Cooking Broccoli And Cheese Casserole: Timing For Perfection

Broccoli and cheese casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that can be easily prepared for a weeknight dinner or a holiday gathering. The cooking time for this casserole varies depending on the ingredients used and the desired level of doneness. Typically, it involves baking the casserole in the oven at a temperature between 325°F to 425°F for 20 to 60 minutes. The casserole is ready when the cheese has melted, the topping is golden brown, and the broccoli is tender.

Broccoli and cheese casserole ingredients

The ingredients for a broccoli and cheese casserole are simple and easy to source. This recipe is a great, tasty way to get kids to eat their veggies and is a perfect weeknight crowd-pleaser.

The Basics

The basic ingredients for a broccoli and cheese casserole are:

• Canned condensed cream of mushroom soup
• Mayonnaise
• Eggs
• Onion
• Broccoli florets
• Cheese
• Salt and pepper
• Paprika

Optional Extras

Some recipes suggest adding extra ingredients to enhance the flavour and texture of the dish. These include:

• Rice
• Milk
• Cream cheese
• Garlic powder
• Butter
• Breadcrumbs
• Ritz crackers or similar
• Cayenne
• Dijon mustard

Fresh or Frozen?

You can use either fresh or frozen broccoli florets for this recipe. However, it is worth noting that frozen broccoli contains a lot of liquid, which can make the dish mushy. If you do use frozen broccoli, be sure to thaw it first and drain off any excess liquid.

Cheese Choice

For the best results, grate your own cheese. Cheddar is a popular choice, but you could also use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a shredded cheese blend.

Make it Healthier

If you want to make the recipe healthier, you could try making the cream of mushroom soup from scratch, using Greek yoghurt instead of mayonnaise, and omitting the cheese and crackers or using low-fat alternatives.

How to make broccoli and cheese casserole

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to make broccoli and cheese casserole:

• Broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
• Cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, Swiss, or a blend)
• Butter
• Milk (or half & half)
• Flour
• Onion
• Mayonnaise (optional)
• Egg
• Breadcrumbs or crackers (e.g. Ritz)
• Condensed cream of mushroom soup (optional)
• Spices (salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, nutmeg, dry mustard)

Method

• Preheat your oven to 325-350°F (165-175°C).
• Prepare the broccoli by steaming, boiling, or blanching it until crisp-tender. Drain and set aside.
• Make the cheese sauce by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and cook until bubbly, then stir in onion, milk, and any desired spices. Bring to a boil and cook for 1 minute. Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper.
• Add cheese and eggs to the sauce, stirring until the cheese melts.
• Combine the cooked broccoli with the cheese sauce, stirring to coat evenly.
• Transfer the mixture to a buttered 9x13-inch baking dish.
• For a crunchy topping, mix crushed crackers or breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole.
• Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.
• Let the casserole stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Tips and Variations:

• You can add meat, such as cooked chicken or bacon, to the casserole for a heartier dish.
• If you're short on time, you can use condensed cream of mushroom soup instead of making a cheese sauce from scratch.
• To make ahead, assemble the casserole and store it in the fridge until ready to bake. You can also freeze the baked casserole for up to 3 months.
• Get creative with your spices and seasonings to customize the flavor to your taste.

How long to bake broccoli and cheese casserole

Baking times for broccoli and cheese casserole vary depending on the ingredients used and the desired level of browning. Here is a detailed guide on how long to bake this delicious dish:

Preparation

Before baking, it is important to prepare the broccoli and cheese mixture. This typically involves blanching or steaming the broccoli, making a cheese sauce, and combining the two. Some recipes also include a crunchy topping, such as crushed crackers or breadcrumbs, which is added before baking.

Baking Time

Most recipes recommend baking the casserole at a temperature between 325°F and 425°F. The baking time can range from 20 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the desired level of doneness.

For example, one recipe suggests baking the casserole at 350°F for 30 minutes or until the broccoli is tender. Another recipe calls for baking at 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.

It is important to keep an eye on the casserole during baking, as the cooking time can vary based on the depth of the casserole dish and the desired level of browning. If the top starts to brown too much, it can be covered with foil to prevent burning.

Checking for Doneness

The casserole is typically done when the cheese has melted, the sauce is bubbly, and the topping is golden brown. The broccoli should be tender, and a fork should be able to pierce the florets easily.

Adjusting Baking Time

The baking time can be adjusted based on the specific ingredients and desired consistency. For a crispier topping, the casserole can be baked for a few extra minutes. If using frozen broccoli, the baking time may be shorter since frozen broccoli contains more water and can become mushy.

Additionally, if baking a larger quantity of the casserole, the cooking time may need to be increased slightly to ensure even cooking.

Reheating and Storage

Leftover broccoli and cheese casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days and reheated in the oven or microwave. It is important to allow the casserole to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container.

When reheating, cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F for 20 to 30 minutes, or until completely heated through.

Broccoli and cheese casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that can be enjoyed as a side or main course. By following the preparation and baking instructions, and adjusting the timing as needed, you can ensure a perfect and tasty result every time.

How to store broccoli and cheese casserole

Broccoli and cheese casserole is a delicious and comforting dish, perfect for family gatherings and holidays. It's a crowd-pleaser that can be made ahead of time and stored for later. Here's how to store your broccoli and cheese casserole to keep it fresh and tasty:

Storing Unbaked Casserole:

If you've prepared the casserole but haven't baked it yet, you can store it in the refrigerator. Simply assemble the casserole as directed, but do not bake it. Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or transfer the mixture to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. This will keep the ingredients fresh and help the flavours meld together.

Storing Leftover Casserole:

If you have leftover broccoli and cheese casserole, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Allow the casserole to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container or cover the baking dish with plastic wrap. You can reheat it in the oven or microwave when you're ready to enjoy it again.

Freezing Unbaked Casserole:

If you want to make your casserole ahead of time, you can also freeze the unbaked casserole. Prepare the casserole without adding the final topping of cheese and butter crackers. Store it in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When you're ready to bake it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, add the topping, and bake as directed.

Freezing Leftover Casserole:

You can also freeze leftover broccoli and cheese casserole. Transfer the leftovers to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. However, keep in mind that dairy-based dishes may separate and curdle when frozen, affecting the texture upon reheating. So, it's best to consume the casserole within the suggested refrigerator storage time if possible.

Broccoli and cheese casserole toppings

There are several toppings that you can use to elevate your broccoli and cheese casserole. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Crunchy Toppings

For a crunchy texture and some extra flavour, consider using crispy toppings such as breadcrumbs, crackers, or French-fried onions. You can use plain dry breadcrumbs, or toast them in butter for a more golden, buttery flavour. Ritz crackers are a popular choice, but any buttery cracker will work. For an extra kick, season your breadcrumbs or crackers with black pepper, cayenne, or dijon mustard.

Cheesy Toppings

For an extra cheesy kick, a topping of grated or shredded cheese is always a good option. Cheddar is a popular choice, but you could also try Monterey Jack, mozzarella, Colby, or a blend of cheeses. For an extra-indulgent option, sprinkle crumbled wonton noodles or crispy salad topping onions on top of your casserole.

Creative Combinations

Why not try a combination of toppings? One idea is to use half of a sleeve of crushed Ritz crackers, mixed with black pepper, and the other half sprinkled on top. You could also try a combination of cheese and crackers, or even cheese, crackers, and fried onions.

Other Topping Ideas

If you're looking for something a little different, you could try a topping of cornflakes, crushed Cheez-Its, or even crumbled crispy bacon.

Remember, the key to a great broccoli and cheese casserole topping is to add texture and flavour. So, don't be afraid to experiment and find the combination that works best for you!

Frequently asked questions