Sunday Creamy Broccoli Casserole

Name: Sunday Creamy Broccoli Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 4 cups fresh broccoli florets; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup sour cream; 1 cup milk; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup breadcrumbs

Highlighted under: Classic Kitchen

I love making Sunday Creamy Broccoli Casserole because it brings my family together around the dinner table, enjoying a comforting dish filled with fresh flavors. Each creamy bite delights the taste buds, with tender broccoli smothered in a rich, cheesy sauce. This casserole isn't just a side dish; it's a satisfying addition to our Sunday meal that everyone looks forward to. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and perfect for gatherings, making Sundays feel special with minimal effort.

Created by

Leonie Fairchild

Last updated on 2026-01-05T20:41:34.650Z

Making Sunday Creamy Broccoli Casserole became a beloved tradition in my kitchen. I experimented with different cheeses to create the perfect creamy consistency that pairs beautifully with tender broccoli. It’s not only comforting but also nutritious, packing in a good amount of vegetables while still being indulgent.

One trick I discovered is to steam the broccoli just enough before adding it to the casserole; this ensures it maintains a vibrant color and a slight crunch, adding texture that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce. The best part? Leftovers taste even better the next day!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Creamy cheese sauce that complements healthy broccoli perfectly
Quick and easy to prepare, ideal for busy Sundays
A family favorite that works well for potlucks or gatherings

Understanding the Creaminess

The creaminess of this casserole primarily comes from the blend of sour cream, mayonnaise, and cheddar cheese. Each of these ingredients plays a vital role: sour cream adds tang, mayonnaise contributes richness, and cheddar provides a sharp, comforting flavor. Mixing them until smooth ensures that every bite is uniformly creamy. For an extra kick, consider adding a bit of cream cheese to the mix – just remember to let it soften for easier blending.

When combined, the cheese sauce should have a glossy finish, indicating that it's well-mixed and ready to envelop the broccoli. If it feels too thick, a splash more of milk can help loosen it up without sacrificing that essential creaminess.

Broccoli Choices and Preparation

Using fresh broccoli florets is critical for achieving the right texture in this casserole. I recommend selecting bright green florets with firm stems, as they’ll retain their crunch, adding a nice contrast to the creamy sauce. If you're short on time, frozen broccoli can be a fantastic substitute; however, be sure to thaw it completely and drain excess moisture to avoid a watery casserole.

To steam the broccoli, simply fill a pot with an inch of water, bring it to a boil, and place the florets in a steamer basket. Cover and steam for about 5 minutes. The goal is to attain a bright green color and slight tenderness, ensuring that the broccoli will finish cooking perfectly in the oven without becoming mushy.

Serving and Storing Tips

Once baked to a golden perfection, allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. This resting time helps the layers to set, making it easier to serve with clean portions. Pair the casserole with roasted chicken for a hearty meal or serve it alongside a fresh salad for a lighter option. It’s also a great dish for potlucks; just be sure to transport it in the baking dish to retain its creamy integrity.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheating can be done in the microwave, but for best results, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated throughout. This method preserves the cheese’s richness and prevents the dish from drying out.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients for a delicious casserole:

Ingredients

4 cups fresh broccoli florets
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup sour cream
1 cup milk
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup breadcrumbs

Make sure all your ingredients are fresh for the best taste.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create the casserole:

Prepare the Broccoli

Steam the broccoli florets for about 5 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender. Drain and set aside.

Make the Cheese Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine cheddar cheese, sour cream, milk, mayonnaise, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix until smooth.

Combine Ingredients

Fold the steamed broccoli into the cheese mixture until well coated.

Assemble the Casserole

Pour the broccoli and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly on top.

Bake

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden and the casserole is bubbly.

Serve

Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your creamy creation!

Enjoy your delicious casserole with family and friends!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, you can mix in some cooked chicken or mushrooms along with the broccoli.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking to make this casserole a bit lighter, Greek yogurt can be used in place of sour cream, or even cottage cheese for added protein. Just be sure to drain any excess liquid from the cottage cheese for a smooth consistency. Additionally, you can try using low-fat mayonnaise; it will still provide creaminess while cutting down on calories.

For those avoiding dairy altogether, consider substituting with plant-based cheeses and vegan mayonnaise. Just keep in mind that the final flavor will vary, and you may want to add a touch of lemon juice to enhance flavor. Ensure the substitutes melt well under heat, as not all vegan products are designed for baking.

Scaling the Recipe

This creamy broccoli casserole is easily scalable, making it fantastic for both small family dinners and larger gatherings. If you're doubling the recipe to feed a crowd, simply use a larger baking dish and keep an eye on the baking time; it may require an additional 10-15 minutes for everything to become bubbly.

Conversely, if you're cooking for one or two, you can halve the ingredient amounts and bake it in a smaller dish. Another option is to make the full recipe and freeze half (unbaked) for a quick meal later on. Just make sure to cover it tightly with foil and bake from frozen; it will take about an extra 15-20 minutes compared to a freshly made casserole.

Flavor Variations

For a flavor boost, consider adding sautéed onions or shallots to the cheese mixture. They add a sweetness that pairs beautifully with the cheesy components. Similarly, a handful of cooked and crumbled bacon or diced ham can introduce a savory depth that’s delightful in every bite.

Herbs like thyme, parsley, or even a bit of crushed red pepper can also enhance the overall flavor profile. Experiment with what you enjoy, but remember to start with small amounts to avoid overpowering the dish. Adding a sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan on top before baking introduces a lovely crust that’s both flavorful and texturally satisfying.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it before serving.

→ Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli, but be sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess water in the casserole.

→ What other cheeses can I use?

You can substitute cheddar with mozzarella or gouda for a different flavor profile.

→ Can I add protein to this dish?

Absolutely! Cooked chicken or turkey can be added for a heartier meal.