Cheddar Broccoli Casserole

     We've celebrated countless football games with chips, dips, appetizers and desserts through my time in Orono, but this time was different. We had been basically celebrating the AFC Championship victory for 2 weeks straight and were more than ready to watch an amazing Superbowl game, so an absolute feast was in order. The Patriots were taking home the Lombardi trophy and we all knew it (though the last 20 seconds were absolutely terrifying).

     This game was worth more than buffalo wings and nachos. It was an entire turkey dinner, along with corned beef and cabbage, homemade bloody marys and chocolate covered strawberries. It was many nervous beers and shots for good plays. It was the most intense football game I've ever seen and I am SO INSANELY PUMPED AND PROUD TO BE A PATRIOTS FAN!!!

Here is a picture of me and my boyfriend celebrating the victory:

     The celebration that occurred when Butler intercepted the ball to win the game was absurd and aggressive but absolutely necessary. There was tackling involved, a new dent in the wall, jumping on furniture and actual tears (I may have had borderline too much to drink). This win was extremely well deserved, and if anyone brings up deflategate I will literally kick them in the face. 

    Now, before I get too amped up, I will digress from football and move onto food and the purpose for this post - broccoli cheddar casserole. It is probably the only way I touched broccoli as a kid, and if you ever try this recipe you will understand why. The broccoli is smothered in the most delicious cheese sauce and baked to tender perfection with a cheesy and crunchy topping.

      It is a dish that is delicious enough to be fit for the Superbowl. And it goes damn well with turkey - and basically any protein. It is also super easy because the recipe calls for frozen broccoli and other ingredients are often already on hand.

    It was a huge hit during the game, so I promise you won't regret trying out the recipe! You could even add chicken and rice and call it a meal!

CONGRATULATIONS, PATRIOTS! MY FAVORITE TEAM ARE SUPERBOWL CHAMPIONS!!!!!!!!!!

Cheddar Broccoli Casserole
Ingredients:
30 oz frozen broccoli
10 oz can condensed cream of mushroom soup (normal ones are gluten free so try the organic isle!)
1 cup mayo
2 eggs, beaten
1 small onion, chopped
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
salt and pepper
1/4 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp garlic powder
3 tbsp butter, melted
1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs (Gluten free is necessary)

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350.
In large bowl, mix together mushroom soup, mayo, eggs, onion, 1 1/2 cups of the cheddar cheese and 1 tbsp of the melted butter. Add salt, pepper, paprika and garlic powder and mix.
Add in broccoli and stir to coat.
Spread evenly in 9x13 casserole dish.
Mix remaining melted butter with breadcrumbs, and top broccoli with the breadcrumbs and remaining cheese.
Bake in preheated oven for 50 minutes, or until top is crisp and lightly browned and sides are bubbling.