Mamaw’s Broccoli Casserole (No Condensed Soup)

Hello, friends! Today, I’m sharing a special recipe that brings back fond memories of holiday gatherings in Mamaw’s warm, cozy kitchen. This broccoli casserole is a comforting dish that’s been a staple in our family for generations. It’s easy to make and perfect for family gatherings or weeknight dinners.

This casserole is packed with tender broccoli florets, creamy mayonnaise, and sharp cheddar cheese, all bound together with a rich mushroom-flavored roux. I’ve added my own twist to Mamaw’s original recipe by incorporating minced garlic, fresh thyme, and a zest of lemon to brighten the flavors. The topping of herb stuffing mix, mixed with melted butter, adds a deliciously crunchy contrast to the creamy interior.

The key to this dish is the roux, which replaces the canned cream of mushroom soup from the original recipe. It’s easy to make and gives the casserole a homemade touch that’s truly special. Plus, the addition of finely chopped mushrooms ensures that we don’t miss out on that classic mushroom flavor. This updated version keeps all the comforting nostalgia of Mamaw’s kitchen while adding a bit of fresh flair.

Let’s get cooking! If you want to see Mamaw’s original version, you can find it at the bottom of this post.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup finely chopped mushrooms
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 cup milk
• 2 packages broccoli florets, steamed and chopped
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Butter or cooking spray for greasing the dish
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1/2 package herb stuffing mix

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and become tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Add 2 tablespoons of flour to the saucepan and cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is bubbly.
4. Gradually whisk in 1 cup of milk and cook until thickened.
5. In a large bowl, mix the steamed and chopped broccoli, egg, mayonnaise, chopped onion, mushroom-flavored roux, grated cheddar cheese, minced garlic, thyme, and lemon zest until well combined.
6. Grease a 2-quart casserole dish with butter or cooking spray.
7. Transfer the mixture to the greased casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
8. In a separate bowl, combine the herb stuffing mix with the melted butter, then sprinkle it over the broccoli mixture.
9. Bake for 30 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Tips and Tricks

• Fresh is Best: If you have fresh broccoli on hand, you can use it instead of frozen. Just steam it before mixing it with the other ingredients.
• Cheese Choices: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Sharp cheddar gives a nice tang, but a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack can add a creamy twist.
• Add a Crunch: For an extra crunchy topping, mix some crushed crackers or fried onions with the stuffing mix.
• Make Ahead: This casserole can be assembled a day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate, then bake when you’re ready.
• Boost the Flavor: Minced garlic, thyme, and lemon zest add extra depth and brightness to this classic dish.

This broccoli casserole was my absolute favorite dish that Mamaw made. It was always on the table for holidays—Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter. The familiar aroma of the casserole baking in the oven brings back so many cherished memories. I remember standing on a stool next to Mamaw, trying to help out. She’d let me mix the ingredients while telling me stories about her childhood. Her kitchen was simple and small but always filled with warmth and love. We’d sit around the table, enjoying the fruits of our labor.

Over the years, I’ve ended up with my own twist on Mamaw’s original recipe by incorporating lemon zest, thyme, and garlic, and I make a homemade roux instead of using condensed soup.

I hope you enjoy this broccoli casserole as much as my family does. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out in the comments below. Do you have a special family recipe that brings back memories? Share it with me! Don’t forget to follow me on social media for more recipes and kitchen tips.

Mamaw’s Original Broccoli Casserole Recipe

• 2 packages broccoli florets, chopped
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1/2 package herb stuffing mix

Instructions

1. Cook broccoli slightly less than package instructions.
2. Mix broccoli, egg, mayonnaise, onion, soup, and cheese. Put in a greased 2 qt. casserole.
3. Mix stuffing with melted butter and sprinkle over broccoli.
4. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.