Weeknight Dolly Parton Recipes Dinner Broccoli Bake

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Bringing the Weeknight Dolly Parton Broccoli Casserole to life is as easy as combining, layering, and baking. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a bubbly, golden, and cheesy broccoli bake ready to serve.

1. Preheat the Oven
   Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.

2. Combine the Base Ingredients
   In a large mixing bowl, stir together:

   • 2 (10 oz) packages of frozen chopped broccoli, thawed and drained

   • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup

   • ½ cup mayonnaise

   • ½ cup finely chopped onion

   • 2 large beaten eggs

   • 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese
     Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Transfer to Baking Dish
   Spread the mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish, smoothing out the top with a spatula.

4. Add Cheese Layer
   Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese evenly across the top for that irresistible cheesy finish.

5. Prepare the Cracker Topping
   In a small bowl, combine:

6. Top the Casserole
   Sprinkle the buttery cracker crumbs over the cheese layer to form a crunchy, golden topping.

7. Bake
   Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes. The casserole should be bubbly around the edges and golden brown on top. If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil.

8. Cool Before Serving
   Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes after baking. This helps it set and makes slicing easier.

This recipe is a shining example of comfort food that’s quick, hearty, and family-friendly. It’s easy enough for beginners yet satisfying enough to become a weeknight regular.

Nutrition Snapshot (Optional)

This broccoli casserole is rich and comforting, but it’s also easy to adapt to suit your nutritional needs. Here’s a general estimate for a single serving (based on 8 servings per casserole):

• Calories: ~320

• Protein: ~10g

• Fat: ~22g

• Carbohydrates: ~18g

• Fiber: ~3g

• Sugar: ~2g

Tips to Lighten It Up:

• Use light or olive oil mayo

• Choose reduced-fat cheese

• Replace some mayo with Greek yogurt

• Try a low-sodium soup

These tweaks can reduce the calorie count without sacrificing too much of the rich flavor that makes this dish so beloved on boards like Cheesy Broccoli Bake.

Tips for Perfect Broccoli Casserole Every Time

Making a great casserole is about balance—creamy filling, crisp topping, and well-cooked veggies. Here are some key tips:

• Drain Frozen Broccoli Well
  Excess moisture is the enemy of texture. Press out as much water as possible after thawing.

• Mix Gently
  Overmixing can break down the broccoli and make the dish mushy. Combine just until incorporated.

• Taste Before Baking
  Taste the filling mixture before adding raw eggs. Adjust salt and pepper to your liking.

• Broil the Top if Needed
  If your casserole isn’t golden after baking, switch on the broiler for 1–2 minutes to crisp the top. Watch carefully to avoid burning.

• Let It Rest Before Serving
  This allows the cheese to set slightly, making it easier to serve neat portions.

With a little attention to detail, you’ll get a cheesy, savory, and satisfying result every time.

Variations and Add-Ons

This casserole is highly adaptable. Whether you want to make it a main course, pack in more vegetables, or switch up the flavor profile, here are some easy tweaks:

Protein Boosts

• Shredded Chicken: A perfect use for rotisserie chicken

• Diced Ham: Adds smoky, salty flavor

• Ground Turkey or Beef: Cook and drain before mixing in

Extra Veggies

• Cauliflower: Swap or combine with broccoli

• Chopped Carrots: Add sweetness and color

• Peas or Corn: Great for texture and kid-friendliness

Cheese Swaps

• Colby Jack: Melts beautifully

• Pepper Jack: Adds a little heat

• Mozzarella: For a milder, gooier finish

Topping Ideas

• French Fried Onions: For a crunchy twist

• Panko Breadcrumbs: Mixed with butter for extra crunch

• Crushed Cornflakes: Great gluten-free alternative

These additions help turn a classic side dish into a fully loaded meal, much like the creations featured under Easy Casseroles.

What to Serve with Dolly Parton Broccoli Casserole

This dish is hearty enough to stand alone, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of classic Southern and weeknight staples:

• Cornbread or Biscuits: Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce

• Roasted Chicken or Meatloaf: As a side dish for your protein

• Green Beans or Collard Greens: For a veggie-packed Southern plate

• Simple Salad: A crisp contrast to the creamy casserole

You’ll often see dishes like this one served at potlucks or Sunday suppers, listed alongside others in Southern cuisine or on Pinterest boards dedicated to cozy meals.

Make-Ahead & Freezer Instructions

Planning ahead? This casserole is a great candidate for both make-ahead prep and freezer storage.

Make-Ahead Tips:

• Assemble the Casserole (Unbaked)
  Cover tightly with foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.

• Before Baking: Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Add topping just before baking to preserve crispiness.

Freezing Instructions:

• Freeze Before or After Baking
  Wrap the dish tightly with foil and then plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 3 months.

• To Bake from Frozen:
  Remove plastic wrap, keep foil on, and bake at 350°F for 60–75 minutes. Remove foil for the last 10–15 minutes to crisp the top.

• To Reheat After Baking:
  Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

This make-ahead flexibility makes it ideal for meal prep or sharing with friends and family during busy seasons.

Storing Leftovers & Reheating Tips

Once baked, this casserole holds up well for days. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Reheat in Oven: Cover with foil and bake at 325°F until hot (about 20 minutes).

• Reheat in Microwave: Use medium power in 1-minute increments to avoid overheating the cheese.

Tip: To keep the topping crunchy, reheat in the oven instead of the microwave when possible.

FAQs

What is Dolly Parton’s broccoli casserole made of?
It features frozen broccoli, cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, eggs, and a buttery cracker topping. These ingredients come together to create a creamy, cheesy, Southern-style comfort dish.

Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Yes. Steam or blanch it briefly before using to ensure it’s tender but not mushy. Make sure to dry it well to avoid a watery casserole.

Is this casserole kid-friendly?
Absolutely. The cheese and cracker topping make it appealing to picky eaters, and it’s easy to sneak in other veggies if needed.

Can I make this vegetarian or vegan?
It’s vegetarian as written. For a vegan version, use a dairy-free soup, vegan mayo, egg replacer, and plant-based cheese. Use crushed vegan crackers for the topping.

How do I keep the topping from getting soggy?
Always bake uncovered. For extra crunch, broil the top for 1–2 minutes at the end. Don’t add the topping until right before baking.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes, it doubles well. Use a larger baking dish or two 9×13 pans. Add extra baking time and rotate pans halfway through for even cooking.

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