Crock Pot Broccoli Casserole
This Crock Pot Broccoli Casserole brings together tender yet crisp broccoli, a creamy, cheesy sauce, and a buttery, crunchy cracker topping. It’s a delicious side dish to add to your holiday dinner table.
Would you like to save this?
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
This one takes me straight back to Sunday dinners at my grandma’s. She’d always have some kind of broccoli casserole on the table, creamy, cheesy, always with something crunchy on top, and somehow it was the first thing everyone went for.
This version’s a little easier (thanks, slow cooker), but it still gives me that same cozy, comfort food vibe. It’s warm, nostalgic, and honestly? Kinda irresistible.
Ingredients
What to Serve With Broccoli Casserole
I like to serve broccoli casserole for the holidays. Not only is it a family-favorite, but since it cooks in the slow cooker, you can save on oven space.
If you are looking for more holiday dishes to try with your family, check out this Cajun Turkey Breast, Dijon Glazed Ham, Slow Cooker Hashbrown Casserole, Instant Pot Collard Greens, Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese, and this Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole. They are all crowd-favorites at our holiday gatherings.
Wendys Tips
- Use large broccoli florets (not tiny bits) so they don’t overcook or turn mushy.
- Watch cooking time, slow cookers vary. If yours runs hot, check early.
- If the top isn’t crisping as much as you like, you can broil the top (for a minute or two) after removing it from the slow cooker (if your insert is oven-safe).
FAQ
Do you have questions about this recipe? Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions.
Most likely, the broccoli wasn’t drained well. Be sure to thaw it fully and squeeze out the extra moisture with paper towels. You can also reduce moisture by using fresh broccoli instead.
Absolutely. You can prep the whole thing (minus the cracker topping), cover it, and refrigerate overnight. The next day, pop it in the slow cooker and cook as directed. Add the topping right before serving.
It can if added too early. That’s why it’s best to sprinkle it on during the last 15 minutes and cover loosely, so it warms without getting soft.
Crock Pot Broccoli Casserole
Equipment
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Slow Cooker
- towel or foil
Ingredients
- 24 ounces frozen broccoli florets thawed and drained
- 10.5 ounces cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup chopped green onion
- 2 eggs beaten
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 3.8 ounces Ritz crackers crushed
- ¼ cup melted butter
Instructions
- Spray a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick spray.
- In a large bowl, stir together the soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, onion (if using), eggs, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Fold in the thawed broccoli gently so it stays in pieces. Pour mixture into the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 1 ½ to 2 hours, just until hot and set. Avoid overcooking.
- About 15 minutes before serving, mix the crushed crackers with melted butter and sprinkle over the top.
- Cover loosely with foil or a towel until the topping is warm.
Notes
Additional tips:
- Using large broccoli florets helps prevent the casserole from getting mushy.
- Broccoli should be completely thawed and drained well.
- Lightly squeezed the broccoli florets in a paper towel to remove as much water as possible.
- Fresh broccoli can also be used to reduce the water content.
- Watch the broccoli for texture beginning at 1 hour to avoid overcooking.
- Check it every 30 minutes and serve when your desired consistency is reached.
Variations & Substitutions
- Use fresh broccoli instead of frozen, just steam or blanch it lightly first to reduce water.
- Swap cheddar for sharp cheddar, or mix in a bit of Monterey Jack or Mozzarella for a milder melt.
- Use cream of celery or a lighter “cream soup” version if you want to reduce heaviness.
- Add cooked chicken (cubed) to make it more of a full meal (turns it toward “broccoli chicken casserole”).
- Sprinkle crumbled bacon or fried onions instead of/besides the cracker topping for more texture.
Storage, Serving & Tips
- Storing: Leftovers go in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave (medium power) in 30‑ to 60‑second bursts until heated through, or in a 350°F oven until warmed.
- Make‑ahead tip: You could assemble everything (except the cracker topping) the night before, refrigerate, and then cook in the morning. Add the cracker topping just before serving.
Disclaimer:
Any nutritional data I provide is an approximation and actual dietary information can vary based on ingredients and proportion sizes.
