This Cheesy Herb Broccoli Casserole is a cozy, comforting dish that's perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings. It's packed with flavor from three types of cheese and fresh herbs, giving broccoli a whole new level of deliciousness. Ready in just under an hour, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Broccoli florets are the star here, providing a nutritious base that pairs wonderfully with cheese. Cheddar cheese offers a sharp, tangy flavor, while mozzarella cheese adds gooey, melt-in-your-mouth goodness. The Parmesan cheese brings a salty, nutty depth. Sour cream and mayonnaise create a creamy, luscious sauce that coats everything beautifully. Fresh parsley and green onions add a pop of color and freshness. Garlic gives a subtle, aromatic kick. Panko breadcrumbs provide a crunchy topping to contrast the creamy interior, enhanced by butter for a rich finish.
This casserole pairs beautifully with roasted chicken or grilled salmon for a complete meal. It also works well as part of a vegetarian spread with a side of garlic bread or a tangy tomato salad to cut through the richness.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is warming up, steam the broccoli florets for about 5 minutes until they reach that perfect tender-crisp texture—soft enough to enjoy, but still holding their shape. Drain them well and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses along with the sour cream and mayonnaise. Stir in the chopped parsley, green onions, and minced garlic, then season with salt and black pepper. This cheesy mixture is your flavor-packed base.
Gently fold the steamed broccoli into the cheese mixture, ensuring each piece is well-coated. This step ensures that every bite you take later is bursting with flavor.
Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish lightly, then transfer the broccoli and cheese mixture into it, spreading it out evenly. This helps everything cook uniformly.
For the topping, mix the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter in a small bowl. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole for that irresistible golden crust.
Place your casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You're looking for a top that's golden brown and bubbling slightly around the edges. Once done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld nicely.