Brenda Gantt Golden Broccoli Casserole Recipe

Growing up, holidays meant my aunt’s famous broccoli casserole—creamy, cheesy, and topped with buttery crackers. After she passed, I longed for that familiar flavor until I discovered Brenda Gantt’s Golden Broccoli Casserole Recipe.

Brenda’s version, featured in her first cookbook (page 122!), brought back those warm memories. As a devoted fan, I’ve collected all her cookbooks and tried almost every recipe—this one remains my favorite!

If you love Brenda’s cooking but don’t have her first cookbook, just follow my steps to make the perfect Brenda Gantt Golden Broccoli Casserole Recipe right in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I know once you try this Brenda Gantt Golden Broccoli Casserole Recipe, it will become one of your go-to dishes. There are so many reasons to fall in love with this recipe!

1. Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and steps make this great for beginners.
2. Comforting and Cheesy – Packed with cheesy goodness and a buttery cracker topping.
3. Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for family dinners, potlucks, and holiday likes Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter dinner.
4. Make-Ahead Friendly – Can be prepared in advance to save time.

Ingredients You Will Need

To make Brenda Gantt’s Golden Broccoli Casserole, you will need the following ingredients:

• Fresh or frozen broccoli (32 oz) – I prefer fresh, but frozen works too. Make sure to use florets, not stems.
• 1 large onion, finely chopped – Adds a rich, savory flavor.
• 4 tablespoons (half a stick) butter – For sautéing the onions and adding richness.
• 2 large eggs – Helps bind everything together.
• 1 cup mayonnaise – Adds creaminess and enhances the flavor.
• 1/3 block of processed cheese (like Velveeta), cut into cubes – Melts beautifully and makes the casserole extra creamy.
• 1 can (10 oz) cream of mushroom soup – A key ingredient for that classic creamy texture.
• 1 sleeve buttery crackers (like Ritz), crushed – Used for the crispy topping.
• Another 4 tablespoons butter (for the topping) – Mixed with the crackers to create a crunchy, golden crust.

Possible Substitutions

If you don’t have all the ingredients on hand, here are some possible swaps:

1. Broccoli – Use cauliflower if you prefer a different veggie.
2. Mayonnaise – Swap with sour cream or Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.
3. Cream of Mushroom Soup – Use cream of chicken or cream of celery for a different flavor.
4. Processed Cheese – Try shredded cheddar, Colby-Jack, or a cheese blend instead.
5. Buttery Crackers – Panko breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes work as an alternative.

Kitchen Appliances Needed

To make this dish, you’ll need:

1. A large pot (for cooking broccoli)
2. A skillet (for sautéing onions)
3. A mixing bowl (for combining ingredients)
4. A 9×13-inch baking dish
5. A colander (for draining broccoli)
6. A knife and cutting board (for chopping onions and cheese)
7. An oven preheated to 350°F

How to Make Brenda Gantt Golden Broccoli Casserole

Step 1 | Prepare the Broccoli

Chop fresh broccoli into bite-sized florets, wash thoroughly, and drain. Boil a pot of water and cook the broccoli for four minutes. Drain well to remove excess moisture.

Step 2 | Sauté the Onions

Melt four tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until soft and translucent, about three to five minutes.

Step 3 | Mix the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs, then add mayonnaise and mix well. Stir in cubed cheese, cream of mushroom soup, and the sautéed onions.

Step 4 | Assemble the Casserole

Place the drained broccoli in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour the cheese mixture over the broccoli, gently mix everything together, and spread evenly in the dish.

Step 5 | Prepare the Topping

Melt four tablespoons of butter. Crush buttery crackers and mix them with the melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.

Step 6 | Bake

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake for about 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Perfect Dish

• Make sure to drain the broccoli well, so the casserole doesn’t turn watery.
• Don’t skip the buttery cracker topping—it adds the perfect crunch.
• Use a sharp knife to cut the processed cheese into small cubes for even melting.
• Keep an eye on the casserole while baking so it doesn’t dry out.

Make-Ahead Instructions

Assemble the casserole without adding the cracker topping. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add the topping and bake as directed.

For Freezing: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

What to Serve With Golden Broccoli Casserole

This casserole pairs perfectly with:

1. Roast Chicken or Turkey – A classic side for holiday meals.
2. Mashed Potatoes – Creamy potatoes complement the cheesy casserole.
3. Cornbread or Biscuits – For a true Southern meal.
4. Side Salad – A light, fresh contrast to the rich dish.

How to Store Leftover Golden Broccoli Casserole

In the Fridge

Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing. Transfer leftovers to an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days.

In the Freezer

For longer storage, wrap the casserole tightly with plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil, or place portions in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To restore the casserole’s texture and flavor, warm it in a preheated 350°F oven for about 15 minutes or until heated through. For a quicker option, reheat individual portions in the microwave using 30-second intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.

Brenda Gantt Golden Broccoli Casserole Recipe FAQs

1. Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes! Thaw a 32-oz bag of florets overnight. Drain well—squeeze out excess water with a towel.

2. How do I prevent a soggy casserole?

Overcooking broccoli or not draining it well causes sogginess. Cook broccoli just 4 minutes and shake the colander.

3. Can I skip the eggs?

Eggs help bind the sauce. If allergic, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water and add to the sauce.

4. What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?

Use cream of chicken or celery. For homemade, mix 1 cup milk, 2 tbsp flour, and sautéed mushrooms.

5. Can I add meat?

Absolutely! Stir in 2 cups diced cooked ham or rotisserie chicken before baking.

6. Why is my cheese sauce lumpy?

Processed cheese melts smoother than shredded. If using cheddar, let the sauce cool slightly before mixing.

7. How do I double the recipe?

Use a 12×18-inch pan and bake 35–40 mins. Check if the center is bubbly.

Continue to Content

Brenda Gantt Golden Broccoli Casserole Recipe

Yield: 8 Servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Make Brenda Gantt’s Golden Broccoli Casserole in just 45 minutes! This cheesy, creamy dish with a buttery cracker topping is perfect for any occasion

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Ingredients

• 32 oz fresh or frozen broccoli (florets only)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 4 tbsp butter (for sautéing onions)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/3 block processed cheese (Velveeta), cubed
• 1 can (10 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 sleeve buttery crackers (like Ritz), crushed
• 4 tbsp butter (for topping)

Instructions

Step 1 | Prepare the Broccoli

Chop fresh broccoli into bite-sized florets, wash thoroughly, and drain. Boil a pot of water and cook the broccoli for four minutes. Drain well to remove excess moisture.

Step 2 | Sauté the Onions

Melt four tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until soft and translucent, about three to five minutes.

Step 3 | Mix the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs, then add mayonnaise and mix well. Stir in cubed cheese, cream of mushroom soup, and the sautéed onions.

Step 4 | Assemble the Casserole

Place the drained broccoli in a 9x13-inch baking dish. Pour the cheese mixture over the broccoli, gently mix everything together, and spread evenly in the dish.

Step 5 | Prepare the Topping

Melt four tablespoons of butter. Crush buttery crackers and mix them with the melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.

Step 6 | Bake

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake for about 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 320Total Fat: 24gSaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 720mgCarbohydrates: 18gFiber: 3gSugar: 3gProtein: 9g

Conclusion

Brenda Gantt’s Golden Broccoli Casserole is the perfect comfort food. It’s creamy, cheesy, and topped with a buttery, crunchy crust. If you love Southern-style cooking, you’ll love this easy-to-make dish.

Try it for your next family meal, and let me know how it turns out! Don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest for more delicious recipes.