Creamy French Onion Broccoli Cheese Casserole

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Golden, bubbling, and irresistibly creamy, this French Onion Broccoli Cheese Casserole is comfort food perfection. Each spoonful is loaded with tender broccoli florets smothered in a luscious cheese sauce, layered with savory French onion flavor, and finished off with a crispy topping of fried onions and cheddar cheese.

It strikes the perfect balance between indulgent and wholesome, making it a go-to side dish for holiday feasts or a standout vegetarian main any day of the week. This casserole brings together textures and bold flavors in every creamy, cheesy bite.

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Why You’ll Love This Creamy French Onion Broccoli Cheese Casserole

• Rich & Creamy: The cheese sauce is ultra-smooth, coating every bite with flavor.
• Bold Flavor: French onion soup mix adds deep umami and onion depth.
• Vegetarian Comfort Food: Meatless, but deeply satisfying.
• Quick Assembly: Uses simple pantry ingredients and frozen broccoli.
• Family Favorite: It disappears fast at potlucks and holidays.

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What Makes This Casserole So Delicious?

What Kind of Broccoli Should I Use?

Frozen broccoli florets work beautifully here. They’re convenient, consistent in size, and hold up well to baking. If you prefer fresh broccoli, just steam it lightly first so it stays tender in the oven.

Can I Use a Different Cheese?

Yes! Sharp cheddar is the classic base, but feel free to mix in mozzarella for meltiness or a bit of Gruyère for a nutty twist.

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Ingredients for the Creamy French Onion Broccoli Cheese Casserole

• Broccoli Florets: These bring color, texture, and a nutrient-rich crunch that holds up in the cheese sauce.
• Cream Cheese: Adds body and tang, creating a smooth and rich base.
• Sour Cream: Boosts creaminess and gives a subtle tang that balances the richness.
• Mayonnaise: Enhances the silky texture and depth of flavor.
• French Onion Soup Mix: Packs savory onion flavor without the need for sautéing.
• Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Melts into the sauce and adds gooey goodness and sharp bite.
• Fried Onions: Offer a crispy, golden topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy base.
• Garlic Powder: Rounds out the flavor profile.
• Black Pepper: Adds a hint of heat to cut through the richness.

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How To Make the Creamy French Onion Broccoli Cheese Casserole

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and set it aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Broccoli Base

If using frozen broccoli, steam or microwave it until just tender and drain well. For fresh broccoli, lightly steam it to soften slightly.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, stir together the cream cheese (softened), sour cream, mayonnaise, French onion soup mix, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix until fully combined and smooth.

Step 4: Add the Cheese and Broccoli

Fold in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese and all of the prepared broccoli florets. Stir gently to coat the broccoli evenly in the creamy mixture.

Step 5: Transfer to Baking Dish

Spoon the broccoli-cheese mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 6: Top and Bake

Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top. Add the crispy fried onions in an even layer.

Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes or until hot and bubbly and the onions are golden brown.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. The sauce will thicken slightly as it cools.

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How to Serve This Cheesy Broccoli Bake

This casserole yields 8 servings and pairs beautifully with roasted meats, holiday mains, or simply a loaf of crusty bread for a comforting vegetarian meal. It’s hearty enough to stand on its own or be part of a larger spread.

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Best Way to Store and Reheat

To store, allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.

To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for 1–2 minutes or rewarm in a 350°F oven until heated through. Add a little extra cheese on top if desired!

Freezing isn’t ideal due to the cream-based sauce separating upon thawing, but it can be done in a pinch. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole up to a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Add the fried onions right before baking.

Can I use fresh onions instead of French onion mix?
You can sauté onions and add beef bouillon or Worcestershire sauce for depth, but the dry mix makes this dish fast and flavorful.

Is this casserole gluten-free?
Check your French onion soup mix and fried onions. Many brands contain wheat, but gluten-free options exist.

Can I add protein to this dish?
Definitely. Cooked chicken or crumbled bacon can be mixed in for a heartier version.

What can I use instead of mayonnaise?
You can replace it with more sour cream or Greek yogurt for a lighter twist.

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Want More Casserole Ideas?

If you love this creamy broccoli bake, here are a few more hearty, comforting dishes you’ll want to try next:

• Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Bake
• Runza Casserole
• Beef and Potato Casserole
• Chicken and Corn Skillet with Garlic Parmesan Rice
• Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go full cheese overload or lighten it up? Did you try adding bacon or a protein twist?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

Find more daily recipe inspiration on my Pinterest at Life With Livia.

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