🌟 Cheesy Broccoli Bliss: Mary’s Addictive Casserole Recipe 🌟

Mary’s Broccoli Casserole

✨ Addictively Simple and Delicious! ✨

Overview:

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Serves: 6-8
• Calories: 289.1 per serving
• Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.5)

Description:

Mary’s Broccoli Casserole, a cherished recipe from my sister-in-law, is an absolute hit at every gathering. It’s a dish that transforms even the staunchest broccoli skeptics into fans. Easy to make and bursting with flavor, this casserole is a potluck favorite that’s sure to disappear quickly!

Keywords:

Potluck, < 30 Mins, Oven, Easy

Ingredients:

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 289.1
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Cholesterol: 68.2mg
• Sodium: 592.5mg
• Carbohydrates: 12.8g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 4.9g
• Protein: 9g

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Prepare Crumb Base:

   • In a bowl, mix together 3/4 cup of melted butter or margarine with the finely crushed cracker crumbs.

   • Grease a baking pan and spread this mixture evenly along the bottom.

   • Reserve about 1/2 cup of the buttered crumbs for later use as topping.

3. Steam Broccoli:

   • Steam the broccoli until it’s just tender, maintaining a crisp texture. This usually takes about 5 minutes.

   • Once steamed, drain the broccoli well to remove excess moisture.

4. Layer the Casserole:

   • Place the drained broccoli on top of the buttered crumb base in the baking pan.

5. Prepare Cheese Sauce:

   • In a small saucepan, melt the remaining 1/2 stick of butter along with the Velveeta cheese.

   • Heat the mixture on low heat, stirring continuously until the cheese and butter blend into a smooth, creamy sauce.

6. Assemble the Casserole:

   • Pour the warm cheese sauce evenly over the broccoli in the baking pan, ensuring all the broccoli is coated in this deliciousness.

7. Add Topping:

   • Sprinkle the reserved buttered crumbs over the top of the casserole, creating a crunchy, golden topping.

8. Bake to Perfection:

   • Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven.

   • Bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden and bubbly.

9. Serve and Enjoy! 🍽️:

   • Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes.

   • Serve Mary’s Broccoli Casserole hot, scooping out generous portions for all to enjoy!

Tips:

• Customize the Toppings:

  • Get creative with the topping! Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese or breadcrumbs mixed with herbs for extra flavor and texture.

• Make-Ahead Option:

  • This casserole can be prepared ahead of time, up to the point of baking. Simply cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature before placing it in the oven.

• Freezing Instructions:

  • Mary’s Broccoli Casserole freezes beautifully. Prepare the casserole as instructed but do not bake it. Instead, cover it tightly with foil and freeze. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.

• Serve with Love:

  • This casserole pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, grilled chicken, or as a stand-alone vegetarian delight.

Mary’s Broccoli Casserole is not just a dish—it’s a crowd-pleasing sensation! With its creamy, cheesy goodness mingling with tender broccoli and that irresistible crunchy topping, every bite is pure comfort and joy. Whether it’s a potluck, family dinner, or holiday feast, this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite. Give it a try and watch it disappear in no time! 🥦✨