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Best Broccoli Casserole Ever

This is a wonderful broccoli casserole made with fresh broccoli florets. All nestled in a creamy sauce and topped with cheese crackers. Could it be any better? This comforting and warm side dish works with almost any meal and is loved by kids and adults alike.

What do you need to make Best Broccoli Casserole Ever:

  • 16 ounces of broccoli florets

  • 1 cup quinoa

  • 2 cups chicken broth

  • 2 tbsp oil

  • 1 clove minced garlic

  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • ¾ tsp salt

  • 1 cup lowfat milk

  • ½ tbsp butter

  • 8 ounces Cheddar Cheese, freshly grated

  • 1 cup crushed cheese flavored crackers

How to make Best Broccoli Casserole Ever:

FIRST STEP:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400*.
  2. Line a large baking dish with parchment paper.

SECOND STEP:

  1. Cook the quinoa, you can use vegetable or chicken broth.
  2. Slice the florets into bite-size pieces.

THIRD STEP:

  1. Toss the broccoli pieces with the oil to coat each.
  2. Sprinkle with salt and roast for 20 minutes, until the edges are caramelized and browning, and the pieces are tender.

FOURTH STEP:

  1. Pulse the cheese flavored crackers in the food processor.
  2. Toss cracker crumbs with melted butter and the minced garlic.

FIFTH STEP:

  1. Reduce the oven temperature to 350*.
  2. Mix the salt and pepper, and red pepper flakes into the quinoa and stir well.

SIXTH STEP:

  1. Place ¾ cup of Cheddar Cheese to the side.
  2. Add the remaining cheese to the pot of quinoa, add the milk.

SEVENTH STEP:

  1. Stir until all ingredients are mixed together well.
  2. Pour the cheesy quinoa into the lined baking pan.

EIGHTH STEP:

  1. Top with the roasted broccoli.
  2. Stir until the broccoli is mixed in and coated well.

NINTH STEP:

  1. Sprinkle the ¾ cup of cheddar cheese on top.
  2. Sprinkle the coated cheese crackers over the cheese.

TENTH STEP:

  • Bake, uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, until the top is golden brown.
  • Allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving.

  • Yield: 8
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes

Nutrition Information

  • Serving Size: 1
  • Calories: 120
  • Total Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 160mg
  • Sodium: 28mg
  • Carbohydrates: 140g
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Protein: 12g

Bonus Recipe: Cherry Delight Recipe

Looking for a delectable dessert that’s easy to make and sure to impress? Look no further! This cherry delight recipe is a winner in every way. With its layers of rich flavors and creamy textures, it hits the sweet spot for the dessert lovers out there. Whether it’s a potluck, a family gathering, or a special occasion, this dessert is guaranteed to steal the show.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cherry delight recipe is my go-to dessert when I’m short on time but still want to serve something delicious. It’s a no-bake treat that’s perfect for summer days or any time you want to keep your kitchen cool. The convenience of using store-bought ingredients combined with the homemade elements makes it a breeze to whip up. And the best part? It feeds a crowd! Made in a 9X13-inch dish, this dessert is perfect for potlucks, parties, and family dinners.

What Is Cherry Delight?

Cherry Delight is a mouthwatering dessert consisting of a graham cracker crust, a creamy cheesecake layer, and a generous topping of cherry pie filling. The crust is crunchy and buttery, the cheesecake layer is rich and smooth, and the cherry filling adds the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. It’s a match made in dessert heaven!

Ingredients

  • Crust:
    • 2 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
    • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
    • 3/4 cup butter, melted

  • Cheesecake Layer:
    • 2 (8-ounce) blocks cream cheese, softened
    • 1/4 cup sour cream
    • 1 (8-ounce) tub Cool Whip, thawed overnight in the fridge
    • 1 cup confectioner’s sugar
    • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

  • Topping:
    • 1 (21-ounce) can cherry pie filling

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (177ºC). Spray a 9X13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs (2 1/2 cups), melted butter (3/4 cup), and granulated sugar (1/4 cup). Press into the prepared baking dish. Bake in preheated oven until crust edges are golden, 12 to 14 minutes. Cool completely, on a wire rack, for about 45 minutes.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together cream cheese (2 blocks) and sour cream (1/4 cup) with an electric mixer until evenly combined.
  4. Add the confectioner’s sugar (1 cup) and vanilla extract (2 teaspoons) and beat for 2 minutes.
  5. Gently fold in the Cool Whip (1 tub) until well combined. Do not overmix!
  6. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the completely cooled crust. Refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours, or overnight.
  7. Just before serving, spread the cherry pie filling (1 can) over the top of the cream cheese layer. Cut into squares and enjoy!

Ingredients and Recipe Notes

  • Cool Whip: This recipe calls for Cool Whip, but you can also use homemade whipped cream for a different twist. Just keep in mind that homemade whipped cream may not be as stable as Cool Whip, so adjust the quantity accordingly.
  • Cherries: While cherry pie filling is the star of this recipe, you can get creative and try other pie fillings like apple or blueberry for a different flavor.
  • Cream Cheese: Soften the cream cheese by microwaving it in 10-second intervals until it feels soft and creamy.
  • Crust: The graham cracker crust can be easily substituted with other cookies like Oreos or Nilla Wafers for a unique twist.

How To Make Cherry Delight

  1. Mix the crust ingredients and press them into a baking dish. Bake until golden.
  2. Cream the cream cheese and sour cream together. Add confectioner’s sugar and vanilla and beat until smooth.
  3. Gently fold in the Cool Whip until well combined.
  4. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
  5. Just before serving, top it off with a generous amount of cherry pie filling.
  6. Cut into squares and enjoy!

Storing and Serving

This cherry delight can be kept in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to freeze it, simply slice it into individual servings, store them in airtight containers, and freeze for up to three months. It’s the perfect make-ahead dessert!

Give It a Try!

If you love creamy and luscious desserts, this cherry delight recipe is a must-try. Its layers of flavors and textures will satisfy even the most discerning sweet tooth. And if you’re craving more, be sure to check out my other delightful recipes like pineapple delight, butterscotch delight, chocolate delight, and eclair cake.

So why wait? Let’s whip up this amazing dessert and indulge in a treat that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!