Brenda Gantt Golden Broccoli Casserole Recipe

Home-style casseroles bring warmth and comfort to everyday meals. The Brenda Gantt Golden Broccoli Casserole Recipe feels welcoming and familiar, made with care and simple love.

I grew up watching Southern cooks turn basic ingredients into very special, and Brenda Gantt’s style does just that. Her cooking feels honest, slow, and full of heart.

When Brenda Gantt posted her golden broccoli casserole, it quickly caught everyone’s attention – and for good reason. This dish comes out creamy in the center, rich with buttery cheese, and topped with a golden crunch.

I love how it fits right in at holiday tables, church potlucks, and easy Sunday dinners at home. It brings comfort without stress and pleases.

Today, I’m sharing the exact copycat recipe with all my tested tips, so you can bring this Southern favorite to your own table with confidence.

What Is Golden Broccoli Casserole?

Golden broccoli casserole is a baked dish that combines tender broccoli florets with a rich, creamy sauce and a buttery cracker crust.

The “golden” name comes from the buttery Ritz cracker topping that bakes into a crispy, beautiful layer on top.

Inside, you’ll find layers of broccoli coated in a mixture of mayonnaise, cream of mushroom soup, eggs, and melted Velveeta cheese. The sautéed onions add depth and a touch of sweetness.

This dish is neither heavy nor bland – it strikes a perfect balance. The broccoli stays slightly firm, the sauce binds everything together, and the Ritz cracker topping delivers a satisfying crunch.

It’s a classic Southern side dish that works for both everyday dinners and special celebrations.

Why Brenda Gantt–Style Casseroles Are So Popular

• Simple ingredients: You don’t need to shop at specialty stores. Most of what you need is already in your pantry or fridge. This makes it easy for you to whip up a casserole anytime.
• Old-fashioned Southern flavors: Brenda’s recipes remind us of meals our grandmothers used to cook. They taste like tradition. The flavors are rich, buttery, and full of comfort. You can taste the care in every bite.
• Recipes that feel homemade and comforting: These dishes aren’t complicated. They’re the kind of food that makes you feel good. When you take a bite, it feels like someone made it just for you. That warmth is what keeps people coming back.
• Connection to classic dishes: Casseroles like this one show up at Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter tables across the South. They’re part of celebrations and special meals. When you make one, you’re continuing a tradition that’s been passed down for years.

What You’ll Love About This Copycat Recipe

1. Super creamy and cheesy: The Velveeta melts beautifully into the sauce, creating a smooth, luscious texture. Every forkful is rich and satisfying without being too heavy.

2. Crunchy topping adds texture: The crushed Ritz crackers bake up golden and crispy. They give you that satisfying crunch that balances out the creamy filling underneath.

3. Perfect for feeding a crowd: It’s great when you’re hosting or need to bring something to share. Everyone can get a generous serving.

4. It’s beginner-friendly: You don’t need advanced cooking skills. The steps are straightforward. Even if you’ve never made a casserole before, you can handle this one with ease.

5. It pairs with almost anything: This dish is so flexible, you’ll find yourself serving it with almost everything.

Brenda Gantt Golden Broccoli Casserole Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this casserole. Most of these ingredients can be swapped if you need to use what you have on hand.

• Broccoli (4 large heads or 32 oz frozen florets): Fresh broccoli gives a nice crunch and color. Cut them into bite-size florets so they cook evenly. Frozen broccoli is fine too—just make sure to thaw and drain it first so the casserole doesn’t get watery.
• Butter (½ stick, for sautéing onions): Butter gives the casserole that rich flavor. It helps soften the onions and brings out their sweetness. You can use margarine or even olive oil instead if you like a lighter version.
• Onion (1 large, chopped): Onions add a mild, savory flavor. Make sure to sauté them until tender and golden. If you’re not a fan of onions, use green onions for a milder taste.
• Mayonnaise (1 cup): This gives the casserole a creamy texture. It mixes well with the soup and eggs to make everything smooth. Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute if you don’t want mayonnaise.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): This is what gives the casserole that creamy base. It ties everything together. You can also use cream of chicken soup for a slightly different flavor.
• Eggs (2 large): Eggs help the casserole set as it bakes. They also add a little bit of richness. Make sure to beat them lightly before mixing.
• Velveeta Cheese (⅓ block, about 8 oz, cut into small cubes): Velveeta melts beautifully and gives that smooth, cheesy layer. If you prefer sharper cheese, shredded cheddar works too—but it won’t be quite as creamy.
• Ritz Crackers (1 sleeve, crushed): The cracker topping adds a crispy, buttery layer on top. It’s simple but gives the perfect crunch. Saltine crackers can also be used if you don’t have Ritz.

Equipment Needed

1. Large Pot – For boiling sweet potatoes.
2. Large pot – for steaming broccoli
3. Skillet – for sautéing onions
4. Mixing bowl – for combining the casserole ingredients
5. Spatula or large spoon – for folding and spreading the mixture
6. 9×13-inch casserole dish – for baking
7. Zip-top bag – for crushing the Ritz crackers

How to Make Brenda Gantt Golden Broccoli Casserole At Home

Step 1 | Prepare the Broccoli

Start by washing fresh broccoli heads. Cut large florets into smaller, bite-sized pieces, small enough to eat easily. When using frozen broccoli, skip the washing and cutting.

Step 2 | Steam the Broccoli

Bring water to a boil in a large pot. Place broccoli florets in a metal colander and set it over the boiling pot. Cover with a lid and let the steam cook the broccoli for about 3–4 minutes. The florets should be slightly tender but still crisp, as they will cook more in the oven. Once steamed, set the broccoli aside.

Step 3 | Cook the Onions

While the broccoli steams, chop a large onion into small pieces. Melt half a stick of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent, about 5–7 minutes. Turn off the heat and set aside.

Step 4 | Make the Creamy Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine one cup of mayonnaise, one can of cream of mushroom soup, and two eggs. Mix well until smooth and fully blended.

Step 5 | Add the Cheese and Onions

Cut off about one-third of a block of Velveeta cheese, then dice that portion into small cubes. Add the cheese cubes to the creamy mixture. Pour in the cooked onions along with the melted butter from the skillet. Stir until evenly mixed.

Step 6 | Combine with Broccoli

Gently fold the steamed broccoli into the creamy mixture using a spatula. Handle the florets carefully to keep them intact while ensuring every piece is coated with the sauce.

Step 7 | Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the mixture into a 9×13-inch casserole dish and spread it evenly with a spatula.

Step 8 | Add the Cracker Topping

Place a sleeve of Ritz crackers into a zip-top bag and seal tightly. Use a rolling pin or can to crush the crackers into small pieces—not too fine, to keep a bit of crunch. Sprinkle the crumbs evenly over the casserole.

Step 9 | Bake the Casserole

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole for 30–40 minutes, until the edges bubble and the cracker topping turns golden brown.

Step 10 | Serve and Enjoy

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes scooping easier. Serve warm and enjoy a comforting, homemade dish.

Expert Tips for the Best Golden Broccoli Casserole

• Drain frozen broccoli well: Frozen broccoli holds a lot of water. Thaw it fully, then press it with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. This keeps the casserole thick and creamy, not watery.
• Use freshly shredded cheese if substituting Velveeta: Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that can affect texture. Shredding cheese from a block gives a smoother, creamier result when using cheddar or another cheese.
• Add extra butter to the cracker topping: Melt about two tablespoons of butter and drizzle it over the crushed crackers before baking. This helps the topping brown evenly and adds extra crunch.
• Try different cracker toppings: Ritz crackers work great, but Club crackers, Townhouse crackers, or even panko breadcrumbs mixed with butter give a nice change in texture.
• Season the broccoli while steaming: Add a pinch of salt to the boiling water or lightly salt the broccoli as it steams. This adds flavor inside the broccoli, not just in the sauce.
• Check your oven temperature: Ovens can run hot or cool. Using an oven thermometer helps make sure it’s truly at 350°F, so the casserole cooks evenly without burning the topping.

What to Serve with Golden Broccoli Casserole

I love pairing this casserole with roasted meats like chicken, baked ham, or grilled pork chops. The creamy texture balances the savory richness perfectly.

You can also serve it alongside fried catfish, baked salmon, or grilled tilapia. The mild broccoli flavor won’t overpower your fish.

During holidays, I place this dish right next to sliced turkey or glazed ham on the table. It holds up well among other rich sides.

For a simple weeknight meal, try it with meatloaf or Salisbury steak. Add mashed potatoes and dinner rolls to complete the plate. Even plain grilled chicken breasts work beautifully.

The casserole adds enough richness that you don’t need heavy sauces.

Storage, Make-Ahead, and Reheating Tips

Let the baked casserole cool completely. Cover it tightly with foil or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

1. To Make Ahead: Assemble the entire casserole (without baking) up to a day ahead. Cover and store it in the fridge. When ready, bake it straight from the fridge; you may need to add 5-10 extra minutes.

2. To Freeze: Assemble the unbaked casserole in a freezer-safe dish. Wrap it very well in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.

3. To Reheat: Warm single portions in the microwave. For larger amounts, reheat the casserole, covered with foil, in a 325°F oven until hot throughout, about 20 minutes.

Brenda Gantt Golden Broccoli Casserole FAQs

1. How does the casserole stay firm after baking?

Eggs play a key role in setting the dish. As the casserole bakes, the eggs gently firm up the mixture. Letting the casserole rest after baking also helps it hold together better, making it easier to scoop and serve without falling apart.

2. How can the topping stay crisp?

Crushing the crackers into small but uneven pieces helps. Bake uncovered so moisture escapes. Serving soon after baking also keeps the topping crisp and lightly golden rather than soft.

3. Can this recipe be made lighter?

Lighter versions use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise and reduced-fat soup. Olive oil can replace butter for the onions. These changes lower richness while keeping the structure intact. The texture stays creamy, though the flavor becomes slightly tangier.

4. How do I keep the topping from burning?

If the topping browns too fast, loosely cover the casserole with foil. This protects the topping while the dish finishes cooking. Remove the foil for the last few minutes to crisp it back up. You can also bake the casserole on a lower oven rack to reduce direct heat.

5. Can I add other vegetables to this casserole?

Yes, you can add other vegetables like cauliflower, carrots, or peas. Chop them into small pieces and steam or blanch them before adding to the mixture. Keep the total vegetable amount similar to the broccoli quantity so the sauce ratio stays balanced.

Adding too many vegetables can make the casserole watery. Drain any excess liquid from added vegetables before mixing them in.

6. Can I add cooked chicken to this recipe?

You can easily turn this side dish into a main course. Add about two cups of diced or shredded cooked chicken to the creamy mixture before baking. This makes a complete, hearty meal that is very filling for a weeknight dinner.

The Brenda Gantt Golden Broccoli Casserole Recipe earns its place on your table with steady comfort and rich flavor.

This copycat version works well for holidays or busy weeknight dinners, bringing warmth and care to every serving without added stress.