What is Paula Deen's broccoli casserole?

Paula Deen's broccoli casserole is a Southern-style baked dish that typically combines frozen broccoli, cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, eggs, and shredded Cheddar cheese in a buttered baking dish. The recipe shared here closely mirrors that classic formula, using the same core structure of a creamy soup-and-mayo base with generous sharp Cheddar. Paula Deen's version is often associated with the same rich, comforting character that has made this style of casserole a staple on American tables for decades.

What goes in a broccoli cheese casserole?

A traditional broccoli cheese casserole contains frozen broccoli florets, condensed cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, a beaten egg for binding, chopped onion, shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, and basic seasonings like salt, pepper, and paprika. Some variations add crushed Ritz crackers on top for crunch, rice to bulk it up into a broccoli cheese rice casserole, or different cheeses for a unique flavor profile. This Broccoli Cheese Casserole recipe sticks to the classic eight-ingredient formula for the most reliable result.

What are the three ingredients in broccoli casserole with cheese?

The three essential base ingredients in any cheesy broccoli casserole are broccoli, a creamy binder (usually condensed soup), and shredded cheese. Everything else, the mayo, egg, onion, and seasonings, builds flavor and texture around those three core components. If you need an ultra-simplified version, combine one package of frozen broccoli with half a can of condensed cream of mushroom soup and a generous handful of Cheddar, then bake at 350°F until bubbly.

Should you bake broccoli casserole covered or uncovered?

Broccoli cheese casserole should be baked uncovered for the best results. Baking without a cover allows surface moisture to evaporate, which produces the golden-brown, slightly firm top that defines a well-made casserole. Covering the dish traps steam inside, which keeps the top pale and soft and can contribute to a slightly watery filling. If you notice the edges browning faster than the center, place a loose tent of foil over the dish for the last 10 minutes only.

Can I make broccoli cheese casserole ahead of time?

Yes, this Broccoli Cheese Casserole assembles beautifully up to 24 hours in advance. Prepare the full mixture, spread it into the buttered baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the plastic and add approximately 10 extra minutes to the bake time since the dish starts cold. This make-ahead approach is particularly useful for holiday cooking when oven time is limited and multiple dishes need coordinating.

Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen for easy broccoli casserole?

Fresh broccoli works well as a substitute, cut it into small, even florets and blanch in boiling salted water for 2 minutes, then drain thoroughly and pat dry. Excess moisture from fresh broccoli is the main risk, so drying it completely before mixing with the sauce is the critical step. The final texture will be slightly firmer and the color brighter compared to frozen broccoli, which is an appealing variation worth trying when fresh produce is available.

The Best Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe: Easy & Cheesy (65 Min)

Name: Broccoli Cheese Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-496055H10M18S
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup; 1 cup mayonnaise; 1 large egg, beaten; ¼ cup chopped onion; 3 (10 oz) packages frozen broccoli florets; 8 oz shredded sharp Cheddar cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 dash paprika

Description

This broccoli cheese casserole is easy to make with basic pantry ingredients, combining tender broccoli florets, a creamy cream of mushroom sauce, and melty sharp Cheddar cheese for a rich, comforting dish that delivers crowd-pleasing results every single time.

Ingredients

Scale

1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 cup mayonnaise
1 large egg, beaten
¼ cup chopped onion
3 (10 oz) packages frozen broccoli florets
8 oz shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
1 dash paprika

Instructions

Preheat and Prep: Gather all ingredients. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Make the Creamy Sauce: Whisk condensed soup, mayonnaise, egg, and chopped onion together in a medium bowl until fully combined.
Combine the Mixture: Place frozen broccoli florets into a very large bowl and break apart any clumps. Add the soup mixture and stir well to coat every floret.
Add the Cheese: Sprinkle shredded Cheddar over the mixture and stir well to distribute evenly.
Transfer to Baking Dish: Spread the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Season with salt, pepper, and a dash of paprika.
Bake: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the cheese has melted and the top is golden brown.
Serve: Remove from oven, let rest 5 minutes, and serve hot.

Notes

For a crunchier topping, sprinkle crushed Ritz crackers mixed with melted butter over the casserole before baking. Use freshly shredded Cheddar rather than pre-shredded for the smoothest, meltiest result. The casserole can be assembled a day ahead and refrigerated unbaked, just add 10 extra minutes to the bake time.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour
Category: Side Dish / Main Dish
Method: Oven Baked
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (1/8th of dish)
Calories: 387
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 619mg
Fat: 34g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 22g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 9g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 11g
Cholesterol: 64mg

Keywords: broccoli cheese casserole, easy broccoli casserole, cheesy broccoli casserole, broccoli cheese rice casserole, broccoli casserole with ritz crackers