Okay, friends, gather ‘round because I’m about to share a recipe that’s been genuinely game-changer in my life. Crockpot Broccoli Cheese Casserole Is it like the love child of mac and cheese and your mom sneaking veggies into your house? Dinner, but way easier than both. Think of it as a cheesy hug in the bowl, but one you can just set and forget. Is it easier to make scalloped potatoes than mashed potatoes? My family goes nuts for it, and I’m betting yours will too!

What is a crockpot broccoli cheese casserole?

What is essentially a broccoli and cheese bake, but made entirely in your slow cooker? Think of it as the ultimate comfort food that requires minimal effort. We’re talking tender broccoli florets swimming in a sea of creamy, cheesy goodness, all cooked to perfection. How do you cook perfection in a crock What’s the best part? You can customize it to your liking! Add ham or chicken for a complete meal, or throw in some extra veggies like cauliflower or broccoli. How do I sneak healthy ingredients into a dish that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy? It’s essentially lazy girl gourmet, and I am *here* for it!

Why you should try this recipe?

Where do I even begin? This Crockpot Broccoli Cheese Casserole is a winner for so many reasons:

Flavor Bomb:What is the best combination of cheddar, cream cheese, and broccoli? It’s rich, cheesy, and o I like to throw in a little bit of Gruyere for extra flavor.
EffortlessWhat is the magic of a crockpot? What is the best way to cook a hot stove?
Budget Friendly The ingredients are all pretty affordable, and you can easily adapt the recipe to use what you already have on hand. Frozen broccoli works just as well as fresh, and any kind of cheese will do in a pinch. I’ve even used that bagged shredded cheese and it turned out great!
Super Versatile:What are some good side dishes to serve with grilled chicken or pork chops? What are some good potluck dishes to serve with friends? What I love most about this is, I can throw it together in the morning before work, and come home to find it all together. What is a delicious ready-to-eat dinner What are some of the best house smells?

How do I make a Crockpot Broccoli Cheese Casserole?

Quick Overview

How do I make a casserole? How do you cook everything in a crockpot? Let it cook until everything is melted and bubbly. Is the slow cooker foolproof?

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

4 cups fresh broccoli florets, or 2 (10 ounce) packages frozen broccoli, thawed. If using fresh, give them a good wash!
What is the best condensed cream of mushroom soup?
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened. (This is KEY! Don’t skip softening the cream cheese (or you’ll end up with lumps).
1 cup sour cream. (Adds a nice tang and creaminess.) Greek yogurt works in pinch too!
1/2 cup milk. (Any kind will do. I’ve even used almond milk, and it was surprisingly delicious!
1 teaspoon garlic powder. (Adds a nice savory flavor.)
1/2 teaspoon onion powder. (Same as above)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper. (Freshly ground is always best, but pre-ground is fine too.)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese. (I prefer sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor.)
What are some good ways to eat cooked ham or bacon, diced?

How do I follow step

Step 1: Prep the Crockpot

Lightly grease your slow cooker with cooking spray. How do you prevent a casserole from sticking to your hands? I always do this, even with my non-stick crockpot, just to be safe.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, softened cream cheese, sour cream, milk, garlic, and salt. Set aside. What is the difference between onion powder, pepper powder and garlic powder? Mix well until everything is smooth and creamy. How do you make sure the cream cheese is fully incorporated?

Step 3: Add Broccoli and Cheese

Add broccoli florets and cheddar cheese to a bowl. Mix well. How do you stir the cheesy sauce? If you’re adding ham or bacon, now’s the time to toss it in!

Step 4: Pour into Crockpot

How do I cook broccoli cheese in a crockpot? How do you spread it out evenly so everything cooks evenly? I make sure the broccoli is somewhat submerged in the sauce to prevent it from drying out.

Step 5: Cook

Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or on high for 1-2 hours. The casserole is done when the broccoli is tender and the cheese is bubbly. How long does it take for a crockpot to cook?

Step 6: Serve

Once the casserole is cooked, give it a good stir and serve immediately. Garnish with extra shredded cheese or a sprinkle of paprika, if desired. And get ready to watch it disappear!

What do you serve it with?

What are some great side dishes to serve with a crockpot Broccoli cheese casserole? What do you think about

What’s a good weeknight dinner?Serve with grilled chicken breasts, pork chops or a simple baked ham. Is it good with meatloaf?
For a Holiday Feast:What are some of the best side dishes to serve on Thanksgiving? What is a good alternative to green bean casserole?
For a Potluck:What are some good recipes for a casserole? It’s easy to transport and requires no last minute preparation.
As a Main Course: As an alternative to mainAdd some cooked chicken or ham to the casserole for a complete and satisfying meal. Serve it with a side salad for an easy and healthy dinner.

My family loves it with a side of crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious cheesy sauce. Is it good with a green salad?

How do I make a Crockpot Broccoli Cheese Casserole?

What are some tricks to make a good casserole?

Don’t overcook broccoli. Don’t Nobody likes mushy broccoli! Keep an eye on the casserole and cook it just until the broccoli is tender-crisp. If you’re using frozen broccoli, it will cook faster, so adjust the cooking time accordingly. I’ve made the mistake of overcooking it before, and it’s just not the same.
Use Good Quality Cheese: The better the cheese, the better the casserole. I always recommend using freshly grated cheese, as it melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese. And don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of cheese! Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or even a little bit of pepper jack can add a unique flavor.
Soften the Cream Cheese: I cannot stress this enough! Softened cream cheese is essential for a smooth and creamy casserole. If you forget to take it out of the fridge ahead of time, you can soften it in the microwave for a few seconds. Just be careful not to melt it!
Add Some Spice: If you like a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the casserole. It’s a great way to add some depth of flavor.
Don’t Be Afraid to Customize: This recipe is super adaptable, so feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavors. Add some sautéed onions or mushrooms for extra flavor, or swap out the broccoli for cauliflower or Brussels sprouts. Get creative and make it your own!
Layering the flavors: Sometimes I like to sauté the broccoli florets in a pan with garlic and olive oil before adding them to the slow cooker. This gives them a slight char and really brings out their flavor.

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you have any leftovers (which is rare at my house!), you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.

Reheating: You can reheat the casserole in the microwave, but it’s best reheated in the oven for the best texture. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and bake the casserole for about 15-20 minutes, or until it’s heated through. You can also reheat it in the slow cooker on low for a couple of hours.
Freezing: While you can technically freeze this casserole, I don’t recommend it. The texture of the cheese and broccoli can change when frozen and thawed, resulting in a less-than-desirable texture. But if you must, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Glaze Timing Advice: This casserole is best served immediately after cooking, but if you’re making it ahead of time, I would suggest adding any extra cheese topping just before serving to avoid it becoming soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just make sure to use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup. There are several brands available at most grocery stores. Also, double-check that your shredded cheese is gluten-free, as some brands add a coating that contains gluten.

Do I need to pre-cook the broccoli?

Nope! That’s the beauty of this recipe. The slow cooker will cook the broccoli perfectly. If you’re using fresh broccoli, just make sure to cut it into small florets so it cooks evenly.

Can I use a different kind of cheese?

Of course! Cheddar is classic, but you can use any cheese you like. Gruyere, Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a blend of cheeses would be delicious. Just make sure it’s a cheese that melts well.

Can I add meat to this casserole?

Definitely! Cooked ham, bacon, chicken, or even ground beef would be great additions. Just make sure the meat is cooked before adding it to the casserole.

My casserole is watery, what did I do wrong?

This can happen if your broccoli releases too much water during cooking. Make sure to drain the broccoli well before adding it to the casserole. You can also add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the mixture to help thicken it up.

Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Broccoli Cheese Casserole is a true kitchen staple. It’s easy, delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner or a comforting side dish for a holiday feast, this recipe has you covered. And the best part? It’s so adaptable, you can easily customize it to your liking. If you love easy, cheesy comfort food, then this recipe is definitely for you. And if you like this, you MUST try my slow cooker mac and cheese recipe next! It is one of the most popular recipes on my site!

So go ahead, give it a try! I can’t wait to hear what you think. And if you make any fun variations, be sure to share them in the comments below. Happy cooking!