Dinner

Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe

Bylina Carter December 25, 2025December 25, 2025

Introduction

This Broccoli Cheese Casserole is a creamy, cheesy side dish that’s perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings. Tender broccoli florets are combined with a rich cheese sauce and baked until bubbly and golden. It’s an easy way to enjoy vegetables with a comforting twist.

The dish is a close-up view of a broccoli and cheese casserole with one visible layer showing a mix of melted white and yellow cheese spread unevenly on top. Bright green broccoli pieces are scattered throughout, some slightly charred and embedded in the cheese layer. The cheese shows a bubbly texture with browned spots and small red chili flakes sprinkled across the surface, adding texture and color contrast. The overall look is creamy and rich, with the cheese bubbling around the broccoli florets, creating a visually dense and appetizing mix. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350˚F (175˚C) and grease a 2.5 to 3 quart baking dish with butter. Set it aside.
Step 2: In a large skillet, bring ½ inch of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets, cover, and cook over high heat until they are crisp-tender, about 3 to 4 minutes.

Step 3: Drain the broccoli well and transfer it to the prepared baking dish.
Step 4: In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, shredded cheddar, parmesan, minced garlic, Italian Seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix until fully incorporated and smooth.
Step 5: Pour the cheese mixture over the broccoli in the baking dish and stir gently until the broccoli is evenly coated.

Step 6: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 17 to 20 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and lightly browned on top.
Step 7: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it stand for 5 minutes before serving. Optionally, sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes for a little extra heat.

Tips & Variations

For added texture, sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top before baking.

Try mixing in some cooked bacon or diced ham for a savory boost.
Use different cheese blends such as Monterey Jack or Gruyère for unique flavors.
Make it vegetarian by omitting any meat additions and using your favorite seasonings.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a 350˚F oven until warmed through. To maintain creaminess, avoid overcooking when reheating.

How to Serve

The image shows a glass baking dish filled with a broccoli casserole layered with bright green broccoli florets spread evenly across the dish. The broccoli is topped with light orange shredded cheddar cheese scattered generously. Over the broccoli and cheese, there is a creamy white sauce with a smooth texture, partially covering the cheese and broccoli. The dish rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli for this casserole?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Thaw and drain it well before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.

Is this casserole gluten-free?

The basic recipe is gluten-free, but if you add toppings like breadcrumbs, make sure to use gluten-free options to keep the dish safe for those with gluten sensitivities.