Southern Broccoli Casserole is a beloved classic, but this version has a couple of surprises: crispy bacon and a topping of crumbled cheese crackers that bring bold flavor and crunch. The mix of tender broccoli, savory bacon, and rich, cheesy sauce makes this dish a standout at any gathering. Once you know the secret behind this casserole, you’ll never go back to the old way!
My friend Janis gave me this broccoli casserole recipe back in 1990, and I’ve been making it the exact same way ever since. It is so good and super easy to make!
The best broccoli casserole
Broccoli casserole can be a boring, hum-drum dish that not too many folks get excited about. But this version is so good that my family requests it over and over. It’s a bacon broccoli casserole and how can you ever go wrong with bacon?
Why you should try this recipe
EASY: This is a dump-and-bake recipe. You just mix all the ingredients in a large bowl, pour them into a casserole dish, and bake. It’s so easy!
MAKE-AHEAD: You can put the casserole together the day before you need it and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
What to serve with Southern broccoli casserole
I think this casserole goes well with so many things. I always make it at Thanksgiving because it’s perfect with roasted turkey and my orange bourbon baked ham. The broccoli casserole also makes a great side for any pot roast of beef, pork roast, or oven roasted chicken.
I hope you make this recipe. I think you’ll love it!
We Southerners do love our easy casseroles! In addition to this Southern Broccoli Casserole, we also feature Easy Chicken Pie, Southern Cornbread Dressing, Southern Squash Casserole, and Chicken Spaghetti Casserole.
We also love this slow-cooker broccoli, for those days when you need to be hands-off and let your crock pot do all the work.
What you need for Southern broccoli casserole
➡️➡️➡️ The full ingredient amounts and instructions are listed below on the printable recipe card. Scroll down for frequently asked questions and tips for success.
- Frozen broccoli: You could use fresh, but we prefer frozen, so you don’t have to cook it first.
- Eggs: Just two eggs, lightly beaten with a fork.
- Mayonnaise: Of course, you know it must be Duke’s
- Cheddar cheese: Use a block and grate it yourself for best results.
- Cream of mushroom soup: Sorry, not sorry.
- Water chestnuts: Get the sliced version for a nice surprise crunch in the casserole.
- Jar of sliced mushrooms: If you want to use fresh, you’ll need to saute them first.
- Bacon: Cook it until crispy and then crumble.
- Onion: A little onion offers big flavor.
- Cheese crackers: Crumble them over the top and bake for the BEST flavor.
How to make Southern broccoli casserole
- Cook bacon until crispy.
- Mix everything except crackers in a large bowl, then scoop into a lightly greased baking dish.
- Top with crumbled cheese crackers and bake for about 45 minutes.
Southern Broccoli Casserole
Ingredients
Casserole
- 2 10-ounce packages frozen chopped broccoli, thawed and drained
- 2 large eggs, slightly beaten
- 1 cup Duke's mayonnaise
- 2 ½ cups grated Cheddar cheese
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 4-ounce can sliced water chestnuts, rinsed, drained and chopped in half
- 1 10-ounce jar sliced mushrooms, rinsed, drained and chopped smaller
- 12 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
- ½ cup chopped onion
- Crushed cheese crackers, (enough to generously cover the top of dish)
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients except cheese crackers in a large bowl and mix well. Scoop into greased 2-3 quart casserole dish.
- Top with crumbled cheese crackers.
- Bake uncovered at 375 for about 45 minutes or until set and top is slightly browned.
Nutrition
Tips and questions
Can you make broccoli casserole ahead of time?
You can mix up this broccoli bacon casserole the day before you need to bake it and add the cheese crackers to the top right before baking.
Can you freeze broccoli casserole?
You can freeze the baked broccoli casserole for up to 3 months.
Do you cook frozen broccoli before putting in casserole?
You do not need to cook frozen broccoli before using it in this casserole. It was blanched before being frozen, and it is good to go!
Do you cover broccoli casserole while baking?
You do not need to cover this casserole while it’s baking.
How to reheat broccoli casserole
You can reheat the Southern broccoli casserole in the microwave for individual servings. To reheat the entire dish, cover it and place it in the oven at 350 F until warmed through.
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Update Notes: This post was originally published on November 6, 2013, and was updated on November 19, 2024, with one or more of the following: step-by-step photos, video, updated recipe, or new tips.
