Broccoli Casserole with Crispy Onions

Comforting, creamy, and crowned with a golden, crunchy topping, this Broccoli Casserole with Crispy Onions is a timeless side dish that’s just as welcome at a holiday table as it is on a weeknight menu. Fresh (or frozen) broccoli is tossed in a velvety sauce, then baked to bubbly perfection with crispy fried onions on top. It’s hearty, cheesy, and loaded with flavor in every bite.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crowd-Pleaser – A family favorite that’s loved by adults and kids alike.
Creamy & Crunchy – The perfect blend of textures in one dish.
Easy to Make – Minimal prep with simple ingredients.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Assemble in advance and bake when ready.
Versatile – Great as a side or light vegetarian main dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Casserole:

• 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, thawed)
• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
• ½ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp paprika (optional)

For the Topping:

• 1½ cups crispy fried onions (store-bought or homemade)
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra cheesiness)

Tools You’ll Need

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Skillet or sauté pan
• Mixing bowl
• Spoon or spatula
• Oven

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. If using fresh broccoli, steam or blanch for 2–3 minutes until just tender. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

1. In a skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Make the Filling

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine sautéed onions and garlic, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, shredded cheese, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
2. Fold in the steamed broccoli until evenly coated.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

1. Spoon the broccoli mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
2. Sprinkle with the remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese (optional).
3. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes.

Step 5: Add the Crispy Topping

1. Remove foil and sprinkle crispy fried onions evenly over the top.
2. Bake uncovered for an additional 8–10 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
3. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips for the Best Broccoli Casserole
Don’t Overcook the Broccoli – Keep it just tender to maintain texture.
Use Fresh or Frozen – Both work great, just thaw frozen broccoli first.
Add Extra Veggies – Stir in mushrooms, peas, or carrots for variety.
Make It Creamier – Add a few tablespoons of milk if you prefer a looser sauce.
Customize the Cheese – Try mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a cheese blend.

Serving Suggestions
With Roasted Chicken – A hearty and comforting pairing.
Alongside Turkey or Ham – Perfect for holiday feasts.
Over Rice or Quinoa – Turn it into a light main dish.
With a Fresh Salad – Balance the richness with a crisp, citrusy salad.
On a Buffet – Ideal for potlucks, brunch spreads, or family dinners.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Cover tightly and store for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Note that crispy onions may soften when reheated.

Reheating:
Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes until heated through.
Microwave: Warm individual portions in 45-second intervals.
Air Fryer (for topping): Re-crisp onions separately if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this ahead of time?
   Yes! Assemble everything except the crispy onions and refrigerate. Add onions and bake when ready.
2. Is this recipe vegetarian?
   Yes, if using cream of mushroom soup. Check the label to ensure it’s meat-free.
3. Can I use fresh onions instead of crispy fried ones?
   Yes, sautéed onions can be used, but you’ll miss the crunch. For crispiness, top with breadcrumbs or panko tossed in olive oil.
4. What if I don’t like mushroom soup?
   Cream of chicken or even cream of celery can be substituted.
5. Can I make this gluten-free?
   Yes! Use gluten-free soup and certified gluten-free crispy onions or top with gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Final Thoughts
This Broccoli Casserole with Crispy Onions is a classic comfort food dish that never goes out of style. Creamy, cheesy, and topped with that irresistible golden crunch, it’s the perfect side for everything from holiday spreads to casual family dinners. It’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to be a hit every time it hits the table.

Give it a try and let me know how it turns out—tag your casserole creations so I can see your delicious results!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 260 | Protein: 9g | Carbohydrates: 14g | Fat: 18g | Fiber: 3g | Sodium: 480mg

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