Sunday Creamy Broccoli Casserole

Name: Sunday Creamy Broccoli Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 4 cups fresh broccoli florets; 1 cup cream cheese, softened; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup sour cream; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup breadcrumbs; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Highlighted under: Family Favorites

I absolutely love making this Sunday Creamy Broccoli Casserole for my family gatherings. It’s the perfect combination of creamy cheese, tender broccoli, and a crispy topping that brings everyone together. I’ve adapted this recipe over the years, experimenting with different cheeses and seasonings to find the ideal blend. The richness of the sauce complements the fresh broccoli beautifully, making it a delight on our Sunday dinner table. This dish not only satisfies but also makes for great leftovers during the week!

Created by

India Rutherford

Last updated on 2026-01-05T17:50:42.287Z

When I first created this creamy broccoli casserole, I was searching for a dish that would impress everyone without requiring hours in the kitchen. After several trials, I discovered that using a combination of cream cheese and cheddar provides the perfect creamy texture, elevating this side dish to a family favorite. The crunchy topping adds just the right amount of contrast, making each bite satisfying.

One of my favorite tips for this recipe is to slightly undercook the broccoli before mixing it with the sauce. This way, it maintains its vibrant color and a bit of crunch even after baking. I promise this dish will be the highlight of your Sunday meals!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Creamy, cheesy goodness that melts in your mouth
Simple yet elegant side dish for any occasion
Packed with nutrients from fresh broccoli

      

The Role of Broccoli

Fresh broccoli is the star of this casserole, not just for its vibrant color but also for its nutrient density. Broccoli is rich in vitamins C and K, and its slight crunch balances beautifully with the creamy cheese sauce. Make sure to choose bright green florets without yellowing, as this indicates freshness. The blanched broccoli will soften slightly during the baking process, enhancing its texture while still providing that essential bite.

When blanching, the timing is crucial. Overcooking can lead to mushy broccoli, while undercooking can result in a raw flavor. Three minutes in boiling water, followed by an immediate ice bath, ensures that the florets retain their bright color and firm texture. This technique also helps maintain their nutrients, allowing you to enjoy a healthier dish.

Perfecting the Cheese Sauce

The cheese sauce is what makes this casserole irresistibly creamy. Cream cheese adds richness, while the cheddar provides a melty texture and sharp flavor that complements the broccoli. I suggest shredding your own cheddar cheese from a block rather than using pre-shredded cheese to avoid additives that can affect melting. Mixing the cheeses with sour cream and spices creates a velvety base that clings beautifully to the broccoli, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.

If you're looking to experiment, feel free to swap out the cheddar for other favorite cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack. Each will provide a different flavor profile and texture. Just keep in mind that softer cheeses like mozzarella may require slightly longer to bake in order to achieve that golden, bubbly topping.

Tips for Serving and Storing

Serving this casserole is delightfully simple; it pairs wonderfully with roasted meats or a crisp salad for a balanced meal. To elevate the flavors, consider squeezing a bit of fresh lemon juice before serving for a pop of brightness that cuts through the creaminess. Additionally, this casserole holds up well as leftovers, making it perfect for meal prep.

For storage, cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil or transfer it into an airtight container after it has cooled. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20 minutes. If it seems dry, add a splash of milk before covering it to prevent it from drying out during reheating.

Ingredients

For the casserole

4 cups fresh broccoli florets
1 cup cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Prepare the Broccoli

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Blanch the broccoli florets in the boiling water for about 3 minutes until bright green, then transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain and set aside.

Make the Cheese Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, sour cream, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.

Assemble the Casserole

In a large mixing bowl, combine the blanched broccoli with the cheese sauce, stirring to coat evenly. Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish.

Prepare the Topping

In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with olive oil and grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the broccoli and cheese layer in the baking dish.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Pro Tips

To make this casserole even more flavorful, consider adding cooked chicken or bacon bits. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, like Gruyère or mozzarella, for a unique twist.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking for a lighter version of this creamy broccoli casserole, you can substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream. This swap will maintain creaminess while adding protein and cutting calories. For a dairy-free version, you can try cashew cheese or a nut-based cream alternative, ensuring to balance seasoning and acidity to match the original flavor profile.

For those who prefer whole grains, consider using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs. Panko provides a lighter, crunchier texture that can enhance the topping's appeal. Additionally, adding a sprinkle of nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor without the extra calories, appealing to both dairy-free and vegan diets.

Freezing for Later

This casserole is an excellent candidate for freezing, making it a convenient dish to have on hand. Prepare the casserole as directed but do not bake it. Instead, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw the casserole overnight in the fridge and then bake as instructed for a quick family meal.

If you want to save time on a busy weeknight, consider pre-portioning the casserole into individual servings before freezing. This way, you can reheat only what you need, making it easier and quicker to enjoy a homemade meal anytime.

Serving Variations

While this broccoli casserole shines on its own, feel free to add your favorite proteins or grains to enhance its heartiness. Adding cooked chicken or quinoa to the mixture creates an all-in-one meal. For a Mediterranean twist, consider incorporating sun-dried tomatoes and olives, which will complement the broccoli and cheese beautifully.

Alternatively, you can serve the casserole alongside a variety of toppings, such as crispy bacon bits, sliced green onions, or a dusting of crushed red pepper flakes for a kick. Customizing your serving can take this dish from classic comfort food to something a bit more exciting, depending on your family's preferences.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain any excess water from the frozen broccoli before mixing it with the cheese sauce.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

→ Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake it when you're ready to serve.

→ Is it okay to add other vegetables?

Definitely! Feel free to add other blanched vegetables like cauliflower or carrots for added flavor and nutrition.