Sunday Creamy Broccoli Casserole

Name: Sunday Creamy Broccoli Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 4 cups fresh broccoli florets; 1 cup cream cheese, softened; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup milk; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup breadcrumbs; 2 tablespoons melted butter; 1/2 teaspoon paprika

Highlighted under: Favorite Comfort Food Ideas

I absolutely love making this Sunday Creamy Broccoli Casserole for family gatherings and cozy weekends. The combination of fresh broccoli with a rich, creamy sauce brings comfort to the dinner table. This dish is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, allowing me to focus on quality time with my loved ones while it bakes in the oven. Each bite is bursting with flavor, and I always find myself going back for seconds, and sometimes thirds. It's the perfect way to indulge while keeping it nutritious!

Created by

Genevieve Porter

Last updated on 2026-01-05T20:37:34.766Z

Making the Sunday Creamy Broccoli Casserole quickly became a family favorite in my house. I remember the first time I prepared it; the way the aroma of the cheese and broccoli filled the kitchen was simply irresistible. I decided to blend cream cheese and cheddar for that perfect creamy consistency, which complemented the tender broccoli. Trust me, this combination makes for an unforgettable flavor profile!

Another tip I discovered is how crucial it is to properly season the dish. Adding a pinch of nutmeg really elevates the overall taste and compliments the cheese. My family can't get enough of it, and I hope you’ll feel the same way after trying this delicious casserole!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Creamy cheese sauce that envelops each piece of broccoli
Satisfying crunch from the breadcrumb topping
Perfect for a comforting Sunday dinner or holiday gatherings

      

Technique Tips for Creamy Texture

To achieve the smoothest creamy texture for your casserole, it's essential to blend the cream cheese thoroughly before adding the other ingredients. I recommend using a hand mixer or a stand mixer for this task to ensure there are no lumps. Mix until the cream cheese is glossy and incorporates air, which will help create a light and fluffy sauce that coats each broccoli floret perfectly.

When combining the ingredients, make sure that your cream cheese is at room temperature. This will prevent any curdling or clumping and allow the mixture to blend seamlessly with the sour cream and milk. If you're short on time, you can microwave the cream cheese on low for about 15-20 seconds to soften it without melting.

Serving Suggestions

This Sunday Creamy Broccoli Casserole pairs beautifully with a variety of main dishes. Consider serving it alongside roasted chicken or a hearty pork roast to balance the flavors. For a vegetarian option, it complements grain-based salads wonderfully. The creamy sauce and crunchy topping add a delightful contrast to lighter fare, making it a versatile side dish for any meal.

If you're looking to elevate the dish even further, consider adding a pinch of grated nutmeg or some chopped fresh herbs like chives or parsley to the topping before baking. This adds an aromatic twist that will surprise your guests and complement the tanginess of the sour cream remarkably.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

If you're planning to make the casserole ahead of time, you can prepare the entire dish and refrigerate it unbaked for up to 24 hours. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before popping it into the oven. This ensures even cooking and bubbly results.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. If you find the topping has lost its crunch, you can sprinkle a bit more breadcrumbs on top before reheating to refresh the texture.

Ingredients

For the Casserole

4 cups fresh broccoli florets
1 cup cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Topping

1 cup breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons melted butter
1/2 teaspoon paprika

Instructions

Steps

Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Prepare the Broccoli

Blanch the broccoli florets in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender. Drain and set aside.

Make the Cheese Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar cheese, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well blended.

Combine Ingredients

Add the blanched broccoli to the cheese mixture. Stir well to ensure all broccoli is coated.

Prepare the Topping

In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs, melted butter, and paprika until evenly distributed.

Assemble and Bake

Transfer the broccoli and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish, then sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture on top. Bake for 30 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.

Enjoy Your Meal!

Pro Tips

For a little extra flavor, try adding cooked chicken or diced ham into the casserole for a heartier dish. Additionally, experimenting with different types of cheese can also enhance the flavor profile.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you need a lighter version of this casserole, you can substitute a portion of the cream cheese and sour cream with Greek yogurt. Not only does this reduce the fat content, but it also adds a nice tangy flavor that complements the broccoli well.

For those who are dairy-free, use plant-based cream cheese and sour cream alternatives. Additionally, nutritional yeast can be added to provide that cheesy flavor, making this dish more accommodating for dietary restrictions without sacrificing taste.

Scaling the Recipe

This recipe scales up beautifully for larger gatherings or meal prep. Simply double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish. Keep in mind that the baking time may need to be adjusted; check for doneness after about 40-45 minutes and ensure the top is golden and bubbling.

When scaling down, you can easily halve the recipe and use a smaller dish or even muffin tins for individual servings. Just be cautious of minimizing the baking time since smaller portions will cook faster, typically around 20-25 minutes.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain it completely before using to avoid excess moisture.

→ Is there a substitute for cream cheese?

You can use mascarpone cheese or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative if you prefer.

→ How long can I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it and refrigerate before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's cold from the fridge.