Additional Coverage:
- I make broccoli-cheese casserole every year for the holidays. It’s made with only 4 ingredients and is always the first to disappear. (businessinsider.com)
The Secret Weapon for Holiday Feasts? This 4-Ingredient Broccoli Casserole!
Forget fancy culinary gymnastics! There’s a humble, cheesy casserole making waves at holiday potlucks, and it’s surprisingly simple to pull off. This budget-friendly, make-ahead marvel, featuring just four ingredients, consistently vanishes first from any holiday spread.
The journey of this crowd-pleasing dish began years ago, with a busy mom flipping through a magazine. The promise of a simple, quick, and cheap recipe featuring a kid-friendly vegetable (broccoli, of course!)
was a game-changer. What started as a potential weeknight savior quickly evolved into a holiday staple.
“I didn’t really know how to cook,” the author confesses, “and was trying to build a small rotation of easy meals that everyone in the family would eat.” This broccoli-cheese concoction proved to be a winner, earning rave reviews and recipe requests at its very first potluck appearance.
Uncomplicated Steps, Delicious Results
Unlike many intimidating cookbook recipes, this casserole boasts a refreshingly short ingredient list and zero complicated techniques. No chopping, no sautéing – just four ingredients mixed together.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 package (20 oz.) frozen broccoli florets, thawed and drained
- 1 can (10¾ oz.) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup Cheez Whiz Cheese Dip
- 1 box (6 oz.)
Stove Top Stuffing Mix for Chicken
- Plus, about 5 tablespoons of butter (trust us on this one!)
The total cost for these ingredients typically falls between $5 and $10, making it a truly economical option. Assembly takes a mere 10 minutes, and the casserole can even be prepared a day or more in advance – a huge bonus for anyone juggling holiday preparations.
To get started, preheat your oven to 350°F and spray a 2-quart casserole dish with cooking spray. This size is ideal for a thicker, cheesier casserole.
Casserole Confessions: Pro Tips from a Seasoned Host
Through years of bringing this dish to gatherings, the author has unearthed a few “secrets” to its success. For larger crowds or when anticipating second helpings, opt for a 3-quart dish. This allows the casserole to spread out, serving more people without sacrificing flavor.
Combine the broccoli, Cheez Whiz, and cream of mushroom soup directly in the baking dish. If you’re preparing it ahead of time, cover and store it in the fridge or freezer at this stage.
The key to that irresistible crispy topping? Don’t add the Stove Top stuffing mix until just before baking.
A crucial tweak to the original recipe involves using the stuffing mix dry, rather than cooked, to ensure those delightful crunchy breadcrumbs. And, as a testament to the power of butter, the author recommends increasing the amount from three to five tablespoons for an even richer topping.
For the perfect golden-brown crust, melt five tablespoons of butter and drizzle it over the dry stuffing mix in a bowl. Stir well to coat, then spread evenly over the casserole.
Bake for 30 minutes, or until the topping is beautifully golden. This recipe yields eight ¾-cup servings.
A Versatile Dish for Any Occasion
Beyond its affordability, this casserole is incredibly versatile. It pairs beautifully with a wide range of main courses, from roast chicken to grilled pork chops, and even makes for surprisingly delicious leftovers.
Not a broccoli fan? No problem!
This recipe is endlessly adaptable, welcoming swaps like cauliflower, green beans, or any frozen vegetable medley you have on hand.
From its humble beginnings as a potluck contribution, this simple side dish has become a “hall-of-famer” in the author’s culinary repertoire. It even won over a finicky office mate at a holiday work party, proving its universal appeal. Even with grown children, this 10-minute recipe remains a beloved favorite in their household.