Paula Deen Broccoli Casserole Recipe
The Paula Deen Broccoli Casserole Recipe is creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor. It is a classic comfort food that everyone loves. This dish combines fresh broccoli with a rich cheese sauce and a crunchy topping.
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh broccoli cut into florets
- 1 can 10.5 oz cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with butter or nonstick spray for easy baking.
Cook the Broccoli
- Steam or boil the broccoli for about 5 minutes until slightly tender. Do not overcook; it should remain bright green and slightly firm.
Prepare the Cheese Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, sour cream, shredded cheddar, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt and black pepper. Mix well until smooth.
Add Broccoli and Onion
- Add the cooked broccoli and chopped onion to the cheese mixture. Stir gently until the broccoli is coated evenly with the creamy sauce.
Transfer to Casserole Dish
- Pour the broccoli mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Spread it evenly with a spatula so it cooks uniformly.
Add the Topping
- Sprinkle crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs evenly over the top. This creates a crispy, golden crust while baking.
Bake the Casserole
- Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 30–35 minutes until the top is golden and the casserole is heated through.
Cool Slightly
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. This allows it to set slightly and makes serving easier.
Serve and Enjoy
- Scoop portions onto plates. Serve hot alongside your favorite main dish or enjoy as a comforting vegetarian option.
Notes
- Do not overcook broccoli to keep its bright color and texture.
- Use fresh cheese for the best flavor and melting.
- Lightly butter the casserole dish for a golden edge.
- For extra crunch, mix a few crushed nuts with the breadcrumb topping.
- Let the casserole sit 5 minutes after baking to set the sauce.