This Broccoli Cheese Casserole is the comfort food hero you need for breezy weeknights, holiday gatherings, and everything in between. With an irresistibly creamy cheese sauce, tender broccoli, and a bubbly golden top, it’s the kind of dish everyone hopes will show up at the dinner table—and the one I secretly crave as leftovers the next day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Family-Favorite Flavors: That creamy, cheesy sauce combined with perfectly cooked broccoli makes this a hit even with picky eaters.
- Quick & Easy: Just a handful of steps and easy prep means dinner can be on the table in about 35 minutes.
- Versatile For Any Occasion: Broccoli Cheese Casserole works as a weeknight side, a comforting main, or a potluck superstar.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep it in advance and bake when you’re ready—perfect for the holidays or easy meal planning.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Just a handful of simple ingredients turns into a casserole that’s anything but basic! Each element here plays a special role—creating a velvety sauce, packing in vibrant color, and dialing up the cozy comfort that defines a classic Broccoli Cheese Casserole.
- Broccoli florets (1½ pounds): Fresh broccoli is the star—cut into bite-sized florets for tender crunch and gorgeous green color. You can use pre-cut, but fresh makes a real difference!
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, room temperature, cubed): Ensures a luxuriously smooth and creamy base that hugs every piece of broccoli.
- Sour cream (¼ cup): Adds a gentle tang and keeps the casserole from feeling too heavy.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Sharp cheddar melts into gooey, cheesy bliss and brings classic, bold flavor.
- Grated parmesan cheese (¼ cup): A salty, nutty finish that adds another layer of taste and helps the top turn golden.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): For aromatic depth and a subtle punch that keeps every bite interesting.
- Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon): A blend of herbs brings warmth and savory complexity.
- Salt (to taste): Enhances every flavor—be sure to taste your sauce before baking.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon, freshly ground, or to taste): Lets the other flavors shine through while giving a gentle kick.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for garnish): Offers a touch of heat and a pretty pop of color for those who love a hint of spice.
Variations
The beauty of Broccoli Cheese Casserole is how easily you can put your own spin on it! Whether you want to lighten things up, sneak in extra veggies, or play with different flavors, there’s a variation that’s just right for you.
- Lower-Carb Swap: Substitute full-fat Greek yogurt for the sour cream and use reduced-fat cheeses to make it lighter without losing creaminess.
- Add Crunch: Sprinkle buttery panko crumbs or crushed Ritz crackers over the top before baking for an irresistible crispy finish.
- Extra Veggies: Stir in chopped cauliflower or sliced mushrooms for even more veggie goodness—just be sure everything is cooked until crisp-tender.
- Protein Boost: Add cooked shredded chicken, diced ham, or even turkey to transform this casserole into a complete meal.
- Spicy Kick: Mix chopped jalapeños or a dash more red pepper flakes into the sauce if your crew likes things bold.
How to Make Broccoli Cheese Casserole
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350˚F so it’ll be nice and hot when the casserole goes in. Grab a 2.5 to 3-quart baking dish, give it a good greasing with butter or nonstick spray, and set it aside. This step keeps the casserole from sticking and makes serving a breeze.
Step 2: Cook the Broccoli
In a large skillet, pour in about ½ inch of salted water and bring it to a boil. Add the broccoli florets, cover, and steam over high heat for 3–4 minutes until just crisp-tender. Drain immediately—overcooking will make the broccoli mushy in the final bake, so keep an eye on it!
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
While the broccoli drains, return the skillet to medium heat. Add the cream cheese and sour cream, stirring until smooth and melty. Sprinkle in cheddar, parmesan, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything until you have a dreamy, thick sauce—taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 4: Combine and Assemble
Add the drained broccoli to the cheese sauce and gently fold it all together, making sure every floret is coated. Spoon the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Optional: Sprinkle a little extra cheese or a handful of breadcrumbs on top if you love a golden, bubbly crust.
Step 5: Bake and Serve
Pop the dish in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the top is melty and lightly golden. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes when it comes out—this helps it set for easy slicing. Garnish with a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes and serve warm!
Pro Tips for Making Broccoli Cheese Casserole
- Broccoli Texture Matters: For the perfect bite, stop cooking the broccoli as soon as it turns a bright green—you want it crisp-tender, not soft, since it’ll cook more in the oven.
- Sauce Consistency: If your cheese sauce seems too thick, add a splash of milk or cream to make it luscious and easy to coat the broccoli evenly.
- Cheese Choices: Don’t be afraid to play with different cheese blends—Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or smoked provolone all work beautifully in Broccoli Cheese Casserole.
- Make Ahead for Busy Days: Assemble the casserole up to a day ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
How to Serve Broccoli Cheese Casserole
Garnishes
Finish your Broccoli Cheese Casserole with a flurry of freshly chopped parsley or chives for a burst of color and freshness. Sprinkle with extra parmesan or a whisper of red pepper flakes for a restaurant-worthy look—and a little surprise when you dig in!
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, roasted chicken, baked salmon, or honey-glazed ham. For a cozy, carb-filled meal, serve it alongside fluffy rice, quinoa, or a big slice of crusty bread to soak up every bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Try baking your Broccoli Cheese Casserole in mini ramekins for individual servings that look downright elegant. For brunch, spoon it into puff pastry shells. Or dish it up family-style in your favorite rustic casserole dish with a big serving spoon.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Broccoli Cheese Casserole keeps beautifully for up to 3 days in the refrigerator—just cover your baking dish tightly with foil or transfer portions to an airtight container. This method keeps everything moist and delicious for round two (or three!).
Freezing
You can freeze fully baked Broccoli Cheese Casserole for up to two months. Let it cool completely, wrap it well in both plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Note: Sauces made with cream cheese can separate a bit when frozen, but a quick stir after reheating brings it all back together.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm it in a 350˚F oven for 15–20 minutes, or until it’s bubbling and hot in the center. For single servings, the microwave works in a pinch—just use medium power and stir halfway through.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Thaw the broccoli first and pat dry to remove excess moisture—this keeps your Broccoli Cheese Casserole from becoming watery. The texture will be a bit softer but still delicious.
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What’s the best cheese for this casserole?
Sharp cheddar is classic, but you can mix and match cheeses for new flavors. Gruyère, fontina, Monterey Jack, or even a hint of smoked gouda all play nicely with broccoli and add their own melty character.
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How far in advance can I make Broccoli Cheese Casserole?
You can assemble it up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate, unbaked. When you’re ready, bake straight from the fridge—just add an extra 5–10 minutes to the baking time.
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How can I prevent my casserole from being watery?
The key is to cook and drain the broccoli just until crisp-tender and pat it dry if needed. Also, avoid covering the casserole while baking so any excess moisture can evaporate, leaving you with a creamy—not soupy—dish.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Broccoli Cheese Casserole enough—whether you’re new to casseroles or it’s already a family tradition, it’s sure to bring a big dose of comfort and smiles to your table. Give it a try and let this cozy, cheesy classic earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation!
PrintBroccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and cheesy Broccoli Cheese Casserole that is perfect for a family dinner or holiday gathering. This easy-to-make dish combines tender broccoli with a creamy, flavorful cheese mixture, baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 pounds broccoli florets
Cheese Mixture:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature, cut in cubes
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
Seasonings:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- Salt to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
- Crushed red pepper flakes for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350˚F. Grease a 2.5 to 3 quart baking dish with butter and set aside.
- In a large skillet, bring 1/2 inch of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli; cover and cook over high heat until crisp-tender, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, garlic, Italian Seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Layer the broccoli in the prepared baking dish, then pour the cheese mixture over the broccoli, spreading it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can add cooked, diced chicken or crispy bacon for extra protein and flavor.
- Adjust the seasonings to suit your taste preferences.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 60mg