Description
Hearty broccoli cheese casserole delivers comfort on a plate with rich, melted cheese and tender broccoli florets. Homemade warmth invites you to savor each creamy, satisfying spoonful of this classic side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds broccoli florets
- 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) shredded cheddar cheese
Dairy Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) sour cream
- 1/4 cup (25 grams) grated parmesan cheese
Seasoning Ingredients:
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 350°F and coat a medium-sized casserole dish with butter, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
- Fill a large skillet with salted water and bring to a rapid boil. Submerge broccoli and cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender but still vibrant green, then drain completely.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together cream cheese, sour cream, shredded cheddar, parmesan, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well-blended.
- Transfer drained broccoli into the prepared baking dish and pour the creamy cheese mixture over the top, gently folding to ensure even distribution and complete coating.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 17-20 minutes, watching for a golden-brown surface and bubbling edges that indicate thorough heating.
- Once removed from the oven, allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes, which helps the ingredients settle and makes serving easier. Optionally, sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick of flavor before presenting.
Notes
- Enhance texture by slightly undercooking broccoli during initial boiling to maintain crisp-tender bite and prevent mushiness during baking.
- Create dairy-free version by substituting cream cheese and sour cream with cashew cream or coconut-based alternatives for lactose-intolerant individuals.
- Boost nutrition by adding protein-rich ingredients like diced chicken, cooked bacon bits, or sliced almonds for extra crunch and flavor complexity.
- Customize spice levels by adjusting seasonings like adding red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, or fresh herbs to elevate the casserole’s taste profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg