Do you love warm, creamy food that makes you feel happy? Then you will love this Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheese Casserole recipe. It’s soft, cheesy, and full of tasty broccoli baked in a creamy sauce. This easy side dish tastes just like the one from the famous Cracker Barrel restaurant. It’s perfect for family dinners, parties, or holidays!
This Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheese Casserole recipe is super easy to make. You only need a few simple things from your kitchen. In less than an hour, you can make a cheesy, comforting dish that everyone will enjoy.
It goes great with chicken, turkey, or even by itself as a meal. Let’s learn how to make this easy and tasty Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheese Casserole!
The Secret Behind This Delicious
The secret to this casserole is the mix of creamy and crunchy textures. The cheese sauce is smooth and covers every broccoli piece. The buttery cracker crumbs on top make it crispy and golden.
Cracker Barrel’s version is famous for its cheesy, rich, and homestyle taste. The mix of cheddar cheese, cream of mushroom soup, and crackers makes it warm and comforting.
The best part is that it tastes like you cooked all day — but it’s super simple to make at home!
Recipe Card Info
- Recipe Name: Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheese Casserole
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Course: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 280 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Large mixing bowl
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cheese grater
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven mitts
Ingredients You Need for Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheese Casserole
- 4 cups frozen broccoli florets (thawed)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers (about 1 sleeve)
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease the baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
2. Prepare the Broccoli
If using frozen broccoli, thaw it first. Drain all extra water so the casserole doesn’t get soggy.
3. Mix the Base
In a big bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and half the cheese.
4. Add Seasoning
Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well until smooth and creamy.
5. Add Broccoli
Put the broccoli into the bowl and mix until it’s covered with the creamy sauce.
6. Pour into Baking Dish
Spread the broccoli mix evenly in the greased baking dish. Smooth the top.
7. Add More Cheese
Sprinkle the rest of the cheddar cheese over the top.
8. Make the Topping
In a small bowl, mix the crushed crackers with melted butter. Stir well.
9. Add Topping
Sprinkle the buttery cracker crumbs over the casserole.
10. Bake the Casserole
Put it in the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes until golden and bubbly.
11. Cool Slightly
Take it out of the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Expert Tips & Variations
- Use fresh broccoli: Steam it a little before mixing for a firmer bite.
- Add meat: Mix in cooked chicken or ham to make it a full meal.
- Change the soup: Use cream of chicken or cream of celery instead.
- Extra cheesy: Use both cheddar and Monterey Jack for a richer flavor.
- Crispier top: Try panko breadcrumbs instead of crackers.
- Healthier option: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 14 g |
| Protein | 9 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Saturated Fat | 10 g |
| Cholesterol | 40 mg |
| Sodium | 520 mg |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
Serving Suggestions
This Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheese Casserole goes great with many meals. Try it with baked chicken, roast turkey or grilled steak. It’s also tasty with mashed potatoes or green beans.
For holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas, it’s a perfect side dish. The cheesy flavor matches all your favorite festive foods.
You can even eat it as a main dish with a fresh salad or garlic bread. The cheesy broccoli makes it filling and satisfying.
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Store leftovers: Keep in a closed container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze for later: Wrap well and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes or microwave for 1–2 minutes.
- Keep it creamy: Add a little milk or cream before reheating to keep it soft.
FAQs about Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheese Casserole
1. Can I use fresh broccoli? Yes! Steam it for a few minutes first. It keeps the broccoli soft but not mushy.
2. Can I make it early? Yes. You can prepare the casserole a day before, keep it in the fridge, and bake it later.
3. What cheese is best? Cheddar cheese gives the best flavor. You can also mix it with mozzarella or Colby Jack for a mild taste.
4. How can I make it gluten-free? Use gluten-free crackers and gluten-free cream soup. Everything else is naturally gluten-free.
5. Can I make more for a big group? Of course! Just double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish. It’s great for parties or potlucks.
Conclusion
This Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheese Casserole recipe is creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor. It tastes just like the one from the restaurant — maybe even better!
It’s easy to make and perfect for any meal or holiday. Everyone will love it from the first bite.
Now you know how to make Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheese Casserole, so try it today! Gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and enjoy this warm and comforting homemade dish.
More Recipes:
- Pepper Belly Pete Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Ninja Creami Burberry Ice Cream Recipe
- Chef Boyardee Tomato Sauce Recipe
Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheese Casserole
Ingredients
- Equipment List
- Large mixing bowl
- 9 x13-inch baking dish
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cheese grater
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven mitts
- Ingredients You Need for Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheese Casserole
- 4 cups frozen broccoli florets thawed
- 1 can 10.5 oz cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers about 1 sleeve
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease the baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
Prepare the Broccoli
- If using frozen broccoli, thaw it first. Drain all extra water so the casserole doesn’t get soggy.
Mix the Base
- In a big bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and half the cheese.
Add Seasoning
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well until smooth and creamy.
Add Broccoli
- Put the broccoli into the bowl and mix until it’s covered with the creamy sauce.
Pour into Baking Dish
- Spread the broccoli mix evenly in the greased baking dish. Smooth the top.
Add More Cheese
- Sprinkle the rest of the cheddar cheese over the top.
Make the Topping
- In a small bowl, mix the crushed crackers with melted butter. Stir well.
Add Topping
- Sprinkle the buttery cracker crumbs over the casserole.
Bake the Casserole
- Put it in the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Cool Slightly
- Take it out of the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers: Keep in a closed container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze for later: Wrap well and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes or microwave for 1–2 minutes.
- Keep it creamy: Add a little milk or cream before reheating to keep it soft.
Sofia Lane is a food lover who loves cooking and sharing easy, tasty recipes. She believes in making cooking simple and fun for everyone. On DiveCrave, Sofia shares her favorite meals, desserts and treats that anyone can make at home.