Cracker Barrel Broccoli Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting dish made with fresh broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, and a rich sauce. This casserole is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings. It combines tender broccoli with a creamy mixture of mayonnaise, cream of mushroom soup, and eggs, topped with a golden-brown cracker crust. This homemade version brings the flavor of the popular restaurant dish straight to your kitchen, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
1 9x13-inch baking dish (for assembling and baking the casserole)
1 medium-sized mixing bowl (for the broccoli mixture)
1 small mixing bowl (for the topping)
1 large skillet (for sautéing the onions and garlic)
1 steamer or pot with steamer basket (for steaming the broccoli)
1 spoon or spatula (for mixing ingredients)
1 grater (for grating cheese)
1 knife and cutting board (for chopping broccoli and onions)
1 aluminum foil or lid (to cover the casserole while baking)
Ingredients
4cupsBroccoli floretsfresh
2cupsSharp cheddar cheeseshredded
1can10.5 oz Cream of mushroom soup
1/2cupMayonnaise
2large Eggs
1/2cupOnionfinely chopped
1/4cupButterfor sautéing onions
1tspGarlic powder
1/2tspSalt
1/4tspPepper
1sleeve Ritz crackerscrushed, optional topping
Instructions
Prepare the Broccoli:
Steam or blanch the broccoli until it’s tender but still firm. Drain it well and set it aside.
Cook the Onion:
In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion until soft and translucent (about 4-5 minutes). Add garlic powder and cook for another minute, then remove from heat.
Make the Casserole Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the steamed broccoli, sautéed onions, cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, eggs, shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir to mix everything evenly.
Assemble the Casserole:
Transfer the broccoli mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread it evenly. Optionally, top with crushed Ritz crackers for a crispy topping.
Bake the Casserole:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
Serve and Enjoy:
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
Broccoli Prep: Make sure not to overcook the broccoli. Slightly firm broccoli works best as it will soften further during baking.
Topping Variations: If you prefer a different topping, you can use crushed cornflakes, panko breadcrumbs, or even crumbled bacon.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives the casserole a tangy and bold flavor, but feel free to swap for mozzarella or another cheese of your choice.
Freezing: This casserole freezes well. Prepare and bake, then let it cool completely before freezing. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Vegan Options: For a dairy-free and vegan option, you can substitute vegan cheese, plant-based mayo, and vegan cream of mushroom soup.