Looking for a broccoli casserole recipe but want to skip the processed “cream of something” soups and unnecessary calories?
This recipe offers all the cheesy goodness and flavors of a classic broccoli casserole, but with a lighter, healthier twist. By using fresh ingredients and simple techniques, you can create a dish that’s both delicious and nutritious.
Ingredients
To make a delicious broccoli casserole without condensed soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- (10 ounce) packages frozen chopped broccoli
- ½ teaspoon garlic, jarred minced
- ¼ cup butter, divided
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- ¼ – ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon pepper
- 1 (3 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup breadcrumbs or ½ cup crushed Ritz cracker, fine and dry
How to Make This Broccoli Casserole
- Prepare the broccoli: Follow package instructions to cook frozen broccoli or chop and cook fresh broccoli. Drain well and toss with minced garlic. Place the broccoli mixture into a lightly greased 1-quart casserole dish and set aside.
- Make the cream sauce: In a heavy saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over low heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring continuously. Gradually pour in the milk while continuing to stir until the mixture thickens and bubbles. Season with salt and pepper, then stir in the cream cheese until smooth.
- Assemble the casserole: Pour the creamy sauce over the broccoli in the casserole dish, gently stirring to combine. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- Create the topping: Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Remove from heat and stir in the breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Bake: Bake the casserole at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 40 minutes or until heated through and bubbly.
What to Serve with This Broccoli Casserole
The best side dish for your broccoli casserole depends on your personal preferences and dietary needs. Feel free to experiment with different options below to find your favorite combinations:
- Simple Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
- Roasted or Grilled Chicken: The savory flavors of roasted or grilled chicken complement the cheesy broccoli casserole perfectly.
- Baked or Fried Fish: A flaky white fish like cod or tilapia, baked or fried to perfection, adds a lighter protein option to the meal.
- Ham: A slice of baked or glazed ham brings a touch of sweetness and saltiness that balances the flavors of the casserole.
- Fruit Salad: A vibrant fruit salad with seasonal fruits like berries, melon, and grapes offers a sweet and refreshing ending to the meal.
- Garlic Bread: Buttery garlic bread is a classic accompaniment to any casserole dish, adding a warm and satisfying element.
- Rice Pilaf: A simple rice pilaf with herbs and spices is a versatile side that complements the flavors of the casserole.
This “Cream of Nothing” Broccoli Casserole proves that you don’t need processed ingredients or excessive calories to enjoy a comforting and flavorful meal. Know that you’re nourishing your body and enjoying a dish that’s big on flavor without the extra guilt.
Broccoli Casserole with No “Cream of Something” Soups
Broccoli Casserole With No "Cream of Something" Soup is a delicious and healthier alternative to the classic comfort food. It features broccoli florets coated in a creamy, homemade cheese sauce, all baked to golden perfection under a crispy topping of breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers.
Equipment
- 1 quart Casserole dish
- 1 Heavy saucepan
- 1 Small saucepan
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Oven (for baking the casserole)
- Measuring cups and spoons (for measuring ingredients)
Ingredients
- 2 10 oz packages frozen chopped broccoli
- ½ tsp garlic (jarred minced)
- ¼ cup butter (divided)
- 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- ¼ – ½ tsp salt
- ⅛ tsp pepper
- 1 3 oz package cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs or ½ cup crushed Ritz cracker (fine and dry)
Instructions
- Follow package instructions to cook frozen broccoli or chop and cook fresh broccoli. Drain well and toss with minced garlic. Place the broccoli mixture into a lightly greased 1-quart casserole dish and set aside.
- In a heavy saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over low heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring continuously. Gradually pour in the milk while continuing to stir until the mixture thickens and bubbles. Season with salt and pepper, then stir in the cream cheese until smooth.
- Pour the creamy sauce over the broccoli in the casserole dish, gently stirring to combine. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Remove from heat and stir in the breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Bake the casserole at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 40 minutes or until heated through and bubbly.
Nutrition
Calories: 141kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 4gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 152mgPotassium: 78mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 397IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 120mgIron: 0.1mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.