Introduction
If you’re looking for a hearty dish that brings comfort and satisfaction to the dinner table, look no further than this Cheesy Broccoli and Bacon Casserole. This delightful recipe combines the earthy goodness of fresh broccoli with the irresistible crunch and savory flavor of crispy bacon, all enveloped in a creamy, cheesy sauce that dreams are made of. It’s the perfect side dish for family gatherings, potlucks, or even a cozy weeknight dinner.
Inspired by classic flavors and easy-to-find ingredients, this casserole strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and nutrition. With the bright green broccoli providing a pop of color and a boost of vitamins, you can enjoy each rich, cheesy bite without any guilt. And the best part? It comes together quickly, making it an ideal option for busy home cooks who still want to create something special. So grab your baking dish and let’s dive into this cheesy, bacon-infused delight that promises to please even the pickiest eaters in your family!
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 6 strips of bacon, cut into small pieces
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
Instructions
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- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish.
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- In a large pot of boiling water, briefly cook the broccoli florets for 2-3 minutes until they are vibrant green and just tender. Drain and set them aside.
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- In a skillet set over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it becomes crispy. Once crisped, remove the bacon pieces and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess fat.
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- In a sizable mixing bowl, mix together the cooked rice, blanched broccoli, crumbled bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, plus salt and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined.
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- Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
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- If you prefer a crunch, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top.
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- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the top has a lovely golden brown color.
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- Take it out of the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 45 min | Servings: 6
Key Ingredients
- Fresh Broccoli: 4 cups, chopped into bite-sized florets
- Bacon: 6-8 slices, cooked until crispy and crumbled
- Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups, shredded (sharp or mild based on preference)
- Cream Cheese: 8 oz, softened
- Sour Cream: 1 cup
- Garlic Powder: 1 tsp
- Onion Powder: 1 tsp
- Black Pepper: 1/2 tsp
- Salt: 1/2 tsp (or to taste)
- Bread Crumbs: 1 cup (optional, for topping)
- Olive Oil or Butter: 2 tbsp (if using fresh broccoli)
- Green Onions: for garnish (optional)
These ingredients come together to create a rich and flavorful casserole that’s perfect as a side dish or a main course!
Baking Process
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Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your casserole cooks evenly from the beginning.
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Prepare Broccoli: While the oven is preheating, wash and trim fresh broccoli into bite-sized florets. If you’re using frozen broccoli, simply thaw and drain it.
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Cook Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until it’s crispy. Once done, remove it from the skillet and place it on a paper towel to drain the excess grease. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces and set aside.
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Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to low and add butter. Once melted, stir in flour to create a roux, cooking for about 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure there are no lumps. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens, then remove from heat. Stir in half of the shredded cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a pinch of paprika for extra flavor.
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Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked broccoli, crumbled bacon, and the cheese sauce. Gently fold in the remaining shredded cheese, reserving some for the top. Ensure everything is mixed evenly.
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Transfer to Casserole Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Pour the cheesy broccoli and bacon mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly.
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Top It Off: Sprinkle the reserved cheese on top of the casserole. For an added crunch, you can also top it with crushed crackers or breadcrumbs mixed with a bit of melted butter.
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Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
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Let it Cool: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly, making it easier to serve.
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Serve and Enjoy: Dish out generous portions of your Cheesy Broccoli and Bacon Casserole, and watch as your guests dig into this savory, comforting delight! Pair it with a fresh salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
This Cheesy Broccoli and Bacon Casserole makes a delicious and satisfying main dish, but it can also be paired beautifully with a variety of sides and accompaniments. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal:
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Fresh Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the casserole. Try arugula or spinach mixed with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light lemon dressing.
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Garlic Bread: Serve with slices of warm, buttery garlic bread for an added crunch that balances the creaminess of the casserole.
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Roasted Vegetables: Add an array of roasted vegetables, such as carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini, to bring color and healthy options to your plate.
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Quinoa or Rice: For a more filling meal, serve the casserole over a bed of fluffy quinoa or brown rice. This will absorb the cheesy goodness and add a nutritious element.
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Pickled Vegetables: A small side of pickled vegetables, like gherkins or pickled red onions, provides a tangy contrast that enhances the dish’s flavors.
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Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw can cut through the richness of the cheese and bacon, offering a crunchy texture that is both delightful and satisfying.
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Eggs: For a hearty brunch option, serve the casserole alongside a couple of sunny-side-up eggs for a delicious protein boost.
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Wine Pairing: If you enjoy wine, consider pairing the meal with a chilled white wine, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, which complements the creamy cheese and bacon beautifully.
These suggestions will help you craft a well-rounded meal that showcases the tasty Cheesy Broccoli and Bacon Casserole while providing balanced flavors and textures. Enjoy!
Conclusion
This Cheesy Broccoli and Bacon Casserole is more than just a side dish; it’s a comforting and satisfying meal that brings together the goodness of fresh broccoli, the richness of melted cheese, and the savory crunch of bacon. Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or even a cozy weeknight dinner, this casserole is sure to please both kids and adults alike.
Not only does it pack a flavorful punch, but it’s also a great way to sneak in some vegetables into your diet without sacrificing taste. You can easily customize the recipe by adding your favorite ingredients, such as different cheeses, herbs, or even other vegetables.
So why not give this delightful casserole a try? Serve it hot from the oven, and watch as it disappears from the table in no time. Enjoy the delightful blend of flavors, the creamy texture, and the satisfying crunch—you might just find it becoming a staple in your household! Happy cooking!
