If you love creamy, cheesy casseroles, this Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe is perfect for you. It is rich, flavorful and full of tender broccoli and melted cheese.
The combination of fresh broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese and a creamy sauce makes it a family favorite. You can make it for lunch, dinner or even a special holiday meal.
This recipe is easy to follow and you do not need advanced cooking skills. I will show you how to make Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheese Casserole, step by step. Plus, I will share some tips and serving ideas to make it extra delicious.
My Experience With This Recipe
I first tried this Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe when I wanted a comforting side dish for dinner. The smell while baking was irresistible. The broccoli stayed soft but firm and the cheese sauce coated everything perfectly.
My family loved it! Even picky eaters finished their plates. I also tried adding a little extra cheddar on top for a golden crust.
Every bite was creamy and cheesy, exactly like the famous Cracker Barrel version. It is now a go-to recipe in my home for weeknight dinners and holidays.
Recipe Card Info
- Recipe Name: Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheese Casserole
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Course: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 250 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking dish (8×8 inches or similar)
- Whisk or spoon
- Saucepan
- Grater for cheese
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven mitts
Ingredients You Need for Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheese Casserole
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs (optional topping)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your baking dish with butter or cooking spray. - Cook the Broccoli
Steam or boil broccoli florets for 3–4 minutes. They should be tender but firm. - Prepare the Cheese Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine cheddar cheese, cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream. Mix until smooth. - Season the Sauce
Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to distribute the flavors evenly. - Mix Broccoli and Sauce
Gently fold the cooked broccoli into the cheese sauce. Make sure all florets are coated. - Transfer to Baking Dish
Pour the broccoli and cheese mixture into the greased baking dish. Spread evenly. - Prepare Topping (Optional)
In a small bowl, mix crushed crackers with melted butter. Sprinkle over the casserole for a crunchy top. - Bake the Casserole
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes. Cheese should be melted, and the top lightly golden. - Cool Slightly Before Serving
Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes. This helps it set and makes serving easier. - Serve and Enjoy
Scoop onto plates and enjoy warm. Perfect as a side or main for vegetarians.
Recipe Tips
- Use fresh broccoli for best texture. Frozen works too but drain well.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika on top.
- Use sharp cheddar for a stronger cheese taste.
- Avoid overcooking broccoli; it should stay slightly firm.
- Make ahead and refrigerate, then bake before serving for convenience.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Protein | 10 g |
| Carbohydrates | 8 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
Serving Suggestions
This Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheese Casserole is best served warm. Pair it with roasted chicken, baked potatoes or a simple green salad.
It also works great as a hearty side dish for holiday dinners. Sprinkle extra cheddar or bacon bits on top for a special treat.
Best Sides To Serve With
- Roast chicken or turkey
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Garden salad with vinaigrette
- Dinner rolls or crusty bread
- Creamy mushroom soup
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 1 month. Use freezer-safe containers.
- Reheating: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes until warmed through. Cover with foil to avoid drying out.
FAQs about Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheese Casserole
1. Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, frozen broccoli works. Thaw and drain first to avoid excess water in the casserole.
2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble it, cover with foil and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for best results.
3. Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, you can add cauliflower, carrots or bell peppers for more color and flavor.
4. Can I make it vegan or dairy-free?
Yes, use vegan cheese, plant-based sour cream and mayonnaise alternatives. Taste may differ slightly.
5. How can I make the topping extra crunchy?
Mix crushed crackers with melted butter or parmesan cheese. Sprinkle generously on top before baking.
Conclusion
The Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe is creamy, cheesy and easy to make. It’s perfect for weeknights, holidays or family gatherings.
With fresh broccoli and rich cheese, it satisfies everyone. Follow the step-by-step instructions and tips for the best results.
You can also experiment with toppings and flavors to make it your own. Try this recipe today and enjoy a warm, comforting dish that everyone will love!
Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- ½ cup cream cheese softened
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs optional topping
- 2 tablespoons butter melted (for topping)
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
Cook the Broccoli
- Steam or boil broccoli florets for 3–4 minutes. They should be tender but firm.
Prepare the Cheese Sauce
- In a mixing bowl, combine cheddar cheese, cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream. Mix until smooth.
Season the Sauce
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to distribute the flavors evenly.
Mix Broccoli and Sauce
- Gently fold the cooked broccoli into the cheese sauce. Make sure all florets are coated.
Transfer to Baking Dish
- Pour the broccoli and cheese mixture into the greased baking dish. Spread evenly.
Prepare Topping (Optional)
- In a small bowl, mix crushed crackers with melted butter. Sprinkle over the casserole for a crunchy top.
Bake the Casserole
- Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes. Cheese should be melted, and the top lightly golden.
Cool Slightly Before Serving
- Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes. This helps it set and makes serving easier.
Serve and Enjoy
- Scoop onto plates and enjoy warm. Perfect as a side or main for vegetarians.
Notes
- Use fresh broccoli for best texture. Frozen works too but drain well.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika on top.
- Use sharp cheddar for a stronger cheese taste.
- Avoid overcooking broccoli; it should stay slightly firm.
- Make ahead and refrigerate, then bake before serving for convenience.
Sara Collins is a food blogger at TastyDive. She shares simple and family-friendly recipes made with everyday ingredients. Her mission is to help home cooks enjoy tasty meals without stress.
