When the holidays roll around, my family’s table is always filled with comforting classics, and Katie Lee’s broccoli casserole is at the top of the list. ✨ This creamy, cheesy dish is the perfect side to balance out the richness of holiday main courses.
The beauty of this casserole lies in its simplicity. With just a few ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can create a dish that’s sure to please both kids and adults alike. The combination of tender broccoli, creamy sauce, and crispy topping is a winner.
By following this recipe, you’ll achieve a perfectly cooked casserole with a golden-brown crust and a deliciously creamy center. It’s the perfect addition to your holiday spread, and I promise it’ll become a new family favorite. Let’s get started!
Ingredients for katie lee broccoli casserole
Gather these simple ingredients to create Katie Lee’s comforting broccoli casserole for the holidays.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Broccoli Florets 🥦 | 4 cups | Fresh or frozen, thawed |
| Cream of Mushroom Soup 🍄 | 1 can | Condensed, 10.5 oz can |
| Mayonnaise 🥚 | ½ cup | Full-fat for best flavor |
| Cheddar Cheese 🧀 | 2 cups | Shredded, sharp variety |
| French Fried Onions 🧅 | 1 cup | Crispy, store-bought |
| Black Pepper 🌶️ | ¼ tsp | Freshly ground preferred |
| Salt 🧂 | ¼ tsp | To taste, kosher or sea |
| Large Eggs 🥚 | 2 whole | Beaten, room temperature |
| Butter 🧈 | 2 tbsp | Melted, for greasing dish |
| Bread Crumbs 🍞 | ½ cup | Optional, for extra crunch |
| Garlic Powder 🧄 | ½ tsp | Optional, for extra flavor |
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You can find all these ingredients at your local grocery store. For the best quality cheddar, look for sharp varieties from Cabot or Tillamook. Use fresh broccoli when in season, or frozen for convenience. French-fried onions from the store's baking aisle add the perfect crunchy topping.
If you don't have cream of mushroom soup, you can substitute with cream of chicken soup or make a homemade version with sautéed mushrooms and a roux. For an extra crispy topping, mix bread crumbs with melted butter and sprinkle on top before adding the French-fried onions. Adjust seasoning to taste, especially if using salted soup.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through and crispy on top. You can prepare the casserole ahead of time up to the baking step, then refrigerate or freeze until ready to bake.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Katie Lee Broccoli Casserole
Let’s create this comforting holiday side dish together, following Katie Lee’s classic recipe to perfection.
👨🍳 Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli and Cheese Mixture
Start by steaming the 4 cups broccoli florets until they’re tender but still crisp. I use a steamer basket over boiling water for 5-7 minutes until they reach the perfect tenderness. While the broccoli cooks, mix together the 2 cups cheddar cheese, 1 can cream of mushroom soup, and 0.5 cup mayonnaise in a large bowl. The creamy mixture will be the base of our casserole, providing rich flavor and moisture.
Once the broccoli is done, let it cool slightly before adding it to the cheese mixture. I like to fold in the steamed broccoli gently to maintain its texture. Add 0.25 tsp black pepper and 0.25 tsp salt to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed. The pepper adds a nice contrast to the richness of the cheese and mayonnaise.
👨🍳 Step 2: Combine Eggs and Finish the Filling
Beat the 2 large eggs in a separate bowl until they’re well mixed. I use room temperature eggs for better incorporation into the mixture. Gradually add the egg mixture to the broccoli and cheese mixture, stirring until everything is well combined. The eggs will help bind the casserole together, ensuring it sets properly during baking.
At this point, the mixture should be creamy and well balanced. If you want to add extra flavor, now’s the time to sprinkle in the 0.5 tsp garlic powder. This optional ingredient enhances the overall flavor profile without overpowering the broccoli.
🥘 Step 3: Assemble and Top the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with the 2 tbsp melted butter, making sure to coat the bottom and sides evenly. Transfer the broccoli mixture to the prepared dish, spreading it out into an even layer. I like to use a spatula to smooth the top, ensuring even cooking.
Top the casserole with 1 cup French fried onions, spreading them evenly across the surface. If you’re using the 0.5 cup bread crumbs, you can mix them with a bit of the French fried onions for added crunch on top. The crispy onions will create a golden-brown crust during baking, adding texture to our comforting casserole.
🔥 Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes until it’s hot and bubbly. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are golden brown and the center is set. The French fried onions on top should be crispy and golden, adding a satisfying crunch to the dish.
Keep an eye on the casserole during the last 10 minutes to prevent the onions from burning. If they start to brown too quickly, you can cover the dish loosely with foil to prevent over-browning while the inside finishes cooking.
⏰ Step 5: Restulate and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the flavors to meld together and the casserole to set, making it easier to serve. The resting time is crucial for achieving the perfect texture and presentation.
Serve warm, garnished with additional chopped fresh herbs if desired. The casserole should be hot, creamy, and irresistibly delicious, perfect for the holiday season. Enjoy the combination of tender broccoli, creamy sauce, and crispy onion topping that makes this dish a comforting favorite.
Katie Lee’s broccoli casserole recipe is a game-changer for the holidays! 🥘 This comforting side dish is a perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and crunchy textures that will become a new family favorite. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, making it a stress-free addition to your holiday menu.
Key Ingredients 🔪
- Broccoli florets: Fresh or frozen, they’re the star of the show!
- Cream of mushroom soup: Adds a rich, creamy element to the dish.
- Cheddar cheese: Sharp or mild, it adds a nice tanginess.
- French-fried onions: Crunchy and golden, they’re the perfect topping.
- Simple pantry staples: Mayonnaise, milk, and breadcrumbs complete the recipe.
The beauty of Katie Lee’s broccoli casserole lies in its simplicity. By combining steamed broccoli, a creamy sauce, and a crunchy topping, you’ll create a dish that’s both satisfying and delicious. The cream of mushroom soup and mayonnaise add a richness that complements the broccoli perfectly, while the cheddar cheese provides a nice burst of flavor. And let’s not forget the French-fried onions on top – they add a delightful crunch that elevates the entire dish! 🌟
To make it even more special, you can customize the recipe to your taste. Consider adding some diced ham or bacon to make it a heartier side dish. Or, if you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some chopped fresh herbs on top for a pop of color and freshness. 💡
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Katie Lee Broccoli Casserole
These tried-and-tested tips will help you achieve a comforting, crowd-pleasing casserole that shines at your holiday gathering.
Broccoli Preparation: For the best texture, steam the 4 cups broccoli florets until they’re tender but still crisp. I use a steamer basket over boiling water for 5-7 minutes. This ensures they retain their bright green color and don’t become mushy in the casserole. 💡
Cheesy Goodness: Use high-quality 2 cups cheddar cheese that you grate yourself. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect the sauce’s texture. Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly, creating a creamy, cheesy sauce that coats the broccoli perfectly.
Crunchy Topping: For an extra crispy topping, mix the 0.5 cup bread crumbs with some of the 1 cup French fried onions before sprinkling them on top. This creates a delightful texture contrast between the crunchy topping and the creamy casserole underneath.
Make-Ahead Strategy: You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking as directed. This makes holiday meal prep much easier!
Nutrition Facts
320kcal
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Trained in classic French technique but raised on slow-cooked ribs and spicy rubs, she blends culinary skill with smoke and soul.
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