I was standing in the break room at work last Thursday, watching the rain streak down the window, when my coworker Lena sighed and said, “I wish I had time to make something comforting tonight.” She’d just picked up her kids from soccer and had another late shift ahead. I smiled, because I knew exactly what that felt like.
My evenings are a blur too—emails, dinner, dishes, and the occasional homework meltdown. But that night, I told her about this warm, cheesy broccoli casserole that saves me on busy days. It’s Dolly Parton’s Broccoli Cheddar Casserole—simple, hearty, and packed with the kind of comfort that only comes from home-cooked food.
The first time I made it, my husband walked in just as it came out of the oven. The smell of buttery crackers and melted cheese hit him before he even took his shoes off. He said, “What is that smell?!” and I knew I had a winner. It’s one of those dishes that makes the whole kitchen feel alive—bubbling, golden, and cozy in all the right ways.
My kids even call it “green mac and cheese.” I love that it sneaks in veggies without a single complaint. So when I say this casserole is a life-saver, I mean it. It’s what keeps weeknights from feeling impossible.
Short Description
This Broccoli Cheddar Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, family-favorite comfort dish with tender broccoli, buttery crackers, and rich flavor in every bite. Easy to prepare and budget-friendly, it’s the perfect side or main for any busy night.
Key Ingredients
- 4 cups broccoli florets, steamed until just tender
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 sleeve buttery round crackers, crushed
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Tools Needed
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Spatula or spoon
- Saucepan or steamer for broccoli
- Oven
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine steamed broccoli, cream soup, sour cream, 1 cup of cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir until everything is evenly coated and creamy.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the mixture evenly into your prepared dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Step 4: Make the Topping
In a small bowl, toss the crushed buttery crackers with melted butter until they’re evenly coated. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole, then top with the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the top is bubbly and golden brown. You’ll know it’s ready when the kitchen smells like heaven and the edges start to crisp. Let it cool slightly before serving—just enough to keep everyone from burning their tongues.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Family Favorite: Kids actually ask for broccoli when it’s in this casserole.
Comfort in a Dish: Creamy, cheesy, and crunchy all at once.
Budget-Friendly: Simple ingredients that stretch a meal without breaking the bank.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for weeknights, holidays, or potlucks.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble early, bake later—it fits busy schedules.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Overcooking the Broccoli: Steam it just until tender, not mushy. If it’s too soft, the casserole loses texture.
Using Too Much Butter: Stick to the recipe—extra butter makes the topping greasy instead of crisp.
Skipping the Sour Cream: It adds tang and creaminess. Substitute with plain Greek yogurt if needed.
Forgetting to Grease the Dish: Without it, you’ll be chiseling your casserole out of the pan.
Baking Too Long: If it’s too brown before time’s up, cover loosely with foil to prevent burning.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve as a side with roast chicken, baked ham, or grilled salmon.
Make it the main dish with a side salad and warm rolls.
Pair with a crisp white wine like Chardonnay or a glass of sweet tea for balance.
Serve family-style for cozy dinners or portion into ramekins for elegant presentation.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes or microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes. Add a sprinkle of cheese before reheating to refresh flavor.
Freezing: Assemble and freeze before baking. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes! Thaw it completely and drain well to avoid extra moisture.
2. What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
Cream of chicken or even homemade cream sauce works fine.
3. Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
4. Can I add protein?
Definitely. Add shredded chicken, ham, or even cooked bacon for a heartier meal.
5. How do I make it lighter?
Use low-fat sour cream and reduced-fat cheese. Skip some crackers for fewer calories.
Tips & Tricks
Add a pinch of paprika or cayenne for a mild kick.
Double the recipe for holidays—it disappears fast.
Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting than pre-shredded.
Stir a handful of cooked rice or quinoa into the mix to make it a complete meal.
Recipe Variations
Chicken Broccoli Bake: Add 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken before baking for a full dinner dish.
Extra Veggie Version: Mix in sautéed mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers for more texture and nutrients.
Spicy Twist: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for heat lovers.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs for the topping.
Holiday Style: Sprinkle a few toasted almonds or crispy onions on top before serving.
Final Thoughts
When I finally shared this casserole with Lena, she texted me later that night saying her kids cleaned their plates—and asked for seconds. That’s the kind of win that makes my day. After work, when the house smells like melted cheddar and toasted crackers, I feel that tiny bit of calm I’ve been chasing since breakfast. My family gathers around the table, laughing, passing the casserole dish back and forth, and it feels like the world slows down for a minute.
This dish isn’t fancy or complicated, but it’s everything I love about cooking: it brings people together, makes life easier, and fills our kitchen with warmth. And on the nights when I’m too tired to think, this simple Dolly Parton classic is my reminder that good food doesn’t have to be hard, it just has to be shared.
Dolly Parton’s Broccoli Cheddar Casserole
Ingredients
- 4 cups broccoli florets steamed until just tender
- 1 10.5 oz can cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
- 1 sleeve buttery round crackers crushed
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix steamed broccoli, cream soup, sour cream, 1 cup cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until creamy.
- Spread the mixture evenly in the dish. Toss crushed crackers with melted butter, then sprinkle over the top along with the remaining cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until golden and bubbly. Let cool slightly before serving.
