Alright, folks, get ready to dive into a dish that is going to become a weeknight legend in your house. We are talking about comfort food at its finest, but without all the fuss. Say hello to the Easy French Onion Broccoli Cheese Casserole, a real game changer when you need something hearty, cheesy, and packed with flavor.
You know, sometimes you just want that warm, inviting feeling a good casserole brings, but life gets busy. This recipe is your answer. It is wonderfully simple to throw together, uses ingredients you can easily find, and delivers a taste that is pure magic. Think creamy, savory, and oh so cheesy, all bundled up with tender broccoli and that fantastic French onion zing. It is seriously good.
Jump To:
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let me tell you, there is a whole lot to adore about this Broccoli Bake. For starters, it is incredibly easy. Seriously, if you can stir and put things in a pan, you have got this. No fancy techniques, no complicated steps. Just straightforward cooking that yields amazing results.
Then there is the flavor. Oh, the flavor! That French onion dip is the secret weapon here. It infuses the entire dish with a savory, tangy depth that pairs perfectly with the creamy mushroom soup and the sharp cheddar cheese. It is a comfort food hug in a dish, plain and simple.
This Cheddar Broccoli Casserole is also super versatile. It makes a fantastic side dish for just about any protein, but honestly, it is substantial enough to stand on its own as a main course with a simple salad. Plus, it is a brilliant way to get some greens into your meal, especially for those picky eaters. What is not to love?
Ingredients
- 1 lb broccoli florets, chopped
- 1 (10.5 oz) can Unsalted Cream of Mushroom Soup
- 1 cup refrigerated sour cream based French Onion Dip
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (ensure the rennet is from a plant or microbial source)
- 1 (6 oz) container French fried onions
Step By Step Instructions
Step 1: Get Your Oven Ready
First things first, let us preheat that oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While it is heating up, grab a 9×9 inch baking dish and give it a light spray with cooking spray. This little step makes cleanup so much easier, trust me.
Step 2: Combine the Good Stuff
In a large bowl, it is time to bring all those delicious components together. Toss in your chopped broccoli, the cream of mushroom soup, that wonderful French onion dip, one cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, and half of the French fried onions. Give it a good stir until everything is nicely combined. You want every bit of broccoli coated in that creamy, cheesy goodness.
Step 3: Spread it Out
Now, take your glorious broccoli mixture and spread it evenly into your prepared baking pan. Make sure it is leveled out so everything cooks consistently. This is where the magic really starts to take shape.
Step 4: Bake for the First Round
Pop the pan into your preheated oven and let it bake for 25 minutes. This initial bake time gets the broccoli tender and allows all those flavors to really meld together. You will start to smell something incredible wafting from your kitchen!
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches and Final Bake
After 25 minutes, carefully remove the casserole from the oven. Now for the grand finale: sprinkle the remaining half cup of cheddar cheese and the rest of the French fried onions all over the top. Put it back in the oven for an additional 5 minutes. This final bake will melt that cheese into a bubbly dream and crisp up those onions to a beautiful golden brown. It is going to look as good as it tastes.
How To Store Leftovers
Got some of this delicious Easy French Onion Broccoli Cheese Casserole left over? Lucky you! Storing it is a breeze. Just let the casserole cool completely to room temperature. Then, you can transfer it to an airtight container and pop it into the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and tasty for about 3 to 4 days.
If you are looking to make this dish even further in advance or want to save some for a rainy day, freezing is a great option. Again, make sure it is completely cooled. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or use a freezer safe container. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When you are ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight before baking. Once thawed, you can reheat it in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until it is warmed through, usually about 20 to 30 minutes, or until bubbling. You might want to cover it with foil for part of the reheating time to prevent the topping from over browning.
Tips
Crafting the perfect Easy French Onion Broccoli Cheese Casserole is all about getting those details just right. Here are a few pointers to help you along the way and perhaps even customize your dish a bit.
One key ingredient here is that sour cream based French onion dip. Brands like Dean’s, Great Value, Barber’s, Heluva Good Dip, or Kraft usually work wonderfully. If you are having trouble finding it, do not fret! You can easily substitute it with a cup of regular sour cream combined with a few tablespoons of onion soup mix. This will give you that similar savory depth we are after.
I really do suggest using Unsalted Cream of Mushroom Soup for this dish. Why? Because the French onion dip already brings a good amount of sodium to the party. Using unsalted soup helps you control the overall saltiness of your Broccoli Recipes Casserole, so you can season to taste later if needed. It is all about balance!
If canned soup is not your jam, or you simply prefer a homemade touch, you can certainly make your own cream of mushroom soup from scratch. A simple substitution is to use mushroom bouillon. Dissolve a cube or two in hot water and mix with a little cornstarch or flour to thicken, creating a flavorful base for your casserole.
This Cheddar Broccoli Casserole is fantastic for meal prepping! You can assemble the entire casserole in advance, right up to the point of baking. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate for a day or two before baking as directed. For longer storage, freeze it unbaked. Just remember to thaw it completely in the refrigerator before baking.
Conclusion
And there you have it, friends! An Easy French Onion Broccoli Cheese Casserole that is destined to become a staple in your kitchen. It is simple, it is comforting, and it is absolutely bursting with that savory, cheesy goodness we all crave. This dish proves that delicious, homemade meals do not have to be complicated.
Whether you are whipping it up for a busy weeknight dinner, bringing it to a potluck, or just craving some serious comfort food, this Broccoli Bake has got your back. So go ahead, give it a try, and get ready to enjoy a warm, satisfying meal that everyone at your table will love. Happy cooking!
FAQ
Can I Use Fresh Broccoli for this Casserole?
Absolutely! The recipe calls for fresh broccoli florets. Make sure they are chopped into bite size pieces so they cook evenly and are easy to eat. If using frozen broccoli, you might want to thaw it and drain any excess water before adding it to the mixture to prevent a watery casserole.
What if I Cannot Find French Onion Dip?
No problem at all! As mentioned in our tips, you can substitute 1 cup of regular sour cream mixed with a few tablespoons of dry onion soup mix. This will give you a very similar flavor profile and creamy texture.
Can I Make this Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes, this Easy French Onion Broccoli Cheese Casserole is a perfect make ahead dish! You can assemble the entire casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. If freezing, make sure to thaw it completely before baking as directed.
Is This Dish Vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian, provided you ensure your shredded cheddar cheese uses rennet from a plant or microbial source. Most cream of mushroom soups and French fried onions are vegetarian friendly, but it is always a good idea to check the labels if you have strict dietary requirements.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Broccoli Bake?
You sure can! While this is a Broccoli Bake, feel free to experiment with other vegetables. Cooked sliced mushrooms, corn, or even a handful of spinach (wring out excess water) could be tasty additions. Just be mindful of moisture content and adjust baking time if adding significantly more ingredients.
Easy French Onion Broccoli Cheese Casserole
A hearty and cheesy weeknight casserole packed with flavor. This simple recipe combines tender broccoli with a creamy, savory sauce made from French onion dip and cream of mushroom soup, all topped with crispy fried onions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×9 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, cream of mushroom soup, French onion dip, 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, and half of the French fried onions. Stir until well combined.
- Spread the broccoli mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake uncovered for 25 minutes, until the broccoli is tender and the mixture is bubbly.
- Carefully remove the casserole from the oven. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese and the rest of the French fried onions over the top.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the onions are golden brown.
Notes
Using unsalted cream of mushroom soup is recommended as the French onion dip and fried onions already contain a good amount of sodium.
If you can’t find French onion dip, you can substitute it with 1 cup of sour cream mixed with 2-3 tablespoons of dry onion soup mix.
This casserole can be assembled ahead of time. Cover and refrigerate for up to two days before baking as directed.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
