stir everything together using a metal spoon until ingredients are fully mixed and look smooth.

Step 3: Create The Casserole Base

Transfer the broccoli mixture into the greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly using the back of a spoon, ensuring a smooth surface across the entire dish.

Step 4: Add Crunchy Topping

Sprinkle crushed crackers over the entire surface of the broccoli mixture, creating a delicious crispy layer.

Step 5: Finish With Buttery Goodness

Drizzle melted butter evenly across the cracker topping, which will help create a golden, crispy crust.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes. Look for a golden brown top and a set consistency to know it’s ready.

Serve hot and enjoy this comforting classic broccoli casserole!

Pro Tips for Paula Deen’s Broccoli Casserole

• Prevent Soggy Texture: Pat broccoli dry after cooking to eliminate excess moisture and maintain a crisp, appetizing casserole.
• Enhance Cheese Melt: Grate cheese at room temperature for smoother, more even distribution throughout the dish.
• Balance Cracker Crunch: Crumble crackers just before topping to preserve their crispy texture and prevent sogginess.
• Control Baking Temperature: Lower oven heat slightly to ensure even cooking and prevent burning on the surface.
• Layer Ingredients Strategically: Spread broccoli and cheese mixture evenly to create consistent flavor in every bite.

How to Store Paula Deen’s Broccoli Casserole

• Vacuum Seal Method: Extract all air using a vacuum sealer before storing in the freezer. This technique prevents freezer burn and maintains the casserole's original texture, preserving flavors for up to 4 months with minimal quality loss.
• Glass Container Strategy: Transfer the broccoli casserole into heavy-duty glass containers with tight-fitting lids. Separate portions for easier reheating, ensuring each section stays fresh and prevents moisture accumulation that could compromise taste and consistency.
• Temperature Control Approach: Keep the casserole at a consistent 40°F or below in the refrigerator. Monitor temperature with a digital thermometer, placing the container on the middle shelf away from raw meats to prevent potential cross-contamination and maintain optimal food safety standards.

Creative Variations on Paula Deen’s Broccoli Casserole

• Cheesy Bacon Broccoli Bake: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits over the casserole before adding crackers for a savory protein boost. Crumble cooked bacon and mix directly into the broccoli mixture for extra flavor complexity.
• Spicy Southwest Broccoli Casserole: Add diced jalapeños and a pinch of cayenne pepper to the broccoli mixture. Top with pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a zesty kick that transforms the classic recipe.
• Gluten-Free Green Veggie Casserole: Replace traditional crackers with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free rice crackers. Swap condensed mushroom soup with a homemade cream sauce made from vegetable broth and heavy cream to maintain the creamy texture.
• Mediterranean Broccoli Casserole: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese and chopped sun-dried tomatoes into the broccoli mixture. Garnish with fresh oregano and replace buttered crackers with seasoned panko breadcrumbs for a Mediterranean-inspired version.

Paula Deen’s Broccoli Casserole: A Vegetably Delicious Dish

Southern comfort meets green goodness in Paula Deen’s legendary broccoli casserole.

Rich cheese and creamy mushroom soup embrace tender broccoli florets with irresistible Southern charm.

Crisp cracker topping adds delightful crunch while golden butter melts into each delectable layer.

Hearty and satisfying, this casserole transforms simple ingredients into a memorable meal that warms hearts and pleases palates.

Culinary magic happens when classic techniques blend with fresh produce.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe, share its deliciousness across social media, drop a comment celebrating Southern cooking, and invite friends to savor this mouthwatering masterpiece.

What Makes Paula Deen’s Broccoli Casserole So Creamy and Delicious

• Savor Creamy Comfort: This broccoli casserole delivers a rich, velvety texture that hugs your taste buds with its blend of melted cheese, creamy mushroom soup, and soft broccoli. Every forkful promises a warm, satisfying experience that feels like a culinary embrace.
• Whip Up Effortless Deliciousness: Designed for busy home cooks, this recipe comes together in just 45 minutes with minimal prep work. Simple ingredients and straightforward mixing make it a perfect go-to dish for weeknight dinners or last-minute potlucks.
• Transform Humble Vegetables: The magical combination of crunchy cracker topping and tender broccoli turns an ordinary vegetable into an irresistible side dish. Crispy edges, gooey center, and cheesy goodness elevate broccoli from boring to extraordinary, making it a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily adaptable to personal preferences, this casserole welcomes variations like swapping cheddar for different cheeses or using gluten-free crackers. Its flexible nature means you can make it your own while maintaining the classic, comforting essence of a homestyle casserole.

Paula Deen Broccoli Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Paula Deen’s broccoli casserole delivers a creamy Southern comfort dish packed with cheesy goodness. Crunchy breadcrumb topping and tender broccoli combine for a delightful side that will have diners coming back for seconds.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 20 ounces (566 grams) frozen chopped broccoli, cooked and drained
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 10 ¾ ounces (305 grams) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten

Binding and Moisture Ingredients:

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Topping Ingredients:

• 2 cups buttery crackers, crushed

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350°F (175°C) and coating a 13×9-inch (33×23 centimeters) baking dish with a thin layer of vegetable oil spray to prevent sticking.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the pre-cooked broccoli florets with creamy mayonnaise, sharp grated cheddar cheese, condensed cream of mushroom soup, and lightly beaten eggs until the mixture achieves a uniform consistency.
3. Transfer the broccoli blend into the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even distribution across the surface to create a consistent layer.
4. Crush the crackers into fine, textured crumbs and delicately sprinkle them over the broccoli mixture, creating a crisp and golden topping.
5. Gently drizzle melted butter across the cracker layer, allowing it to distribute evenly and enhance the potential for a rich, golden-brown crust.
6. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 35 minutes, monitoring until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the interior sets completely, indicating it is fully cooked and ready to serve.

Notes

• Prep ahead tip: Chop broccoli and grate cheese in advance to save time during cooking.
• Boost flavor complexity: Toast crackers lightly before crushing for an extra nutty undertone.
• Cheese matters most: Select high-quality cheddar for a more robust and creamy texture.
• Temperature control is key: Allow casserole ingredients to reach room temperature before mixing.
• Customize crunch factor: Experiment with different cracker types like butter or whole wheat for unique toppings.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 345 per serving
• Sugar: 38g
• Sodium: 210mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 40mg