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Paula Deen’s Broccoli Casserole

Paula Deen’s Broccoli Casserole

Paula Deen’s Broccoli Casserole is a comforting, creamy, and cheesy southern-style side dish featuring tender steamed broccoli florets mixed with a rich cheddar cheese sauce, condensed cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, and diced onions, topped with a crispy buttered breadcrumb crust. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, and holidays, blending creamy textures and savory flavors for a crowd-pleasing vegetable dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, washed and cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup diced onion

Topping

  • 1 cup buttered breadcrumbs (about 1 cup breadcrumbs mixed with 2 tablespoons melted butter)

Seasonings

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Prepare the broccoli: Start by washing and cutting fresh broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces, then steam them until just tender to keep their vibrant color and slight crunch.
  2. Mix the creamy sauce: In a large bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, shredded cheddar cheese, diced onion, salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder. Mix well to create a rich, flavorful base.
  3. Combine broccoli and sauce: Fold the cooked broccoli gently into the creamy mixture, ensuring each piece is evenly coated for maximum flavor in every bite.
  4. Assemble the casserole: Transfer the broccoli and cheese mixture into a buttered casserole dish, spreading it out evenly for a uniform bake.
  5. Add the breadcrumb topping: Sprinkle buttered breadcrumbs evenly over the top to create a golden, crispy crust after baking.
  6. Bake to perfection: Place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 25-30 minutes until the topping is bubbly and golden brown.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook the broccoli: Slightly undercooked broccoli holds up better in the casserole, avoiding mushiness.
  • Use sharp cheddar cheese for better melt and pronounced flavor.
  • Butter your breadcrumbs to ensure a crispy, golden crust instead of a dry topping.
  • Mix gently when folding broccoli into sauce to preserve texture and avoid breaking florets.
  • Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking for easier serving and better flavor melding.

Nutrition

Keywords: Broccoli casserole, Paula Deen, broccoli side dish, creamy broccoli, cheesy casserole, southern recipe, comfort food, easy casserole