Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this Paula Deen broccoli casserole! It’s like a warm hug on a plate, with creamy cheese goodness that just melts in your mouth. Every time I make it, I’m reminded of cozy family gatherings and the way Southern cuisine brings everyone together. The combination of tender broccoli, rich cheddar cheese, and that delightful cream of mushroom soup creates a dish that’s not just a side, but a star! Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to keep it in your regular rotation. It’s comfort food at its finest!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this creamy Paula Deen broccoli casserole. Don’t worry; it’s super simple and uses ingredients you probably have on hand!
- 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, both work great!)
- 1 cup cooked rice (leftover rice is perfect for this)
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup (this adds that wonderful creaminess)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded (feel free to use sharp cheddar for extra flavor)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (adds richness that you won’t want to skip!)
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped (I love using sweet onions for a milder taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (for that essential flavor kick)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to your taste!)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground is best)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for that lovely crispy topping)
Just gather these ingredients, and you’re on your way to making a delicious casserole that everyone will love!
How to Prepare Paula Deen Broccoli Casserole
Getting this Paula Deen broccoli casserole ready is a breeze! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious dish that’ll make your kitchen smell amazing.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First thing’s first—let’s get that oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). This way, it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to pop in your casserole!
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Now, grab a large bowl and toss in those broccoli florets, cooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, shredded cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until it’s well combined—trust me, it’ll look and smell heavenly!
Step 3: Transfer and Prepare for Baking
Next, you’ll want to transfer that creamy mixture into a greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly so every bite gets that cheesy goodness. Once that’s done, sprinkle the breadcrumbs on top. This will give you that lovely crispy texture when it bakes!
Step 4: Bake
Finally, it’s time to bake! Slide your casserole into the preheated oven and let it cook for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s bubbly and golden brown on top. Oh, the anticipation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Prep Time: With just 15 minutes of prep, you can have this delightful casserole ready for the oven in no time!
- Comforting Flavors: The combination of creamy cheese, savory broccoli, and rich mushroom soup creates a dish that’s pure comfort food.
- Easy to Make: Seriously, if you can mix and bake, you can nail this recipe. It’s that simple!
- Vegetarian-Friendly: It’s a hearty, meatless option that everyone at the table will love, making it great for gatherings.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare it in advance and pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve—perfect for busy nights!
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite ingredients, like cooked bacon or different cheeses, to make it your own!
Tips for Success
Want to take your Paula Deen broccoli casserole to the next level? Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure it turns out absolutely perfect every time!
- Use Fresh Broccoli: If you can, opt for fresh broccoli florets. They give a better texture and vibrant color, making your casserole look as good as it tastes!
- Add Cooked Bacon or Sausage: For a little extra flavor punch, try adding some crispy cooked bacon or sausage. It adds a delightful savory layer that’s hard to resist!
- Make Ahead of Time: You can prepare the casserole a day in advance and keep it in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve—super convenient!
- Experiment with Cheese: While cheddar is a classic, don’t hesitate to mix it up! Try adding mozzarella for a stretchier texture or pepper jack for a spicy kick!
- Let It Rest: After baking, let your casserole rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes serving easier!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be a casserole pro in no time! Trust me, everyone will be asking for your secret.
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up this Paula Deen broccoli casserole! Here are some of my favorite variations that can add a little flair to your dish:
- Different Cheeses: Swap out cheddar for other cheeses like Monterey Jack for a creamier texture, or throw in some blue cheese for a bold flavor twist. You could even mix a few types for a cheesy medley!
- Herb It Up: Fresh herbs can elevate your casserole beautifully! Try adding chopped fresh parsley, thyme, or even dill for a burst of freshness. Just a sprinkle can make a huge difference!
- Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the mix. It’ll give your casserole a nice kick!
- Vegetable Medley: Mix in other vegetables like cauliflower or carrots to add color and nutrition. Just make sure they’re cut into similar sizes for even cooking!
- Swap the Soup: Instead of cream of mushroom soup, try using cream of chicken or even a cheesy soup base. It’s fun to experiment with different flavors!
- Nutty Crunch: For an added crunch, toss in some chopped nuts like pecans or slivered almonds with the breadcrumbs. This will give your casserole a delightful texture contrast!
The possibilities are endless! Don’t hesitate to get creative and make this casserole your own. I promise, every variation will be delicious in its own right!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? No problem! This Paula Deen broccoli casserole stores beautifully, so you can enjoy it even after the initial feast. Here’s how to keep it fresh and tasty:
- Storing Leftovers: Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll stay good in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: If you want to save it for a later date, you can freeze the casserole! Just make sure to wrap it well in plastic wrap and then in foil, or use a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep for about 2-3 months. Just be sure to label it so you know what you’ve got!
When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, here’s how to reheat them:
- Reheating in the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole with foil to prevent it from drying out and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. If you want that crispy topping to shine again, remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes!
- Microwave Option: For a quicker option, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave. Just place it on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat it in 30-second intervals until it’s warmed to your liking.
With these storage and reheating tips, you can savor the creamy, cheesy goodness of your Paula Deen broccoli casserole anytime you like! Enjoy!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of this delicious Paula Deen broccoli casserole! Keep in mind that nutrition can vary a bit depending on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so I can’t give you exact values. But here’s a general idea of what you can expect per serving:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 10g
So, while you’re indulging in this creamy goodness, you can also feel good knowing you’re getting some nutritious veggies in there! Enjoy every cheesy bite!
FAQ about Paula Deen Broccoli Casserole
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works perfectly in this casserole. Just make sure to thaw it and drain any excess water before mixing it in. It saves time and still tastes delicious!
How can I make this casserole gluten-free?
No worries! To make it gluten-free, simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs and make sure your cream of mushroom soup is gluten-free as well. It’s an easy swap that keeps all the flavor intact!
Can I add meat to this casserole?
Definitely! Adding cooked bacon or sausage is a fantastic way to enhance the flavor. Just mix it in with the other ingredients, and you’ll have a hearty dish that meat lovers will adore!
What can I substitute for the cream of mushroom soup?
If you’re not a fan of mushroom soup, you can use cream of chicken soup or even a cheese soup for a different take. It’s all about making it your own!
Can I prepare this casserole the night before?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake it the next day. Super convenient!
Paula Deen Broccoli Casserole: 7 Comforting Layers Await
- Temps Total: 45 minutes
- Rendement: 6 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A creamy and cheesy broccoli casserole recipe inspired by Paula Deen.
Ingrédients
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine broccoli, rice, cream of mushroom soup, cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well until all ingredients are combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen broccoli.
- For extra flavor, add cooked bacon or sausage.
- Can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator before baking.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 30 minutes
- Catégorie: Casserole
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sucre: 2g
- De Sodium: 600mg
- La graisse: 20g
- Graisses Saturées: 8g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 10g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 30g
- La fibre: 3g
- La protéine: 10g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 30mg
Mots-clés: paula deen broccoli casserole, broccoli casserole, southern casserole
