Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Broccoli Cheese Casserole is a creamy, comforting side dish that’s perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings. Tender broccoli is combined with a rich blend of cheeses and seasonings, then baked until bubbly and golden on top. It’s both simple to make and deliciously satisfying.

Ingredients

• 1½ pounds broccoli florets
• 8 ounces cream cheese (room temperature, cut in cubes)
• ¼ cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
• Salt (to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
• Crushed red pepper flakes (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350˚F and grease a 2.5 to 3-quart baking dish with butter. Set it aside.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, bring about ½ inch of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets, cover, and cook over high heat for 3 to 4 minutes until crisp-tender.
3. Step 3: Drain the broccoli and transfer it to the prepared baking dish. Set aside while you prepare the cheese mixture.
4. Step 4: In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until fully incorporated.
5. Step 5: Add the cheese mixture to the broccoli and stir gently to combine everything evenly.
6. Step 6: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 17 to 20 minutes, or until it is bubbly and lightly browned on top.
7. Step 7: Remove from the oven and let it stand for 5 minutes before serving. Optionally, garnish with crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh broccoli for the best texture, but frozen broccoli can work if thawed and excess water is drained well.
• For a richer flavor, try adding a bit of cooked bacon or caramelized onions to the cheese mixture.
• Swap out cheddar for Monterey Jack or Gruyère for a different cheesy twist.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350˚F until heated through, or microwave in short bursts stirring in between. This casserole can also be frozen; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli for this casserole?

Yes, frozen broccoli can be used if you thaw it completely and drain any excess moisture. This helps prevent the casserole from becoming watery.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the casserole up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking straight from the fridge.

Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 61 reviews

This Broccoli Cheese Casserole is a creamy, cheesy side dish featuring tender broccoli florets baked in a rich mixture of cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar, and parmesan cheeses with savory garlic and Italian seasoning. It’s an effortless, comforting casserole perfect for family dinners or potlucks.

• Author: Rico
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables

• 1½ pounds broccoli florets

Dairy

• 8 ounces cream cheese (room temperature, cut in cubes)
• ¼ cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese

Seasonings

• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
• Salt (to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
• Crushed red pepper flakes (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350˚F (175˚C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
2. Prepare baking dish: Grease a 2.5 to 3 quart baking dish thoroughly with butter, ensuring the casserole won’t stick.
3. Cook broccoli: In a large skillet, bring about ½ inch of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets, cover the skillet, and cook over high heat until the broccoli is crisp-tender, about 3 to 4 minutes.
4. Drain and transfer: Drain the cooked broccoli well and transfer it into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
5. Mix cheese and seasonings: In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, grated parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated and smooth.
6. Combine broccoli and cheese mixture: Pour the cheese mixture over the broccoli in the baking dish. Stir gently to ensure the broccoli is evenly coated with the creamy cheese blend.
7. Bake the casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 17 to 20 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and lightly browned on top.
8. Cool and garnish: Remove from the oven and let the casserole stand for 5 minutes, allowing it to set slightly. Optionally, garnish with crushed red pepper flakes before serving for a touch of heat.

Notes

• For a smoother texture, soften cream cheese completely at room temperature before mixing.
• Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese for best melting and flavor.
• You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt if preferred.
• Add a crunchy topping like breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter for extra texture before baking.
• Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper, based on your preference.
• This casserole pairs well with roasted meats or as a vegetarian main with additional protein like beans.

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