Super Easy Cheesy Broccoli Casserole with Crackers

If you want a comforting Broccoli Casserole that’s cheesy and topped with crackers, but made a little bit healthier through better ingredients, this recipe is for you!

Packed with fresh broccoli florets smothered in a creamy cheese sauce—this cheesy and crunchy broccoli casserole is comfort in a baking dish. The taste is simply irresistible with a crunchy topping of cheddar cracker crumbs mixed with real cheese.

What I love most about this recipe is how it takes the stress out of cooking—no complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients here. The perfect addition to your holiday menu because EASY always wins.

This casserole will be a hit with the whole family—even the picky eaters can’t resist its cheesy goodness. Enough talking here, let’s make this yummy casserole – the perfect side dish for your big dinner, Thanksgiving, or other holiday meal, or make it the whole weeknight meal; works perfectly either way!

Why You’ll Love this Cracker-Topped Casserole

I just love this broccoli casserole for how rich and fulfiling it is. The ingredients come together beautifully, and the flavor is top-notch.

If you haven’t tried this cheesy beauty before, here’s why you’ll love it:

• My casserole uses fresh broccoli florets, (organic) cream of mushroom soup, and sharp cheddar cheese—all possibly already in your pantry. The combination creates a comforting and delicious creamy sauce.

• The cheddar crackers mixed with cheese form a crunchy topping that turns perfectly golden brown in the oven. It adds a delightful texture that complements the tender broccoli and cheesy sauce. If you want a more buttery flavor, Ritz crackers or Ritz-style crackers will work here, too.

• No complicated steps here. Steam your broccoli and then mix everything in a large bowl, pour it into a prepared baking dish, and bake. It’s that simple.

• This casserole will be a hit with the whole family, even the picky eaters. It’s a great way to get everyone to enjoy their veggies without any complaints.

• This broccoli dish pairs wonderfully with Thanksgiving turkey, Butter and Herb roasted turkey breast, Italian Baked Chicken breasts, or other side dishes. Whether it’s a holiday meal, Sunday supper, or a casual weeknight meal, it fits right in.

• You can prepare this recipe in advance and store it in an airtight container or cover it with plastic wrap in the fridge. When it’s time to eat, bake and serve.

Recipe Ingredients–What You Need

As you can see, I took some traditionally not-great ingredients you might normally find in a Southern broccoli casserole with crushed crackers on top and found healthier versions. When you need a comforting casserole like this but want better-for-you ingredients, this is the recipe for you!

If you want to put together a great recipe for Thanksgiving dinner, look no further because only a few simple ingredients are needed for this broccoli cheddar casserole. Here’s what you’ll need to make this family favorite creamy casserole:

• Broccoli Crowns: You should fresh broccoli for its crisp texture and bright color, but if there is no other choice, frozen can also work in a pinch.

• Cream of Mushroom Condensed Soup: Use an organic brand like Pacific Foods for better quality and a rich, creamy base without unwanted additives and unnecessary inflammatory oils. The most recognizable brand of cream of mushroom condensed soup has the following ingredient list: Water, Mushrooms, Vegetable Oil (Corn, Canola, and/or Soybean), Modified Cornstarch, Wheat Flour, Salt, Cream, Whey, Soy Protein Concentrate, Monosodium Glutamate, Yeast Extract, Dried Garlic, Natural Flavoring. The organic version, however, has this list: WATER, MUSHROOMS, CREAM, CORNSTARCH, RICE FLOUR, SEA SALT, GARLIC POWDER, ONION POWDER. So. much. better.

• Avocado Oil Mayonnaise: I prefer this mayo for its healthier fats and lighter taste; it makes the dish creamy without being overly heavy.

• Egg: It’ll bind all the ingredients together and maintain structure when baked. Of course eggs provide a range of vitamins, too!

• Cheddar Cracker Squares: Adds a salty, cheesy crunch to the topping, good for creating that satisfying golden crust.

• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: I prefer using a well-aged variety for more intense flavor; it melts beautifully, giving that perfect cheesy pull. If your broccoli casserole recipe calls for fake cheese like Velveeta cheese, just say no and try this recipe instead!

How to Make This Cheesy Broccoli Casserole Dish

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
2. Bring one inch of water to a boil in a pot with a basket steamer inside. Place the broccoli florets in the steamer basket, cover the pot, and steam the broccoli for 5 minutes, until it is bright green, but still crisp tender.
3. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, whisk together the condensed soup, mayonnaise, and egg until combined.
4. Take the crackers and place them in a small bag or in a bowl and top them with a towel. Use a kitchen tool (I use a meat mallet) to crush the crackers.
5. Add the steamed broccoli to the mayonnaise mixture and stir to combine.
6. Transfer the broccoli mixture to a medium casserole dish.7. Top the broccoli mixture with the crushed crackers and shredded cheese.
7. Bake, uncovered, in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Enjoy!

How to Make This Cheesy Broccoli Recipe Healthier?

If you want a healthier version or lighter version of this casserole, here are a few swaps you can make:

• Use Low-Fat Dairy Products: if you want this to be lower calorie, swap out full-fat cheeses with low-fat alternatives. Using reduced-fat cheddar can cut down on calories. You can also opt for low-fat sour cream to keep the creamy sauce lighter (although it’ll taste a bit tangier).

• Add More Veggies: Boost the nutritional value by adding more veggies. Chopped small onion or bell peppers add flavor and nutrients without adding many calories. You know how much I love adding more vegetables to anything I can!

• Whole Grain Crackers for the Topping: Instead of regular crackers, find whole-grain options for the cracker topping. They add extra fiber and make the crunchy topping a bit healthier without losing that satisfying crunch.

• Steam Broccoli Lightly: To retain more nutrients in the head of broccoli, steam it just until it becomes tender broccoli. Overcooking can diminish its nutritional value, so steam it over medium heat for a few minutes.

• Homemade Cream of Mushroom Soup: Making cream of mushroom soup at home lets you control the ingredients and reduce sodium. It’ll take more time, but it’s worth the health benefits. I make and use a dairy-free version with white beans in this Healthy Green Bean Casserole. Try it!

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh broccoli florets?

I prefer to use fresh broccoli here, but yes, you can use frozen broccoli if necessary. Make sure to thaw and drain it well to prevent extra moisture in your casserole.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh for up to three days.

Can I add protein like chicken breast to the casserole?

Of course, you can. Adding cooked chicken breast can turn this side dish into a hearty main course. Mix the cooked chicken into the broccoli mixture before baking, and you’re good to go.

What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?

If you’re not a fan of mushroom soup, you can use cream of chicken or cream of broccoli soup instead. It will still provide that delicious creamy base for the casserole. As suggested above, look for organic versions with less additives and unnecessary oils.

If you love broccoli recipes, keep scrolling beyond the recipe card for more great recipes you’ll love!

If you make this Broccoli Casserole recipe, or any Happy Healthy Mama recipe, I would LOVE to see it! Please take a pic and share it on Instagram or Facebook and tag me @happyhealthymama ? Also, if you try it, would you mind rating the recipe? It’s VERY helpful for me and other readers if the recipes have ratings and reviews. I appreciate you!

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More Healthy Recipes with Broccoli

Broccoli and Cauliflower Soup (pictured above)

Roasted Broccoli with Parmesan

Broccoli Bites (great for toddlers and kids!)

Lemony Broccoli Salad

Healthy Broccoli Salad with Yogurt Dressing

Broccoli Cheddar Orzo Bake

Chicken and Broccoli

Broccoli Cauliflower Salad

One Pot Penne and Broccoli

Broccoli and Cheddar Soup

Vegan Broccoli Soup