This slow cooker recipe combines the convenience of a crockpot with the irresistible flavors of creamy cheese, tender broccoli, and the satisfying crunch of Ritz crackers.
Why you will this recipe
A simple and delicious Crockpot Broccoli cheese Casserole that's perfect for busy days when you crave a comforting homemade meal. This dish is bound to become a go-to in your recipe repertoire.
The slow cooker does most of the work for you, allowing you to simply assemble the ingredients and let them cook to perfection. It's a time-saving and hands-free cooking method.
The combination of condensed cream of chicken soup and gouda cheese creates a rich and creamy sauce that coats the broccoli, resulting in a cheesy delight.
The base recipe provides a fantastic canvas for creativity. Whether you want to add protein, experiment with different cheeses, or incorporate various seasonings, the recipe is flexible and allows you to tailor it to your taste preferences.
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Ingredients
You will need these simple ingredients you can easily find at your grocery store to make this recipe
Cream of chicken soup or other canned soup like cream of celery soup, cream of mushroom soup
Grated gouda cheese (divided)
Onion powder or garlic powder
Frozen broccoli
Crushed Ritz crackers
Optional: green onions for garnish
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions step-by-step with photos
Start by greasing the inside of your crockpot to ensure the casserole doesn't stick. This will make the cleaning process a breeze later on.
In a large bowl, combine the broccoli, condensed cream of chicken soup, 1 cup of grated gouda cheese, and onion powder.
Stir until the mixture is smooth and well-incorporated. This cheesy concoction will serve as the luscious base for our casserole.
Pour the creamy broccoli mixture into the crockpot.
Generously sprinkle the crushed Ritz crackers on top.
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of grated gouda cheese over the top of the casserole.
Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 3- 4 hours or until the broccoli is tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Tips
While gouda cheese adds a rich and nutty flavor, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like sharp cheddar cheese, Swiss, or Monterey Jack to suit your taste preferences to make this cheesy broccoli casserole.
Use Slow Cooker Liners: To make cleanup even easier, consider using slow cooker liners. These liners can be placed inside the crockpot before adding the ingredients, making cleanup a breeze.
This Slow cooker version of the Broccoli casserole recipe makes a great side dish for holiday dinners or your Thanksgiving dinner as it's so easy to prepare.
Variations
Chicken and Broccoli Casserole:
Add cooked and shredded chicken to the creamy mixture for a heartier dish. Layer it with the broccoli and proceed with the recipe as usual. This turns the casserole into a complete family dinner.
Broccoli and Cauliflower Medley:
Mix in cauliflower florets with the broccoli for a colorful and nutritious medley. The combination of the two cruciferous vegetables adds a variety of textures.
Broccoli Rice Casserole:
Mix in cooked white rice or brown rice with the creamy mixture before layering with the broccoli. This variation adds a comforting and filling element to the casserole
Storage
If you have leftovers, allow the Crockpot Broccoli Casserole to cool to room temperature before and transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
Refrigerate the leftovers within two hours of cooking.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing:
If you want to freeze the casserole for later use, ensure it has cooled completely.
Portion the casserole into individual servings or as per your preference.
Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or use airtight freezer bags to prevent freezer burn.
Label each package with the date to keep track of its freshness.
Store in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
Serving
Serve generous portions of the Crockpot Broccoli Casserole as a main dish. This is especially suitable if you've added protein like cooked chicken breasts to the recipe. Pair it with a simple side salad for a well-rounded meal.
Serve smaller portions as a perfect side dish alongside your favorite protein, such as grilled chicken, roast beef, or baked fish. It complements the main course with its creamy texture and cheesy goodness.
FAQ
Can I use fresh broccoli florets instead of frozen ones?
Yes, you can use fresh chopped broccoli in this recipe. However, make sure to blanch or steam the fresh broccoli briefly before adding it to the casserole, as it will not have the pre-thawed consistency of frozen broccoli.
Can I add other vegetables to the casserole dish?
Certainly! You can customize the recipe by adding vegetables like cauliflower, mushrooms, or bell peppers. Just ensure they are cooked or thawed properly before incorporating them.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients for a larger gathering. Adjust the cooking time accordingly and use a larger slow cooker if needed.
Can I use a different type of cracker for the topping?
Certainly! While Ritz crackers add a buttery and flaky texture, you can use other types of crackers, breadcrumbs, or even crushed cornflakes for a different twist.
Crockpot Recipes
Crockpot Broccoli Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 can condensed cream of chicken soup cream of mushroom soup
- 1 ½ cups grated gouda cheese divided
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 6 cups frozen broccoli
- ¾ cup Ritz crackers crushed
Instructions
- Start by greasing the inside of your crockpot to ensure the casserole doesn't stick. This will make the cleaning process a breeze later on.
- In a large bowl, combine the broccoli, condensed cream of chicken soup, 1 cup of grated gouda cheese, and onion powder. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well-incorporated. This cheesy concoction will serve as the luscious base for our casserole.
- Pour the creamy broccoli mixture into the crockpot.
- Generously sprinkle the crushed Ritz crackers over.
- Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of grated gouda cheese over the top of the casserole.
- Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 3- 4 hours or until the broccoli is tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
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