Broccoli casserole is a creamy, warm dish that you can serve as a side or a main component to a meal, and luckily it isn't too hard to make!You can learn how to make a classic recipe, and then try different variations on it, such as a low-carb dish or one that is full of chicken and rice.
Step 1: There is a game called steam.
Depending on what kind of broccoli you picked up at the store, you may be able to microwave it according to the instructions.If you can't steam it in the bag, microwave it for 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until it is fork-tender.If you prefer, cook fresh broccoli by steaming it.Use oven mitts to protect yourself when removing broccoli from the microwave because it will be really hot.
Step 2: The broccoli has excess liquid.
If the dish is still hot, use oven mitt to protect your hands.Carefully tilt the bowl in the sink to keep the broccoli from falling out, or use a large spoon to remove the liquid from the steaming process.If you want to let the broccoli lose more liquid, sit it for a few minutes after you steam it.
Step 3: Put the oven in the middle of the room.
Turn the oven on to 350 F and use a 13 by 9 inch dish.To keep the casserole from sticking to it, spray the bottom and sides of the dish with cooking spray.You will need to adjust the cooking time if you don't have a 13 by 9 inch dish.A deeper dish needs more time to heat up.If you don't have cooking spray, you can rub butter over the sides and bottom.
Step 4: Put the eggs in a container.
Take care to keep the egg shell out of the small dish.The whites and eggs need to be combined for 30 seconds.If you don't eat eggs, you can remove them from the recipe.If you eat eggs, you may want to leave out the mayonnaise.
Step 5: In a mixing bowl, combine the broccoli, mayo, cheese, soup, and eggs.
Take the drained broccoli, whisked eggs, can of soup, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and 1 cup of mayonnaise and mix them all together with a suitable spoon until they are incorporated together.The broccoli could break up into smaller pieces if over-mixing is not avoided.If you don't want to use mayonnaise, you can use 2 to 3 ounces of cream cheese.If you didn't buy already-shredded cheese, you'll need a cheese grater to shred the 1 cup.
Step 6: The mix should be put into the dish.
Pick up the large mixing bowl and transfer the ingredients to the baking dish.To spread the casserole ingredients evenly, use a spatula to remove the bottom of the bowl.If it's hard to maneuver the bowl, have someone else hold it up while you scoop the ingredients out of the pan.
Step 7: Put your crackers on top of the casserole.
The crackers should be put into a bag.Use a rolling pin to crush the crackers.Put the 2 cups over the casserole.You can use any cracker you like.Use saltines for a salty topping on a cheese cracker.
Step 8: The melted butter should be spread over the dish.
Use a small amount of butter.Put it in a zigzag pattern over the casserole dish.If you prefer, you could use a butter substitute.If you want to melt butter in the microwave, you can place it on top of the stove as it preheats.The butter should warm up because of the heat.
Step 9: The dish can be baked for 35 minutes or until it warms all the way through.
If the casserole is brown on top after 35 minutes, it is time to check it.If you like your casseroles a little more crisp, leave them in the oven for an extra 5 minutes.You may need to modify the cook time by a few minutes.
Step 10: You can keep leftovers in the fridge for a week.
You can keep leftovers in the fridge if you put them in an air-tight container.If you want to heat them up, bake them at 350 F (177C) for 20 minutes or microwave them for 2 to 3 minutes.If you want to know how long the leftovers will be good for, label the container with masking tape and a date prepared.If you microwave your dish, make sure to cover it since it will be really hot when you take it out.
Step 11: Spread out your ingredients by adding rice to your casserole.
It is possible to use almost any kind of rice in a broccoli casserole, as long as you check the recipe to make sure it is fully cooked through.You can add 1 cup of rice to a casserole recipe.In recipes that simply get mixed together and then baked, minute-rice works well.In a recipe that requires some cooking time on the stove top, long grain wild rice will be better because it can be softened in a liquid.
Step 12: Adding chicken to your diet will add extra flavor.
1 to 2 cups of shredded chicken can be used.Before you put the casserole in the oven, mix it with the rest of your ingredients.It's a great way to use chicken leftovers.You can shred cooked breasts and thighs with a fork.Pick up a rotisserie chicken at the grocery store and use it in your recipe.
Step 13: Make your casserole low in calories and fat.
Instead of crackers and rice, make a mixture of broccoli, cheese, sour cream, and chicken.Line a baking tray with steamed broccoli and cover it with a mixture of sour cream, shredded chicken, and shredded cheese.It should be baked in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes.This is a great dish that is high in calories.
Step 14: Fresh veggies can be used to increase the flavor component.
While broccoli is the main component of broccoli casserole, you can also add fresh mushrooms, onion, celery and carrots to make a more delicious dish.You can cook your recipe with a 1/2 cup of your choice of veggies.The veggies might not get as soft if you cook them first.
Step 15: Try other kinds of cheese in a casserole.
Mozzarella, swiss, white cheddar, blue cheese, and provolone are all new to you.Check out some different recipes online to find inspiration or use your favorite kind to see how the recipe changes.To change the flavor profile of the casserole, you could mix cheddar cheese with something else, like swiss.You should always use shredded or crumbled cheese in your casserole recipe as it will melt a lot better than cheese that hasn't been shredded.