Golden Broccoli Casserole Recipe: A Delicious Classic You’ll Love
If you’re searching for the best broccoli casserole that combines comfort, flavor, and ease, look no further than this Golden Broccoli Casserole Recipe. Whether you’re prepping for a holiday meal, family dinner, or just craving a cozy dish, this casserole is packed with flavor and golden, cheesy goodness.
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Golden Broccoli Casserole
This award-winning broccoli casserole is a twist on the classic broccoli rice cheese casserole, with a golden crumb topping that adds the perfect crunch. If you’re a fan of the classic broccoli cheese casserole or the Southern favorite broccoli rice casserole, you’ll love this version made with either frozen broccoli or fresh broccoli.
And yes, it tastes just as good as the ones you might find at Golden Corral or your favorite allrecipes page—but with a homemade touch!
🧀 Ingredients for Golden Broccoli Casserole
- 2 cups steamed broccoli (fresh or frozen broccoli works)
- 1 cup cooked rice (you can use yellow rice for added flavor)
- 1 can cream of mushroom or golden mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (for that iconic golden crumb broccoli casserole topping)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Optional Add-ins:
- Cooked chicken for a hearty chicken and broccoli casserole
- Quinoa for a healthy twist on quinoa casserole
- Cauliflower for a broccoli cauliflower casserole hybrid
🥄 How to Make It
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix broccoli, rice, soup, sour cream, and cheese.
- Add salt, pepper, and any extras like chicken or quinoa.
- Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish.
- In a separate bowl, crush Ritz crackers, mix with butter, and sprinkle on top.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
Want to cut prep time? Try using the Instant Pot broccoli casserole method to steam your veggies faster!
🥦 Variations to Try
- Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole – Add more cheese and cooked white or yellow rice.
- Vegetarian Broccoli Casserole – Omit meat and use cream of celery soup for a veggie-friendly version.
- Healthy Broccoli Casserole Recipe – Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt, and try brown rice or quinoa for a lighter twist.
- Italian Broccoli Casserole – Add herbs like oregano and parmesan cheese.
- Quick Broccoli Casserole – Use pre-cooked rice and frozen broccoli for fast assembly.
- Broccoli Casserole with Golden Mushroom Soup – Adds a deeper, richer flavor.
🍽️ What to Serve with Broccoli Casserole
Wondering what to serve with broccoli casserole? Here are some tasty ideas:
- Macaroni and cheese
- Sweet potato casserole
- Tater tot casserole
- Lemon broccoli pasta
- Chicken cordon bleu casserole
- A side of warm broccoli salad or sauteed broccoli
Planning a holiday spread? Pair this casserole with green bean casserole, zucchini casserole, or even hashbrown casserole.
❄️ Storage Tips
Can you freeze broccoli casserole?
Absolutely! Let it cool, cover tightly, and freeze. To reheat, bake at 350°F until warmed through. Great for make-ahead meal planning!
💡 Bonus Tips & FAQs
What is broccoli casserole?
It’s a comforting baked dish typically made with broccoli, cheese, cream soup, and a crunchy topping like Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs.
Why is broccoli good for you?
Broccoli is high in vitamins C, K, and fiber, making it one of the most nutritious veggies you can add to your meals.
How long to cook broccoli casserole?
Bake it for around 25–30 minutes, until the top is golden and the inside is hot and creamy.
Is broccoli casserole healthy?
It can be! Use reduced-fat cheese, light soup, and whole grains like quinoa to keep it lighter while still flavorful.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
🔸 What is golden broccoli casserole with rice?
Golden broccoli casserole with rice is a comforting dish made with steamed broccoli, cooked rice (often white or yellow), a creamy soup base like mushroom or golden mushroom soup, and cheddar cheese—topped with a golden, buttery Ritz cracker crust. It’s the perfect side or main dish for family dinners.
🔸 How do you make old-fashioned golden broccoli casserole?
Old-fashioned golden broccoli casserole sticks to the classic recipe using frozen or fresh broccoli, white rice, cheddar cheese, and cream of mushroom soup. The golden topping usually comes from crushed crackers or breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter and baked until crisp.
🔸 What makes this an easy golden broccoli casserole?
This is called an easy golden broccoli casserole because it uses simple pantry staples, minimal prep, and can be assembled in under 15 minutes. Using pre-cooked rice and frozen broccoli cuts down on time, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights.
🔸 How can I make a healthy golden broccoli casserole?
For a healthy golden broccoli casserole, swap out the sour cream for Greek yogurt, use low-fat cheese, and opt for brown rice or quinoa. You can also reduce the amount of cheese and topping to lower fat content while still keeping the dish flavorful.
🔸 What is a golden broccoli recipe?
A golden broccoli recipe generally includes ingredients that give the broccoli a golden hue—like cheese, turmeric, or a buttery crumb topping. This casserole is a prime example of turning simple broccoli into a golden, irresistible dish.
🔸 What is golden broccoli?
While “golden broccoli” isn’t an official vegetable, the term often refers to broccoli that has been roasted or baked with golden toppings—like cheese or breadcrumbs—or lightly seasoned and sautéed until it takes on a golden color.
🔸 Can I make golden broccoli soup?
Yes! Golden broccoli soup is typically a creamy soup made with blended broccoli, cheese, and sometimes golden vegetables like carrots or turmeric for added color. It’s a warm, cozy alternative if you’re not in the mood for a baked dish.
🔸 Is broccoli rice casserole the same as golden broccoli casserole?
They’re similar! Broccoli rice casserole usually refers to the base recipe of broccoli, rice, cheese, and soup. When you add a buttery golden topping like crushed crackers or breadcrumbs, it becomes what many call a golden broccoli casserole.
🛒 Where to Find Ingredients
Find affordable ingredients for this recipe at your nearest:
- Aldi near me
- Kroger
- Trader Joe’s
- Whole Foods
- Or order via Uber Eats or Instacart
Looking for other comfort classics? Try recipes like Jiffy corn casserole, chicken rice broccoli casserole, or even damn delicious and delish recipes for more inspiration.
👩🍳 Final Thoughts
This Golden Broccoli Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—easy to make, crowd-pleasing, and adaptable. Whether you prefer the original broccoli casserole recipe or want to create your own with fun add-ins, this dish is a must-try.
Save this recipe, share it, and don’t forget to explore more from favorites like Pioneer Woman broccoli casserole, or find the perfect side dish at places like Applebee’s, IHOP, or Olive Garden menu for inspiration.
Jenifer
