Creamy Cheesy Broccoli Bake
Delightfully creamy and bursting with flavor, this Cheesy Broccoli Bake makes for a perfect side dish to elevate family dinners or special gatherings. With its tender broccoli, rich mayonnaise, and melty cheddar, every bite offers a warm hug of comforting goodness. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but is also highly customizable; you can effortlessly modify it to align with the Weight Watchers Core plan by simply omitting the cheese, replacing the mayonnaise with a low-fat version, and skipping the crackers and butter for a healthier twist. Originally inspired by one of Paula Deen's famous creations, this casserole will quickly become a household favorite, bringing joy to your table without any fuss.
8
Servings
300
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Frozen chopped broccoli
2 (10 ounce packages, cooked)
Mayonnaise
1 (cup)
Sharp cheddar cheese
1 (cup, grated)
Condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 (10 3/4 ounce can)
Eggs
2 (lightly beaten)
Crushed crackers
2 (cups)
Butter
2 (tablespoons, melted)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Prepare a 13x9 inch baking dish by spraying it lightly with cooking spray.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked broccoli, mayonnaise, grated sharp cheddar cheese, condensed cream of mushroom soup, and the lightly beaten eggs. Stir the mixture thoroughly using a metal spoon until everything is well blended.
4
Transfer the broccoli mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
5
In a small bowl, mix the crushed crackers with the melted butter until combined. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
6
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set.
Nutrition Information
17.5g
Fat
27.5g
Carbs
10g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish being prepared?
The dish is a Creamy Cheesy Broccoli Bake, a comforting casserole featuring broccoli and melted cheese.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 8 servings.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
What size baking dish is required for this recipe?
You should use a 13x9 inch baking dish.
How long does the broccoli bake need to be in the oven?
It should bake for about 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set.
What kind of broccoli is recommended?
The recipe calls for two 10-ounce packages of frozen chopped broccoli, cooked.
Can I make this recipe Weight Watchers friendly?
Yes, omit the cheese, use low-fat mayonnaise, and skip the crackers and butter to align with the Weight Watchers Core plan.
Who was the original inspiration for this recipe?
This recipe was originally inspired by one of Paula Deen's famous casserole creations.
What type of cheese is used?
The recipe uses 1 cup of grated sharp cheddar cheese.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
What kind of soup is included in the mixture?
A 10.75 ounce can of condensed cream of mushroom soup is used.
How do I prepare the cracker topping?
Mix 2 cups of crushed crackers with 2 tablespoons of melted butter and sprinkle it over the casserole.
Are eggs required for this recipe?
Yes, 2 lightly beaten eggs are mixed into the broccoli base to help it set.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 17.5 grams of fat per serving.
How many grams of protein are in a serving?
Each serving provides 10 grams of protein.
What is the total carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 27.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Should the baking dish be greased?
Yes, the dish should be lightly sprayed with cooking spray before adding the mixture.
How much mayonnaise is needed?
The recipe requires 1 cup of mayonnaise.
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh broccoli as long as it is chopped and cooked until tender before mixing.
Is the broccoli mixed with the cheese or layered?
The broccoli, cheese, soup, mayo, and eggs are all stirred together in a large bowl until well blended.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients: broccoli, mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, mushroom soup, eggs, crackers, and butter.
What type of spoon should I use to mix the ingredients?
A metal spoon is recommended for thoroughly stirring the mixture.
Is this dish considered a side dish or a main course?
It is described as a perfect side dish to elevate family dinners or special gatherings.
Can I substitute the cream of mushroom soup?
While the recipe calls for mushroom soup, cream of chicken or cream of celery can often be used as substitutes.
How do I know when the bake is done?
The bake is finished when the top is golden brown and the center has set.
How much butter is used for the topping?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of melted butter.
Is this recipe easy to prepare?
Yes, it is described as an easy-to-prepare dish that can be made without any fuss.
What is the total amount of crushed crackers needed?
You will need 2 cups of crushed crackers.
Can this recipe be customized?
Yes, the recipe is highly customizable, especially for dietary plans like Weight Watchers.
What texture should the eggs be before adding?
The eggs should be lightly beaten before being combined with the other ingredients.