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Broccoli Corn Crunch Casserole Recipe

Oh my goodness, if you’re looking for a cozy side dish that’s both crunchy and comforting, you’ve got to try this Broccoli Corn Crunch Casserole Recipe. It’s the perfect balance of creamy corn and tender broccoli, all topped with a delightfully crispy crouton crust that just keeps you reaching for more. Honestly, this casserole feels like a warm hug on a plate – perfect for family dinners or potlucks when you want something both simple and impressive.

One of the best things about this Broccoli Corn Crunch Casserole Recipe is how easy it comes together with just a handful of ingredients you probably already have on hand. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak some veggies into meals without anyone batting an eye. I remember bringing this to a holiday dinner, and everyone kept asking for the recipe because that crunch on top is just irresistible. I’m excited for you to give it a try!

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Simple Ingredient Combo: Frozen broccoli and canned cream-style corn make prep fast without sacrificing flavor.
  • Crunchy Topping: The crouton topping adds an amazing texture contrast that turns this from everyday to memorable.
  • One-Dish Wonder: You can make it ahead, bake it fresh or reheat leftovers – perfect for busy weeknights or guests.
  • Balanced Flavors: A hint of onion and black pepper seasons everything just right without overpowering the veggies.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Broccoli Corn Crunch Casserole Recipe relies on simple, everyday ingredients that each bring something special to the party. The frozen broccoli keeps things quick and nutrition-packed, while the cream-style corn adds sweetness and creaminess. The croutons are not just for texture – they soak up buttery goodness and create the signature crunch you’re going to love.

  • Frozen chopped broccoli: Easy to find, budget-friendly, and retains great texture when thawed and baked.
  • Canned cream-style corn: Adds moisture and a touch of natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with broccoli.
  • Salt: Simple seasoning that enhances all the flavors without overwhelming.
  • Egg, beaten: Acts as a binder to hold everything together in a creamy, cohesive casserole.
  • Chopped onion: Adds a subtle savory note that complements the sweetness of the corn.
  • Black pepper: Just enough spice to cut through richness and brighten the dish.
  • Butter or margarine, melted: Binds the croutons for a rich, golden crust with serious flavor.
  • Seasoned croutons: The star topping – crunchy, flavorful, and wonderfully buttery.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love that this Broccoli Corn Crunch Casserole Recipe is super flexible. You can add your favorite twists based on what you enjoy or what’s in your pantry. Whenever I want a bit more zing, I toss in some shredded cheddar or swap the seasoned croutons for crushed buttery crackers.

  • Variation: Adding sharp cheddar cheese before topping with croutons creates a richer, gooey casserole that’s a family favorite in my house.
  • Dairy-Free: Use vegan margarine and omit the egg or swap it for a flax egg if you want to keep it plant-based.
  • Extra Veggies: Stir in chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to boost the veggie game and flavor complexity.
  • Spicy Kick: A pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper adds a nice warmth if you like a little heat.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Broccoli Corn Crunch Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Broccoli

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a shallow 1 1/2 quart baking dish. This helps the casserole slide out after baking and makes cleanup easier. Then, thaw your frozen broccoli and drain it well—excess water can make your casserole soggy, so pressing it gently with a paper towel helps too.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base

Grab a medium bowl and mix together the beaten egg, cream-style corn, chopped onion, salt, and pepper. You’re building that flavorful, creamy base here, so don’t skip the seasoning. It might look simple now, but this combo will hold your veggies together beautifully!

Step 3: Combine and Layer

Stir the drained broccoli into your corn mixture, then fold in about 1 cup of the crouton and melted butter mix. Spread this thick, creamy mix evenly into your prepared baking dish. Save the remaining crouton mixture for the topping – that’s where the magic crunch happens.

Step 4: Crunch Time in the Oven

Sprinkle the remaining buttery croutons evenly on top, then pop the dish in your oven for 30-35 minutes. You want the topping golden and crisp and the casserole bubbling along the edges. When you smell that toasty aroma, you’ll know it’s ready to dig in!

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Pro Tips for Making Broccoli Corn Crunch Casserole Recipe

  • Drain Thoroughly: Make sure to drain the broccoli well to avoid a watery casserole—press gently with a towel after thawing.
  • Grease Generously: Butter your baking dish to help the casserole release cleanly and add a subtle richness.
  • Even Topping: Spread the croutons evenly on top so every bite gets that satisfying crunch.
  • Avoid Overbaking: Keep an eye after 30 minutes—the topping should be golden but not burnt, so check often towards the end.

How to Serve Broccoli Corn Crunch Casserole Recipe

A white rectangular dish holds a baked casserole with two main layers: the bottom layer is a mix of green broccoli florets and light green celery pieces, and the top layer is covered in golden brown toasted bread cubes that are crispy and uneven in size. The dish sits on a white marbled surface next to a white and green striped cloth. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

When I serve this casserole, I love to sprinkle a bit of freshly chopped parsley or chives on top—it adds a fresh pop of color and light herbal flavor that brightens the whole dish. Sometimes, a tiny drizzle of hot sauce or a dusting of smoked paprika can also add a subtle kick to balance the creaminess.

Side Dishes

Because this Broccoli Corn Crunch Casserole Recipe is rich and filling, I like to pair it with a simple roast chicken or grilled pork chops. A crisp green salad or roasted carrots make for a nice fresh contrast, too. It’s perfect alongside almost any meat or as a hearty side on a vegetarian-friendly table.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve tried serving this casserole in individual ramekins topped with extra croutons and a sprig of rosemary for a charming presentation. It works great for holiday dinners or potlucks when you want everyone to have their own perfect portion. Another fun idea is layering it in a clear glass casserole dish so the vibrant broccoli and golden crust peek through—always a conversation starter!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually let the casserole cool completely before covering to keep the topping from getting soggy. The next day, it still tastes great cold or warmed up.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this casserole once before with good results — just wrap tightly with foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Keep in mind the topping won’t be quite as crunchy after freezing, but the flavors stay delicious.

Reheating

For reheating, I prefer the oven over the microwave to revive the crunchiness. Cover loosely with foil and warm at 350°F for about 15 minutes, then remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp up the topping. This way, you get the best texture and flavor even on day two.

FAQs

  1. Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?

    Absolutely! Just steam or blanch the fresh broccoli until tender-crisp and drain it really well before adding it to the casserole. Fresh broccoli adds a slightly brighter flavor, but frozen is perfect for convenience.

  2. Is this casserole gluten-free?

    The crouton topping usually contains gluten, so to make a gluten-free version swap for gluten-free crackers or a nut-based topping. Also check your canned corn and seasonings for any hidden gluten ingredients.

  3. Can I make this recipe vegan?

    With a few substitutions like using vegan butter and replacing the egg with a flax or chia egg, you can turn this into a vegan-friendly dish. Just choose vegan-friendly croutons or create your own crunchy topping.

  4. How can I add more flavor to this casserole?

    Try adding garlic powder, smoked paprika, or a bit of shredded cheese to the mix before baking. Fresh herbs like thyme or dill also pair beautifully if you want to boost the savory notes.

Final Thoughts

This Broccoli Corn Crunch Casserole Recipe is one of those comforting dishes that feels like a little celebration of simple flavors done well. I keep coming back to this recipe because it’s reliable, delicious, and has that perfect mix of creamy and crunchy that everyone seems to love. If you want a side dish that’s effortless but impressive, give it a whirl—you might find it becoming a new family favorite too!

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Broccoli Corn Crunch Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 66 reviews
  • Author: Taylor
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Broccoli Corn Crunch is a delightful and easy-to-make baked side dish combining tender broccoli, creamy corn, and a crunchy seasoned crouton topping. Perfect for adding a flavorful vegetable option to any meal.


Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 (10 oz) package frozen chopped broccoli
  • 1 (8 oz) can cream style corn
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1/4 cup onion, chopped
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted
  • 1 1/2 cups seasoned croutons


Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a shallow 1 1/2 quart baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. Set it aside for later use.
  2. Prepare broccoli and corn mixture: Thaw the frozen chopped broccoli and drain off any excess water thoroughly. In a medium bowl, combine the beaten egg, cream style corn, chopped onion, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and set aside.
  3. Combine croutons with butter: In a small bowl, mix the seasoned croutons with the melted butter or margarine until the croutons are evenly coated.
  4. Mix broccoli with corn mixture: Add the drained broccoli and 1 cup of the buttered crouton mixture to the bowl with the corn mixture. Stir everything together until well combined.
  5. Assemble the casserole: Transfer the broccoli and corn mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining crouton mixture on top as a crunchy topping.
  6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, until the topping is golden and the dish is heated through. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

  • Make sure to thoroughly drain the thawed broccoli to prevent excess liquid in the casserole.
  • You can substitute margarine with butter for richer flavor.
  • Seasoned croutons add flavor and crunch; plain croutons can be used with added herbs for seasoning.
  • This dish can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking.
  • For a lower fat version, use light margarine or reduce the butter quantity slightly.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 180 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 500 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg

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