BAKED CHEDDAR BROCCOLI NOODLE CASSEROLE
Creamy, cheesy, comforting, and incredibly easy! This Baked Cheddar Broccoli Noodle Casserole is a perfect weeknight dinner when you want something warm and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
The best part? There’s no need to boil the noodles first! The uncooked egg noodles bake directly in the creamy cheddar broccoli sauce, soaking up all that delicious cheesy flavor as they become tender.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces uncooked wide egg noodles
- 2 cans condensed cheddar broccoli soup, 10.5 to 11 ounces each
- 3 cups whole milk or 2% milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a thin layer of butter.
2. Add the Noodles
Spread the uncooked wide egg noodles evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
There is no need to cook the noodles beforehand.
3. Make the Cheddar Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the condensed cheddar broccoli soup and milk until smooth and well combined.
The mixture will look fairly thin at this point. That is exactly what you want because the noodles will absorb the liquid as they bake.
4. Add the Cheese
Stir 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese into the soup mixture.
Reserve the remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese for the topping.
5. Combine
Slowly pour the creamy cheddar mixture evenly over the uncooked noodles.
Make sure as many noodles as possible are covered with the sauce. If you see dry noodles sticking out, gently press them down with the back of a spoon.
6. Bake Covered
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
Bake at 350°F for 40–45 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
If the noodles are still slightly firm, cover the dish again and bake for another 5–10 minutes.
7. Add More Cheese
Carefully remove the foil, watching out for hot steam.
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
8. Bake Again
Return the casserole to the oven uncovered.
Bake for another 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and lightly golden around the edges.
9. Rest and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
This gives the creamy sauce a little time to thicken and makes the casserole easier to scoop.
Helpful Tips
- Keep the casserole tightly covered during the first bake so the steam can cook the noodles properly.
- Make sure the noodles are well coated with the sauce before baking.
- Whole milk gives the casserole a richer, creamier texture.
- Freshly shredded cheddar melts especially well.
- Let the casserole rest before serving for the best consistency.
Serving Ideas
Serve this creamy casserole as a comforting main dish or alongside roasted chicken, grilled meat, or a simple salad.
It’s perfect for busy weeknight dinners, family meals, potlucks, and cozy Sunday dinners.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 5–10 minutes
Cook Time: 50–55 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour
Servings: 6–8
Creamy. Cheesy. Easy. Comfort food at its best!