Check out this Crack Broccoli Casserole chocked full of broccoli, crispy bacon, a zesty bite of ranch seasoning, and a combo of creamy cheeses to bring it all together. You won’t be able to stop eating this dish!
Everybody loves Broccoli, am I right?
Well, maybe not totally true, but this is one dish that might convert some of those folks that don’t think they like it. It’s just that good. And, it’s really easy to make.
After working all day, tending to duties at home or spending the day running errands and picking up groceries, I am looking for side dishes that meet a few simple criteria……
First, it needs to be super easy to assemble and have at least one fresh or frozen vegetable in it. 🙂 No brainer, huh! LOL
Second, it must contain simple ingredients that I have on hand in my pantry or refrigerator. This recipe: ✅ and ✅.
And finally, an ideal dish is one that I can make ahead and be able to store in the fridge until I’m ready to bake and serve or bake and take to an event or gathering. Crack broccoli: ✅, ✅, and ✅!
Do you have similar criteria or are you just hoping the kids like it and ask for it again? Of course, I hope for that too, but I also know that if they don’t like it, it just means more for me so it better be good. 😂
I am certain that once you try this Crack Broccoli Recipe there will be some newfound broccoli lovers in your home!
Or they will love broccoli even more than they did before and ask for this casserole over and over and over again.
If you love tasty side dish recipes, try my Easy Scalloped Potatoes (2 Ways), Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad with Bacon or Cowboy Pasta Salad.
Ingredients Needed For Crack Broccoli Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Crack Broccoli casserole.
- Butter
- Flour – all-purpose
- Milk – 2% or Whole
- Heavy Whipping Cream
- Ranch Seasoning
- Cream Cheese – cut into slices
- Cheddar Cheese – shredded
- Bacon – cooked and chopped
- Onions – sliced thinly
- Broccoli – chopped
How To Make Crack Broccoli
Follow these steps to make the best broccoli dish you’ve ever had!
Step 1
Start by spraying a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray. Set the prepared dish aside and preheat the oven to 325 degrees.
Step 2
Using a different stock pot or dutch oven, steam or blanche the broccoli for approximately 5 minutes. After the 5 minutes of steaming, immediately run cool water over the top of the broccoli to keep it from becoming overcooked.
Step 3
Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. When all the butter is melted, whisk in the flour to make a roux or paste.
Step 4
Next, gently add in the milk and cream and whisk it into the roux. Set heat to medium-high.
Step 5
Add in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, cream cheese and ranch seasoning and whisk. Continue whisking while the mixture cooks and thickens.
Step 6
Once the cheddar cheese and cream cheese has melted and thickened, stir in cooked broccoli.
Step 7
Gently stir in the green onions and 3/4 of the chopped bacon.
Step 8
Pour the crack broccoli mixture into the 9 x 13 inch prepared casserole dish.
Step 9
Top the mixture with the remainder of the bacon, green onions, and 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese.
Step 10
Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown and cheese has melted.
Crack Broccoli Recipe Notes And Tips
- This recipe will also fit in two 8″ square baking dishes. This would be helpful if you preparing this recipe for fewer people at a meal or to put in the freezer.
- The ingredient list states that you will need 4 – 8 oz of cream cheese. The amount you add is personal preference. I would recommend starting out with at least 4 oz and go from there.
- A 1-oz package of ranch seasoning contains 2 tablespoons of mix. So after you use some for this recipe, place the rest of the package in a ziploc bag for the next time OR double the recipe and freeze one of the casserole dishes for dinner next week. 😉
- I am not a fan of the chunky broccoli stalk but the stalk contains the most fiber and nutrients. So don’t cut them off and dispose of them, simply cut lengthwise so they are not as large or bulky and will cook more evenly.
Variations Of Crack Broccoli To Try
- Top with crushed Cheez-It’s, Ritz Crackers or maybe even some cornflakes.
- Toss in some sliced roasted almonds or sprinkle them on top before baking. YUM!
- Experiment with different cheeses to find out which kind is your favorite with this recipe. Sharp Cheddar, Parmesan, Pepper Jack, Colby Jack, American or Monterey Jack might be one of your new favorites.
- Add in a dash of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for a little extra zing. YUM!
- Add a little minced garlic to the broccoli and cheese mixture before pouring it into the casserole dish.
FAQs
Here are some common questions about making Crack Broccoli and the answers.
Here are some common questions about our Crack Broccoli recipe. If you don’t see your question below, please leave it in the comments so I can answer it!
Can I freeze this Crack Broccoli?
Definitely!!! If you have an extra pan or leftovers that you need to freeze, make sure they are in a freezer-safe bag or container before freezing. This broccoli can remain frozen for 4 – 6 months.
Once you remove it from the freezer, allow to defrost about halfway in the fridge or on the countertop then pop it in the oven at 450 degrees until warmed through.
How long will my Crack Broccoli leftovers stay fresh?
The leftovers should keep for about 3 – 5 days after it has been cooked in the refrigerator if stored in an air-tight container or resealable plastic bag.
Can I use frozen broccoli florets instead of fresh broccoli?
Most definitely! You can totally skip the steaming or blanching of the broccoli and just toss it into the cheese sauce for crack broccoli with a little more texture.
What should I do if my roux is a little too thick?
If you think the roux is too thick and clumpy, just add in a little melted butter to help thin it out.
And if the roux is too thin and runny, just add in a touch more flour to thicken it up.
More Scrumptious Side Dishes To Try
If you love this crack broccoli recipe, try these other recipes!
- Southern Sweet Potato Casserole
- Apple Cranberry Coleslaw
- Mashed Potato Puffs (2 Ways)
- Homemade Chunky Applesauce
- Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes
Crack Broccoli
This is the best broccoli dish you will ever have! Say hello to your new favorite vegetable.
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 tbsp ranch seasoning
- 4 - 8 oz cream cheese, cut into slices
- 3 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
- 2 green onions, sliced thinly
- 2 heads broccoli, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
- Grease a 9” x 13” casserole dish or two 8" square dishes. Set aside.
- In a large stockpot, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Meanwhile, in a separate pot, blanche or steam the broccoli for 5 minutes. Immediately run under cool water to stop broccoli from becoming overcooked.
- Once the butter is melted, whisk in flour to form a roux (paste).
- Whisk in the milk and cream and set heat to medium-high.
- Whisk in 2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese as well as the cream cheese (to personal taste) and ranch seasoning. Continue whisking as the mixture cooks and thickens.
- When the cheese has completely melted into the sauce, stir in the cooked broccoli.
- Add most of the chopped bacon and green onions and stir to combine.
- Fold the broccoli and cheese mixture into the prepared casserole dish.
- Top with remaining 1 cup of cheese, plus reserved chopped bacon and green onions.
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is browned and completely melted.
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