Description
This Broccoli Cheese Casserole is a creamy, cheesy side dish featuring tender broccoli florets baked with a rich blend of cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar, and parmesan, seasoned with garlic and Italian herbs. Perfectly baked to a bubbly, golden top, it’s an comforting and flavorful addition to any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
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
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350˚F (175˚C) to prepare it for baking the casserole.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 2.5 to 3 quart baking dish with butter to prevent sticking and set it aside.
- Cook Broccoli: Fill a large skillet with ½ inch of salted water and bring it to a boil over high heat.
- Steam Broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the boiling water, cover the skillet, and cook until crisp-tender, about 3 to 4 minutes. This method lightly cooks the broccoli while preserving its texture.
- Drain and Arrange Broccoli: Drain the broccoli well and transfer it evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Mix Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese cubes, sour cream, shredded cheddar, grated parmesan, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
- Combine Broccoli and Cheese: Pour the cheese mixture over the broccoli in the baking dish and stir gently to coat all the broccoli pieces evenly.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 17 to 20 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and the top is lightly browned, indicating it is hot and cooked through.
- Rest Before Serving: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it stand for 5 minutes; this helps it set up for easier serving.
- Optional Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes on top if desired for a bit of heat, then serve warm.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easy mixing.
- You can substitute Italian seasoning with a blend of oregano, basil, and thyme if preferred.
- For a richer flavor, add a tablespoon of butter to the cheese mixture.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure all cheeses and seasonings are certified gluten-free.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Broccoli Casserole, Cheese Casserole, Side Dish, Baked Broccoli, Cream Cheese Recipe
