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    Home » Recipes

    Mar 12, 2020 · Modified: Jan 26, 2023 by Carita · This post may contain affiliate links · 4 Comments

    Simple From Scratch Broccoli Casserole

    This simple from scratch broccoli casserole is the ultimate side dish to any holiday or week day meal. Made with fresh broccoli florets, cheddar cheese, rice, baby bella mushrooms in a lemon cream sauce. This recipe is filled with staple pantry and fridge items and ready in under thirty minutes!

    If you like recipes like this, try Soul Food In A Bowl with BBQ Chicken, Warm Herbed Potato Salad and Southwestern Egg Rolls with Spicy Avocado Ranch!

    Jump to Recipe
    Fresh Broccoli Cheese Casserole

    WHAT IS BROCCOLI CASSEROLE?

    Besides being one of my favorite side dishes served during Thanksgiving, broccoli cheese casserole is a cheesy side dish served with broccoli, condensed soup and rice. Baked to ooey gooey perfection, this side dish can truly stand on its own.

    Dating back to the 1800's this dish has clearly stood the test of time!

    Over the years, people have perfected their versions of "the best" broccoli cheese casserole. Conversely, I think this version is pretty darn good. Keep reading below.

    WHAT DOES FROM SCRATCH BROCCOLI CASSEROLE TASTE LIKE?

    Traditionally, broccoli casserole has a strong cheddar cheese flavor with notes of broccoli of course. The condensed soups give the garlicky and creamy flavor and again, gives a true casserole feel.

    Depending on your style and flavor in foods, this version has heavy notes of lemon (which pairs well with the broccoli), seasonings and mushrooms that give an extra earthy flavor.

    Broccoli Cheese Casserole Scooped Out

    WHAT MAKES THIS RECIPE "FROM SCRATCH"?

    While this recipe is not completely from scratch, there are several elements that give this recipe a homemade feel and taste. Fresh broccoli is used, not frozen and fresh garlic and mushrooms add a fresh flare as well.

    Broccoli Cheese Casserole Prep

    Having the fresh broccoli really provides a different texture and flavor so don't omit this part!

    The condensed soups are not from scratch and that's something I want to develop, so stay tuned! And don't feel guilty about using the condensed soups. More than likely you are preparing this for a holiday meal with your family.

    TIPS TO CREATING FRESH BROCCOLI CHEESE CASSEROLE

    • Use fresh broccoli and not frozen.
      • Frozen can be used and has a mushy consistency whereas fresh broccoli florets offer more texture and bite.
    • Utilizing fresh cheese instead of the bagged version makes for a creamier texture.
      • Pre- shredded cheese is coated with cellulose to block out the moisture. In return, this cheese does melt as well and leaves a rubbery finish.
    • Adding sour cream to the casserole uniquely creates a rich flavor.
      • To cut the richness or for a cleaner option, you can certainly use plain greek yogurt.
    • Most green veggies pair well with fresh lemon juice. To emphasize, do not skip out this step.
      • Adding fresh lemon juice provides a fresh and clean taste.

    HOW TO PREP FRESH BROCCOLI CHEESE CASSEROLE

    First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Add about two cups of water to a large stock pot on medium to high heat. Clean and Chop broccoli, place in large pot after water is hot. In detail, do not emerge the broccoli in water, you're just steaming it.

    Next, while the broccoli is steaming, finely mince the garlic and roughly chop the mushrooms. Saute' garlic and mushrooms in cooking oil until soft and translucent, salt and pepper to taste. Thus the broccoli will be steamed and ready in 8-10 minutes. Drain and place in mixing bowl. 

    Prepare rice according to package instructions. 

    Broccoli Cheese Casserole Mushrooms
    Broccoli Cheese Casserole Prep

    PREPARING THE CASSEROLE FOR BAKING

    Then, to a large mixing bowl with broccoli, add can of cream of mushroom and broccoli, sour cream, sautéed mushrooms and garlic, more than half of shredded cheese, cooked rice, lemon juice, lemon pepper seasoning, pepper and stir to combine. Lastly, add remaining cheese on top and bake at 350 for 20 minutes uncovered. 

    Don't forget that my seafood cornbread dressing is another great side to add to your meal!

    Broccoli Cheese Casserole Scooped Out

    Broccoli Cheese Casserole

    This simple from scratch broccoli casserole is the ultimate side dish to any holiday or week day meal. Made with fresh broccoli florets, cheddar cheese, rice, baby bella mushrooms in a lemon cream sauce. This recipe is filled with staple pantry and fridge items and ready in under thirty minutes!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 20 mins
    Cook Time 30 mins
    Course Main Course, Side Dish
    Cuisine American
    Servings 6 people

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 lbs Fresh Broccoli roughly chopped
    • 4-6 oz Baby Bella Mushrooms small diced
    • 3-4 cloves Garlic minced
    • 1 cup Cooked Rice instant is fine
    • 1 can Cream of Mushroom
    • 1 can Cream of Broccoli Cheese Soup
    • ¼ cup Sour Cream
    • 2 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese
    • 2 teaspoon Lemon Pepper Seasoning
    • 1 tb Lemon Juice
    • Salt + Pepper to taste

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat oven to 350 degrees 
    • Add about 2 cups of water to a large stock pot on medium to high heat. (Do not submerge broccoli in water)
    • Clean and chop broccoli, place in large pot after water is hot. (Steam broccoli, do not boil)
    • While broccoli is steaming, finely mince garlic and roughly chop mushrooms. 
    • Saute garlic and mushrooms in a 1 teaspoon of oil until soft and translucent, salt and pepper to taste.
    • Broccoli will be steamed and ready in about 5 minutes. Drain and place in mixing bowl. 
    • Prepare rice according to package instructions. 
    • To the mixing bowl with broccoli; add can of cream of mushroom and broccoli, sour cream, sautéed mushrooms and garlic, more than half of shredded cheese, cooked rice, lemon juice, lemon pepper seasoning, salt and pepper and stir to combine. 
    • Place mixture in baking dish and top with remaining shredded cheese.
    • Bake for up to 20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
    • ENJOY!
    Keyword Broccoli Cheese Bake, Broccoli Cheese Casserole, Broccoli Side Dish

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Angie Richard says

      November 29, 2020 at 2:16 pm

      5 stars
      OMG !! I made this for the first time on Thanksgiving and it was a real crowd pleaser !!

      Reply
      • Carita says

        December 01, 2020 at 6:09 am

        I'm so happy to hear you enjoyed it Angie! As a food blogger, the best gift you can give back is feedback so thank you! 🙂

        Reply
    2. Sarag says

      December 03, 2020 at 11:10 pm

      5 stars
      Amazing dish, I’m a postpartum doula who offers in-home cooking . My client asked if I could recreate your dish for her family , it turned out so good.

      Reply
      • Carita says

        January 27, 2021 at 2:33 am

        That's such great news! 🙂

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Carita a true southern girl at heart. My love for cooking started as a child watching my grandmothers cook with such ease in the kitchen. Creating delicious meals doesn't always require hours in the kitchen. I have taken all that I've learned and work to develop simplified versions of staple recipes for you to share with family and friends!

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