Southern Broccoli Casserole
An iconic southern broccoli casserole is something every good cook should have up their sleeve. Here’s my version without any of the nutty stuff–no rice, no onions, no eggs, no SPAM because good Lord. What’s that about? Plus the story of how one casserole and some fried apples brought two unlikely girls to a brief bit of friendship.
My freshman year in college, I was homesick for the food I loved. The cafeteria stuff just wasn’t cutting it and you can only eat so many pizzas.
“What do you want?” My mom asked over the phone.
“I wish I had fried apples, broccoli casserole and pork chops. ” I said.
We finished our call and nothing else was really said about the food until a few hours later when my dorm room phone rang.
“Rachie? I’m here!” My mom’s voice crackled over the intercom on the dorm porch.
Wait. What?
Yes I have the best mom ever. (Be sure to tell her that if you see her.)
She handed over the food which she had managed to keep hot on a two and a half hour car ride, gave me a hug, told me she loved me and then got back in the car to go home. She didn’t stay 15 minutes.
It was touching for sure–but it was what happened after that that I remember most. Down the hall from my room was a girl named Shaquita. And she pretty much hated the world. Or at least maybe it was just me she hated. She slammed doors, never spoke unless she was yelling about the noise we were making and never, ever socialized.
As I drug my spoils to the dorm kitchen to sort out what sort of goodies I had, Shaquita appeared in the doorway. She looked at my food.
“What is that?” she asked.
“Oh my mom made me dinner and brought it to me.” I said.
She looked stunned. And as she turned to go, I said “Would you like to have some with me?”
She looked like I had just asked her if I could borrow her underwear.
“Seriously? Yes.” She said.
So she and I, sat down on the floor in my room as I explained what the food was. She’d never had a homemade southern broccoli casserole or fried apples even though she was from Alabama. We ate like pigs. We loved every minute of it.
And after that? Well we never were best friends, but at least she would cast a little smile my way from time to time–before she slammed the door.
Tips for the best southern broccoli casserole
I like the ease of frozen chopped broccoli here–I’d recommend it over fresh. And I know I’m not much for a “can of cream of xyz soup” but in this case, it’s pretty important. If you don’t like celery I say don’t sweat it because you won’t taste it.
We don’t go overboard on the mayonnaise in this southern broccoli casserole either. I’ve seen a few recipes that use up to a cup. Yikes. But there is some leeway here if you want to add something you consider essential–like more mayo, or those stupid onions/eggs/rice that I think are shameful here. It’s yours after all–I’ll just cover my eyes and let you go for it and we’ll still get along.
Southern Broccoli Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 10-ounce bags frozen chopped broccoli thawed
- 1 10.5-ounce can cream of celery soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise not Miracle Whip
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- dash pepper
- 1/2 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed about 1 cup
- 2 tablespoons butter room temperature or cold is fine
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375. Lightly spray a 1 1/2 quart baking dish with cooking spray. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix the broccoli, soup, milk, mayonnaise, cheese, salt and pepper and stir to combine.
- Transfer to the baking dish and cover with the crushed crackers. Dot with small chunks of the butter over the crackers.
- Bake until bubbly on the edges and hot in the center--about 30 minutes. Serve warm. Reheats really well too. Y
I have been looking for this recipe but 10oz of cauliflower and 10oz Broccoli and can 9×13 baking pan be used
Yes you can use a 9×13. I’d say just swap in some cauliflower and it should be fine. –Rachel
Made this tonight. Quick, easy and dicious! Only change I made was to add a beaten egg to firm it up a bit.
I am not allowed to show up for Thanksgiving Dinner (per nieces and nephews) without this in hand.
Delicious!!!!! Big hit with the family!!
I veganized your recipe, and I’ll definitely make this again, with just a few modifications to make more of a vegan meal, rather than a side. Thank you!
It is currently in the oven (almost done and looking picture perfect ) and I can’t wait til its done! I made a couple tweaks… instead of just broccoli I did half broccoli and half cauliflower , instead of cream of celery I used cream of Bacon. And I love cracker topping so way more of that ? Were having it with smashed taters and rotisserie chicken mm mmmm mmm
Wow Carla, if you’re happy with those adjustments I sure won’t knock it. 😉 –Rachel
Sounds good making for Easter tomorrow looks and sounds a lot like what my mom used to make trying to find one just as close thanks
What a fantastic mom you have! This is the perfect recipe for broccoli casserole (maybe a little onion). Pinned. I’ll be making pork chops, fried apples, and broccoli casserole for Sunday dinner! Thanks for sharing!
I love your Mom and your aunt. We go to church together. I dont know your dad very
well but, my husband thinks highly of him and enjoys time spent with him.
I love your thoughts about broccoli casserole!
I’m fixing it for after church tomorrow to share with extended family. I think I might just make pork chops to go along with it! Banana cake with browned butter frosting for dessert. (Got to keep our sons-in-law happy ?) God bless you.
Hey Katie! Mom has mentioned your name to me before! I think they are pretty super people–she and Aunt Carolyn are a real combination when they are together. And my dad–well, there aren’t a lot like him left these days. I hope you enjoy the casserole. It’s mom’s recipe. 😉 And anything with browned butter in it is a-ok in my book. I’d love to try that. You’ll have to email me over your recipe! –Rachel
You have me wanting this casserole. Sorry, I might have to put a little onion in there. Lol
Okay Kim, go ahead with the onions. I’ll just close my eyes!!