French Onion Broccoli Cheese Casserole: A Cozy 5-Ingredient Comfort Win

Name: French Onion Broccoli Cheese Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb broccoli florets, chopped; 1 (10.5-oz) can unsalted cream of mushroom soup; 1 cup refrigerated sour cream–based French onion dip; 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided; 1 (6-oz) container French fried onions, divided

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If there’s one thing I know for sure, it’s this: French Onion Broccoli Cheese Casserole is the kind of recipe that shows up right when you need it most. You know those days—when dinner needs to be comforting, crowd-pleasing, and not complicated? This is that dish.

Creamy, cheesy, and topped with crispy French fried onions, this casserole feels like a warm blanket after a long day. It’s simple enough for a busy weeknight but indulgent enough to earn a spot on your holiday table. And the best part? You only need five ingredients (yes, really), and about 30 minutes in the oven.

This is one of those “why didn’t I make this sooner?” recipes. Let’s dig in.

Why You’ll Love This French Onion Broccoli Cheese Casserole

Let me count the ways—because there are plenty.

Minimal prep, maximum payoff. Chop the broccoli, stir everything together, and let the oven do the heavy lifting.
Family-friendly comfort food. Even broccoli skeptics tend to come back for seconds (cheese works wonders).
Perfect side or main dish. Pair it with chicken or serve it solo with a salad—either way, it holds its own.
Budget-friendly ingredients. Nothing fancy here, just pantry and fridge staples doing their thing.
That crispy onion topping. Honestly? It steals the show.

This is comfort food without the chaos—and I’m always here for that.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s the beauty of this recipe: the ingredient list is short and sweet.

1 lb broccoli florets, chopped
Fresh broccoli gives the best texture, but frozen works in a pinch (more on that below).
1 (10.5-oz) can unsalted cream of mushroom soup
This creates that creamy, cozy base we all love.
1 cup refrigerated sour cream–based French onion dip
The secret flavor booster. It adds richness and that unmistakable French onion vibe.
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Sharp cheddar brings bold flavor, but mild works too.
1 (6-oz) container French fried onions
Crunchy, savory, and completely irresistible.

That’s it. No long grocery list. No overthinking.

How to Make French Onion Broccoli Cheese Casserole

This recipe is wonderfully straightforward—perfect for nights when your brain is as tired as your feet.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat and prep.
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Mix the good stuff.
In a large bowl, combine:
- Chopped broccoli
- Cream of mushroom soup
- French onion dip
- 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese
- Half of the French fried onions
Stir until everything is evenly coated. It won’t look glamorous yet—but trust the process.
Assemble the casserole.
Spread the broccoli mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish.
First bake.
Bake uncovered for 25 minutes. This gives the broccoli time to soften and the flavors to mingle.
Add the finishing touch.
Remove the dish from the oven. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup cheese and the rest of the French fried onions on top.
Final bake.
Return to the oven for 5 more minutes, just until the cheese melts and the onions are golden.
Serve and enjoy.
Let it cool for a few minutes, then dig in while it’s warm and bubbly.

French Onion Broccoli Cheese Casserole fresh from the oven with creamy broccoli, cheddar cheese, and crunchy French fried onions — Freshly baked French Onion Broccoli Cheese Casserole with a creamy center and irresistible crunchy onion topping.

Helpful Tips for Casserole Success

Because even the easiest recipes deserve a few insider tricks.

Using frozen broccoli?
Thaw it completely and pat it dry. Too much moisture can make the casserole watery.
Want it extra cheesy?
Add an extra ½ cup of cheese to the filling. No judgment here.
Prefer a crunchier topping?
Save the onions until the last 3–4 minutes of baking so they stay ultra-crispy.
If it looks thick, don’t panic.
That’s just concentrated comfort. Once it rests, the texture is perfect.

A Little Story from My Kitchen

I first made this French Onion Broccoli Cheese Casserole during one of those weeks—the kind where every day feels like a to-do list with legs. I needed something fast, familiar, and comforting enough to make dinner feel like a small win.

When I pulled it out of the oven, the smell alone changed the mood in the house. Plates were cleared. Seconds were requested. And suddenly, dinner felt less like a chore and more like a moment. That’s the magic of simple comfort food—it shows up when you need it most.

FAQs About French Onion Broccoli Cheese Casserole

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble everything except the final topping, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the cheese and onions right before baking.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Can I use a different cheese?

Yes! Monterey Jack, Colby-Jack, or even a little mozzarella work well. Just keep something melty in the mix.

Is this a side dish or a main dish?

Both! Serve it as a side with chicken or enjoy it as a cozy vegetarian main with a fresh salad.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and gluten-free fried onions, and you’re good to go.

Serving Ideas You’ll Love

This casserole plays well with others. Try it alongside:

Rotisserie chicken for an easy dinner
A crisp green salad to balance the richness
Holiday mains like ham or turkey—it fits right in

It’s flexible, dependable, and always welcome at the table.

A Cozy Finish You’ll Crave Again and Again

There’s something incredibly satisfying about recipes like this French Onion Broccoli Cheese Casserole—the kind that don’t ask much of you but give so much back. It’s warm, creamy, crunchy, and comforting in all the right ways.

Whether you’re feeding a busy family, bringing a dish to share, or just trying to make dinner feel a little easier tonight, this casserole has your back. Simple ingredients. Big flavor. Zero stress.

And if your kitchen smells like a cozy hug while it bakes? That’s just a bonus.

Cozy Recipes You Might Love Next

If this French Onion Broccoli Cheese Casserole hit the spot, there are a few other comforting favorites on the site that pair beautifully with the same cozy, homey vibe. Whether you’re planning another easy dinner or just bookmarking ideas for later, these recipes are worth a peek:

If you’re craving more of that deep, savory French onion flavor in a hearty meal, you’ll love French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole with rich, comforting flavor—it’s filling, family-friendly, and perfect for busy nights.
For a classic side dish that shows up for holidays and weeknight dinners, Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole everyone knows and loves is always a safe and satisfying choice.
If broccoli and cheese are your comfort-food love language, this High-Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup for cozy evenings is warm, creamy, and perfect when you want something soothing in a bowl.
And if you enjoy seeing another trusted take on this same cozy dish, you might appreciate this French Onion Broccoli Cheese Casserole from Plain Chicken for extra inspiration and variation.

These are the kinds of recipes that make meal planning feel easier—and a whole lot more comforting.