The Best Cheddar’s Copycat Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe
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Cheddar’s Copycat Broccoli Cheese Casserole makes an easy side to any meal or a quick and easy option to bring to a pot-luck dinner or holiday get-to-gather. As a busy mom, finding meals that are both delicious and easy to prepare can be a real challenge. Between work, school runs, and countless other daily tasks, it’s no wonder that many of us often resort to takeout or dining out. One of my personal favorite side dishes to enjoy when we do eat out is Cheddar’s Broccoli Cheese Casserole. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with wholesome broccoli—what’s not to love?
Jump to Recipe
But dining out frequently isn’t always budget-friendly, especially when you have a family to feed. That’s why I’ve created this copycat recipe so you can enjoy the delightful flavors of Cheddar’s Broccoli Cheese Casserole right at home without breaking the bank.
Cheddar’s Copycat Broccoli Cheese Casserole
There’s something irresistibly comforting about a warm, cheesy casserole. Cheddar’s Copycat Broccoli Cheese Casserole is a standout because of its perfect balance of creamy cheese sauce and tender broccoli florets, topped with a crunchy layer that adds just the right amount of texture. It’s a dish that can transform a simple family dinner into a special occasion.
However, taking the family out to eat at a restaurant like Cheddar’s can be expensive. Plus, as a mom, you know the struggle of trying to keep everyone at the table happy and entertained. Bringing the experience home with a copycat recipe not only saves money but also allows you to enjoy the meal in the comfort of your own home.
Why Make Cheddar’s Copycat Recipe?
Cost-Effective
Restaurants often come with a hefty price tag. When you make this Cheddar’s Copycat Broccoli Cheese Casserole at home, you can serve the entire family for a fraction of the cost. You’ll be able to control portion sizes and ingredients, ensuring that everyone gets enough and that you’re using the best quality products without any unnecessary markups.
Healthier Options
Making your own version of Cheddar’s Broccoli Cheese Casserole gives you the power to tweak the recipe to suit your family’s dietary needs. Whether you want to use low-fat cheese, add extra vegetables, or reduce the salt content, you can make healthier choices without sacrificing flavor.
Convenience
As a busy mom, you need recipes that are simple and quick to prepare. This copycat recipe can be made ahead of time and placed in a 9×13 inch baking dish so all you have to do is pop it in the oven when you’re ready. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra vegetables for those picky eaters in your household.
The Recipe: Best Cheddar’s Copycat Broccoli Cheese Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups of fresh broccoli florets, blanched
- 1/2 onion, finely diced
- 3 cups cooked rice
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cheddar cheese soup
- 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 tsp oregano
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the blanched broccoli, diced onion, cooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, cheddar cheese soup, 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and milk. Stir until the mixture is well combined and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the casserole: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
- Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter, stirring until the crumbs are evenly coated. Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the casserole.
- Bake and serve: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the cheesy, comforting flavors of this homemade version of Cheddar’s Broccoli Cheese Casserole as a side dish or a hearty main course!
Broccoli Cheese Casserole Tips
Make-Ahead and Freeze
One of the best ways to manage your time is to prepare this recipe in advance. Assemble the casserole as directed, but instead of baking, cover it tightly with aluminum foil and freeze. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
Customize to Your Taste
Feel free to customize this recipe to your family’s tastes. You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or cauliflower for extra nutrition. If your family loves bacon, try sprinkling some cooked bacon bits on top for a savory twist.
Quick Clean-Up
To make clean-up a breeze, line your baking dish with parchment paper or use a disposable aluminum baking pan. This way, you can spend more time with your family and less time scrubbing dishes.
Serving Suggestions
This Broccoli Cheese Casserole pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, like our Best Loaded Sweet Potato Casserole. Serve it with a simple green salad, bread, or even as a main course alongside roasted chicken or grilled fish. It’s versatile enough to complement many different meals.
Cheddar’s Copycat Broccoli Cheese Casserole
Creating restaurant-quality sides at home is a fantastic way to save money and provide your family with delicious, comforting dishes. This copycat version of Cheddar’s Broccoli Cheese Casserole is sure to be a hit, combining the rich, cheesy flavors you love with the convenience and affordability you need as a busy mom. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can bring the joy of a favorite restaurant dish to your own kitchen. Enjoy the smiles and satisfaction of your family as they dig into this hearty, homemade casserole. Happy cooking!
Bonus Tips for Making the Best Broccoli Cheese Casserole
Enhance the Flavor
If you want to take the flavor up a notch, consider using Velveeta cheese in place of or in addition to the cheddar cheese. Velveeta melts beautifully and adds an extra layer of creaminess to the casserole. You can also sauté onions in a bit of butter before adding them to the mixture for a richer, more developed flavor.
Serve with Rice
For a more filling meal, serve this casserole with a side of white rice or brown rice. This can transform it from a side dish into a main course that’s sure to satisfy even the heartiest appetites.
Storage Tips
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This makes it easy to reheat for a quick lunch or dinner. Simply pop a portion into the microwave or back into the oven until warmed through.
Make It a One-Pan Meal
To make this recipe even more convenient, consider adding cooked minute rice directly into the casserole mix. This creates a cheesy broccoli rice casserole that’s both an easy side dish and a substantial main dish.
Add Protein
For a more protein-packed version, add chunks of rotisserie chicken to the casserole before baking. This turns it into a complete meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
This is a great recipe for busy moms looking to provide their family with comforting, home-cooked meals without spending hours in the kitchen. The best part? It’s easy enough to whip up even on the busiest of days. Enjoy this favorite recipe and watch as it becomes a staple in your household!
Best Cheddar’s Copycat Broccoli Cheese Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups broccoli florets blanched
- ½ onion finely diced
- 3 cups cooked rice
- 1 cream of mushroom soup 10.5 oz can
- 1 condensed cheddar cheese soup 10.5 oz can
- 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese divided
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 cup milk
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers crushed
- ¼ cup butter melted
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 tsp Oregano
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the blanched broccoli, diced onion, cooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, cheddar cheese soup, 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and milk. Stir until the mixture is well combined and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
- Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter, stirring until the crumbs are evenly coated. Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the casserole.
- Bake and Serve: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
- Serve: Serve hot as a comforting side dish or a hearty main course. Enjoy!
