![To make a tasty Easy Broccoli Cheese Casserole, you need a few simple ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating a rich flavor and creamy texture. Here’s what you will need: - 4 cups fresh broccoli florets - 1 cup cooked quinoa - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup cream of mushroom soup - 1/2 cup milk - 1/4 cup sour cream - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 2 tablespoons olive oil Fresh broccoli florets give this dish its bright color and crunch. I like using cooked quinoa for a boost of protein. It makes the casserole more filling. The shredded cheddar cheese melts beautifully, adding a rich, creamy layer. Cream of mushroom soup is the secret to a dreamy texture. Milk and sour cream make everything extra smooth. Don’t forget the spices! Garlic powder and onion powder add depth to the flavor. You can adjust the salt and pepper to match your taste. The breadcrumbs on top add a nice crispiness, thanks to the olive oil. For the Full Recipe, check the detailed instructions. Enjoy making this dish with your family! First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps the casserole cook evenly. Next, grab a 9x13 inch baking dish and lightly grease it. This prevents sticking. Now, let’s steam the broccoli florets. Place them in a steamer for about 4-5 minutes. You want them tender but not mushy. Once done, set them aside to cool. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well. You want a smooth, cheesy blend. This mix is the heart of your casserole, so make sure it's well combined. Now it’s time to fold in the steamed broccoli. Gently stir it into the cheesy mixture until coated. This adds a nice green color and texture. Pour this mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. For the topping, mix breadcrumbs with olive oil in a small bowl. Sprinkle this mixture over the casserole. Finally, add the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Place the casserole in the preheated oven. Bake it for 25-30 minutes. You will know it’s done when the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. This creates a nice crust. After baking, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the flavors settle and makes it easier to serve. Enjoy your Easy Broccoli Cheese Casserole! For the full recipe, check the earlier section. To cook broccoli for the best texture, steam it lightly. This method keeps it bright green and crisp. Steam the florets for about 4-5 minutes. They should be tender but not mushy. This step helps them hold their shape and adds a nice bite to your casserole. Choosing the right cheese is key for flavor. I recommend using sharp cheddar. It melts well and gives a rich taste. If you want a creamier texture, try adding mozzarella. Mixing different cheeses can also add depth to your dish. You can easily make ingredient substitutions. If you don’t have quinoa, use rice or even pasta. For a lighter option, swap cream of mushroom soup with plain yogurt. This change keeps the dish creamy while cutting calories. Add-ins can boost flavor and nutrition. Consider mixing in cooked chicken or turkey for protein. Diced bell peppers or carrots can add color and crunch. You can also throw in some nuts for a nice crunch. These options make it fun and unique every time you make it. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. {{image_2}} For a lighter version of this casserole, swap out some ingredients. Use low-fat cheese to cut calories. You can also replace cream of mushroom soup with a homemade version or low-sodium broth. This gives you control over the fat and salt levels. If you want a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can also make your own with gluten-free bread if you prefer. These small changes keep the dish tasty while making it healthier. To add more flavor, you can include other vegetables. Bell peppers, carrots, or even spinach work well. These not only boost nutrition but also add great color. Mixing in proteins like cooked chicken or turkey makes the dish heartier. It turns a side dish into a full meal. For the best flavor, try adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. These herbs brighten up the taste and add a nice aroma. You can also use a mix of cheeses for a more complex flavor profile. Just remember to keep it balanced so the broccoli shines through. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. To keep your Easy Broccoli Cheese Casserole fresh, let it cool first. Once cool, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Use a clean spoon when serving, so you avoid cross-contamination. This way, you can enjoy your leftovers without worry. If you want to freeze your casserole, here’s what to do. First, let it cool completely. Then, cut it into portions. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. This helps keep the flavor and texture intact. When you are ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot. This method works well to enjoy your Easy Broccoli Cheese Casserole later. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. How can I make this broccoli cheese casserole in advance? You can prepare this casserole a day ahead. Simply follow the recipe until you layer the casserole in the dish. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and add a few extra minutes to the baking time. This method saves time and lets the flavors mix well. Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh? Yes, frozen broccoli works well in this casserole. Just thaw and drain it before mixing. This saves prep time and still gives you that great broccoli flavor. Make sure to squeeze out extra water to avoid a soggy casserole. What is the calorie count per serving? Each serving of this broccoli cheese casserole has about 300 calories. This count can vary based on your specific ingredients. If you use low-fat cheese or a lighter soup, the calories may drop. Does this casserole freeze well? Yes, this casserole freezes nicely. After baking, let it cool completely. Then, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. Store it in the freezer for up to three months. When you want to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven. This helps keep the flavors fresh and delicious. For the full recipe, check out the Cheesy Broccoli Bliss Casserole! This blog covered a simple and tasty broccoli cheese casserole. You learned about the key ingredients, from fresh broccoli to spices. I shared step-by-step instructions for mixing and baking. Also, you discovered tips for perfecting the dish and ways to customize it. Finally, we discussed storage methods for leftovers. I hope you feel ready to make this dish! Enjoy your cooking and create a meal that everyone will love.](https://dailydishlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/a9a80e4c-75b2-4ae9-8984-ae1ea083217d-300x300.webp)
Easy Broccoli Cheese Casserole
Indulge in the delicious Cheesy Broccoli Bliss Casserole that your family will love! Packed with fresh broccoli, protein-rich quinoa, and loads of gooey cheddar cheese, this comforting dish is perfect for any meal. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you'll have a delightful casserole ready in no time. Explore the full recipe and create a cheesy masterpiece tonight that everyone will rave about! Click to discover how!