Paula Deen–Style Broccoli Casserole – A Southern Comfort Classic

There are some dishes that feel like a warm hug the moment they come out of the oven, and this Paula Deen–style broccoli casserole is one of them. Rich, creamy, and unapologetically comforting, it’s the kind of recipe that shows up at church potlucks, holiday tables, and Sunday dinners where everyone secretly hopes for seconds before the dish is empty. This casserole turns humble broccoli into something indulgent and irresistible, wrapped in a velvety cheese mixture and finished with a buttery, crunchy topping that makes every bite memorable.

What makes this casserole so beloved is its balance. The broccoli brings freshness and texture, while the creamy base adds richness without overwhelming the vegetables. The topping—golden, buttery, and crisp—adds contrast that keeps the dish from feeling too heavy. It’s classic Southern cooking at its finest: simple ingredients, generous flavor, and a whole lot of heart.

This version is inspired by the comforting style often associated with Paula Deen’s cooking, but it’s written entirely from scratch and carefully tested to give you consistent, crowd-pleasing results. Whether you’re serving it alongside a holiday ham, a roast chicken, or enjoying it as a standalone comfort meal, this broccoli casserole belongs in your recipe box.

Ingredients:

• Fresh broccoli florets
• Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• Mayonnaise
• Sour cream
• Eggs
• Finely chopped onion
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Butter crackers, crushed
• Unsalted butter, melted

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking dish and set it aside.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and blanch for just 2–3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Drain immediately and let cool.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, and eggs until smooth and creamy.
4. Stir in the chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until evenly combined.
5. Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese, reserving a small handful for the topping if desired.
6. Gently stir the blanched broccoli into the cheese mixture, making sure every piece is coated.
7. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
8. In a separate bowl, combine the crushed butter crackers with melted butter until fully moistened.
9. Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the casserole.
10. Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the topping is golden brown.
11. Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly.

Paula Deen–Style Broccoli Casserole

A rich, creamy Southern-style broccoli casserole with cheddar cheese and a buttery cracker topping.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American, Southern

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Casserole

• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 large eggs
• 0.5 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper

Topping

• 1.5 cups butter crackers, crushed
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Saucepan
• Baking dish
• Whisk

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
2. Blanch broccoli briefly, then drain and cool.
3. Mix mayonnaise, sour cream, eggs, onion, and seasonings.
4. Stir in cheese and broccoli, then transfer to baking dish.
5. Top with buttered cracker mixture.
6. Bake until bubbly and golden, then rest before serving.

Notes

Let the casserole rest before serving for best texture.

Tips & Tricks

• Blanching the broccoli briefly keeps it vibrant and prevents it from becoming mushy during baking.
• Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor contrast to the creamy base.
• Letting the casserole rest before serving helps it slice neatly.

Variations

• Add cooked chopped chicken for a heartier main-dish version.
• Swap cheddar for Colby-Jack or a sharp white cheddar.
• Add a pinch of paprika or cayenne for subtle heat.

Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs beautifully with baked ham, roasted turkey, fried chicken, or pork tenderloin. It also works well as a comforting vegetarian main when served with a simple salad.

Storage Information
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.

FAQ

• Can I make this ahead? Yes, assemble it a day ahead and bake just before serving.
• Can I freeze it? Yes, freeze before baking for best texture.

History / Fun Facts
Broccoli casseroles became popular in Southern kitchens in the mid-20th century as home cooks embraced casseroles for their convenience and crowd-friendly nature. Over time, rich cheese sauces and crunchy toppings became hallmarks of the dish.