Alton Brown Broccoli Casserole: The Perfect Dish for Any Occasion

Oleh Warren Orn June 18, 2023 Post a Comment

Broccoli casserole is a classic dish that has been around for decades. It's a warm, comforting meal that's perfect for any occasion, whether it's a family dinner or a potluck with friends. And when it comes to broccoli casserole, Alton Brown's recipe is one of the best out there. In this blog post, we'll explore the ins and outs of Alton Brown broccoli casserole, from ingredients to cooking methods, and everything in between.

What Is Alton Brown Broccoli Casserole?

Alton Brown broccoli casserole is a hearty dish that's made with fresh broccoli florets, creamy mushroom soup, cheddar cheese, and crumbled Ritz crackers. It's a simple yet delicious recipe that's perfect for feeding a crowd. The dish is easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. You can add more or less cheese, use a different type of soup, or even toss in some cooked chicken or ham for added protein.

How to Make Alton Brown Broccoli Casserole?

To make Alton Brown broccoli casserole, you'll need the following ingredients:

2 pounds fresh broccoli florets
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Here's how to make it:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
Steam the broccoli florets until tender-crisp, about 5 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.
Add the steamed broccoli florets to the mixing bowl and stir gently until the broccoli is coated in the cheesy sauce.
Transfer the broccoli mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish.
In a separate mixing bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter. Stir well to combine.
Sprinkle the cracker mixture over the top of the broccoli casserole.
Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.

What Are the Benefits of Eating Alton Brown Broccoli Casserole?

Broccoli is a superfood that's packed with nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin K, fiber, and potassium. It's also low in calories and high in antioxidants, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to maintain a healthy diet. By incorporating broccoli into your meals, you can improve your overall health and reduce your risk of chronic diseases.

How to Serve Alton Brown Broccoli Casserole?

Alton Brown broccoli casserole is a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or as a side dish. It pairs well with a variety of proteins, such as chicken, ham, or beef, and can be served alongside a salad or some fresh bread. To make it a complete meal, simply add a protein source and a starch, such as rice or potatoes.

Tips for Making the Perfect Alton Brown Broccoli Casserole

Use fresh broccoli: Fresh broccoli has a better texture and flavor than frozen broccoli, so try to use fresh florets whenever possible.
Don't overcook the broccoli: Overcooked broccoli can become mushy and unappetizing. Steam the florets until they are tender-crisp, then drain well before adding them to the casserole.
Use quality ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will greatly affect the taste of the final dish. Invest in high-quality cheese, mayo, and crackers for the best results.
Customize to your liking: Feel free to add or subtract ingredients to suit your taste preferences. You can use a different type of soup, add more or less cheese, or even toss in some cooked chicken or ham.

How to Store Alton Brown Broccoli Casserole?

You can store Alton Brown broccoli casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply microwave the casserole on high for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.

How to Freeze Alton Brown Broccoli Casserole?

You can freeze Alton Brown broccoli casserole for up to three months. To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap. When you're ready to eat it, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat it in the oven until heated through.

What Are Some Variations of Alton Brown Broccoli Casserole?

Here are a few variations of Alton Brown broccoli casserole that you might want to try:

Swap out the mushroom soup for cream of celery or cream of chicken soup.
Use a different type of cheese, such as Swiss or pepper jack.
Add some cooked chicken or ham for added protein.
Toss in some sliced mushrooms or diced onions for extra flavor.

Why Is Alton Brown Broccoli Casserole So Popular?

Alton Brown broccoli casserole is popular because it's an easy and delicious comfort food that's perfect for feeding a crowd. The recipe is simple and straightforward, making it accessible to even novice cooks. Plus, the combination of cheesy broccoli and buttery Ritz crackers is hard to resist.

What Are Some Common Mistakes When Making Alton Brown Broccoli Casserole?

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when making Alton Brown broccoli casserole:

Overcooking the broccoli: Overcooked broccoli can become mushy and unappetizing. Steam the florets until they are tender-crisp, then drain well before adding them to the casserole.
Not draining the broccoli: Make sure to drain the steamed broccoli well before adding it to the mixing bowl. Excess moisture can make the casserole watery.
Using low-quality ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will greatly affect the taste of the final dish. Invest in high-quality cheese, mayo, and crackers for the best results.
Not crushing the Ritz crackers enough: The cracker topping should be finely crushed for optimal texture. Use a rolling pin or food processor to crush the crackers into small pieces.

Is Alton Brown Broccoli Casserole Healthy?

Alton Brown broccoli casserole is not the healthiest dish out there, but it can be part of a balanced diet if consumed in moderation. The dish contains broccoli, which is packed with nutrients, but also contains mayonnaise, cheese, and crackers, which are high in fat and calories. To make the dish healthier, you can use low-fat cheese and mayonnaise, and swap out the Ritz crackers for whole wheat crackers.

Alton Brown broccoli casserole is a classic comfort food that's easy to make and delicious to eat. With its creamy mushroom sauce, cheddar cheese, and buttery Ritz cracker topping, it's a dish that's sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Whether you're looking for a main course or a side dish, Alton Brown broccoli casserole is the perfect choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I make Alton Brown broccoli casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Alton Brown broccoli casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to reheat and serve it.

Q2: Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli instead of fresh, but the texture and flavor may be slightly different.

Q3: How many servings does this recipe make?

This recipe makes 6-8 servings.

Q4: Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can use a different type of cheese, such as Swiss or pepper jack, if you prefer.

Q5: Can I add chicken or ham to this recipe?

Yes, you can add cooked chicken or ham to this recipe for added protein.

Q6: How long does it take to cook Alton Brown broccoli casserole?

Alton Brown broccoli casserole takes about 25-30 minutes to cook in the oven.

Q7: Is Alton Brown broccoli casserole gluten-free?

No, Alton Brown broccoli casserole is not gluten-free due to the use of Ritz crackers.

Q8: Can I freeze Alton Brown broccoli casserole?

Yes, you can freeze Alton Brown broccoli casserole for up to three months.

Q9: What can I serve with Alton Brown broccoli casserole?

Alton Brown broccoli casserole pairs well with a variety of proteins, such as chicken, ham, or beef, and can be served alongside a salad or some fresh bread.