This Broccoli Cheddar Casserole is a nostalgic, heartwarming dish that channels the flavors of the beloved Cracker Barrel classic. Made with crisp-tender broccoli nestled in a rich and velvety cheese sauce, every bite delivers comfort and satisfaction. The buttery cracker topping adds a golden, crunchy finish that contrasts perfectly with the creamy layers underneath.
Perfect for holiday gatherings, weeknight dinners, or Sunday family meals, this casserole offers a delicious way to sneak in vegetables without sacrificing flavor. The ease of preparation combined with the indulgent taste makes it a go-to favorite. You can serve it alongside roasted meats or enjoy it as a standalone vegetarian main. Whether you’re cooking for guests or feeding a family, this dish is sure to please.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
-
4 cups fresh broccoli florets
-
1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
-
1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
-
1/2 cup sour cream
-
1/4 cup mayonnaise
-
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
-
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
-
Salt and pepper, to taste
-
1 sleeve buttery round crackers, crushed
-
2 tablespoons melted butter
Directions:
-
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
-
Steam or blanch broccoli florets until just tender, about 3–4 minutes. Drain and set aside.
-
In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
-
Fold in the cooked broccoli until evenly coated.
-
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
-
Top with remaining cheddar cheese.
-
Mix crushed crackers with melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole.
-
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes or until the topping is golden and the casserole is bubbly.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
The Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Casserole is one of those quintessential comfort foods that conjures feelings of home, warmth, and tradition. Inspired by the beloved American restaurant chain known for its Southern-style hospitality and homestyle cooking, this casserole combines simplicity with rich, hearty flavor. Over the years, it has earned its place on countless dinner tables—not only as a restaurant favorite but also as a homemade classic that’s both satisfying and nostalgic.
A Beloved Classic with Southern Roots
Cracker Barrel is synonymous with comforting, stick-to-your-ribs dishes that feel like they were made in a grandmother’s kitchen. This casserole follows in that same tradition. Featuring tender broccoli enveloped in a creamy, cheesy sauce and finished with a golden buttery cracker topping, it’s a dish that balances vegetables with indulgence. Its appeal lies not only in its flavor but also in its ability to please both adults and children alike.
Southern cuisine often transforms simple, humble ingredients into something extraordinary—and that’s precisely what this casserole does. Broccoli, an everyday vegetable, is elevated to new heights when bathed in cheddar cheese and baked to perfection. The result is a dish that feels both comforting and celebratory, making it suitable for casual weeknight dinners and festive holiday meals alike.
Why This Recipe is the Best Version
What sets this version apart from others is its attention to balance. Some broccoli casseroles tend to drown the broccoli in heavy sauces, resulting in a soggy or overly rich dish. This one, however, ensures that the broccoli maintains a slight crisp-tender bite, preserving its natural texture and freshness. The cheese sauce, made with sharp cheddar, sour cream, and cream of mushroom soup, provides a creamy base that complements rather than overwhelms the vegetable.
Another standout feature is the cracker topping. Instead of a basic breadcrumb or plain topping, buttery round crackers (like Ritz) are crushed and mixed with melted butter to create a topping that turns crisp and golden in the oven. This adds a delightful crunch to every bite and contrasts beautifully with the soft and creamy casserole beneath.
Moreover, the recipe is extremely customizable. You can swap in other cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for a twist, add sautéed onions or mushrooms for extra depth, or spice it up with red pepper flakes or paprika. The base recipe is so solid that it acts as a canvas for countless variations.
Health and Nutritional Benefits
While broccoli cheddar casserole is known for its indulgent flavor, it also comes with nutritional perks—especially when it’s made at home. Broccoli is a powerhouse vegetable, loaded with vitamin C, vitamin K, fiber, and antioxidants that support immune function, bone health, and digestion. It’s one of the best vegetables for detoxification and cancer prevention, making it a smart choice to include in your diet.
Cheddar cheese adds a source of protein and calcium, essential for strong bones and muscles. While it does increase the calorie count, pairing it with a high-fiber vegetable like broccoli helps maintain balance. Using sour cream and mayonnaise in moderation adds creaminess while keeping the recipe accessible and budget-friendly.
If you’re looking to make it even lighter, low-fat sour cream or Greek yogurt can be substituted, and low-sodium soup can be used to reduce salt content. This adaptability makes it suitable for a range of dietary needs without compromising on taste.
Family-Friendly and Meal Prep Approved
One of the best things about this dish is how family-friendly it is. Even picky eaters tend to enjoy broccoli when it’s coated in melted cheese and topped with buttery crumbs. It’s a reliable way to introduce more vegetables into a child’s diet and an easy way to create a hearty side dish for any main course.
Additionally, this casserole is ideal for meal prepping and batch cooking. It can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours before baking, or frozen for future use. This makes it a go-to option for busy families or anyone who wants to plan meals in advance. Leftovers reheat beautifully, making lunch the next day just as enjoyable as dinner.
Perfect for Holidays and Potlucks
The casserole’s creamy texture and cheesy richness make it a standout side dish for festive occasions like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter. It pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, ham, turkey, and even fish, making it an incredibly versatile addition to any celebration. The golden topping gives it a polished look that’s table-worthy, while the flavor ensures it will disappear quickly from any buffet spread.
It also travels well, which makes it perfect for potlucks, church gatherings, and community events. Whether served in a disposable aluminum tray or a family heirloom casserole dish, it brings both visual and culinary appeal to the table.
Budget-Friendly and Pantry-Based
Another reason why this recipe is so beloved is that it’s made from affordable, easily available ingredients. Frozen or fresh broccoli, a can of condensed soup, shredded cheese, mayonnaise or sour cream, and a sleeve of crackers—that’s all it takes. You don’t need specialty items or expensive add-ons to make this dish shine. In today’s economy, a satisfying meal that doesn’t stretch the budget is more appreciated than ever.
It’s also a great way to make use of pantry and fridge staples. Have leftover broccoli from a veggie tray? Use it here. Got a few types of cheese in the fridge? Blend them in. Want to reduce food waste? This dish makes it easy.
Nostalgia in Every Bite
For many people, this dish brings back memories of family dinners at Cracker Barrel, Sunday lunch with loved ones, or holidays where the kitchen was filled with the scent of something delicious bubbling in the oven. That emotional connection is part of what makes this casserole so special. It’s not just a side dish—it’s a reminder of shared moments, warm gatherings, and good food made with love.
Conclusion
The Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Casserole is a timeless classic that checks every box—flavor, comfort, convenience, and crowd-pleasing appeal. It’s the perfect dish for anyone who wants to recreate restaurant-quality comfort food in their own kitchen. Whether you’re feeding your family on a weeknight or preparing a feast for a special occasion, this cheesy, crunchy, creamy casserole is sure to become a treasured favorite in your recipe rotation. Add it to your table and enjoy the joy of a dish that’s as wholesome as it is delicious.