This cottage cheese and broccoli casserole is the ultimate comfort food—cheesy, creamy, and packed with flavor! It’s a great way to get kids (and picky eaters) to enjoy their veggies. Plus, it’s super easy to make, using simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Whether you need a quick weeknight side or a dish to bring to a potluck, this one never disappoints!
What You’ll Need
Ingredients:
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, chopped)
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (for topping)
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted, for topping)
Pro Tips:
✅ Chop broccoli small—smaller pieces mix better and cook more evenly.
✅ Use full-fat cottage cheese for a creamier texture.
✅ For a crispy topping, broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes.
✅ Mix up the cheese—try mozzarella or gouda for extra melty goodness.
✅ Make it protein-packed by adding shredded chicken.
Tools You’ll Need:
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Spatula
- 8×8 or 9×9 casserole dish
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Small saucepan (for melting butter)
Substitutions & Variations:
🔄 No cottage cheese? Swap it for ricotta or Greek yogurt.
🔄 Want it gluten-free? Use crushed gluten-free crackers instead of breadcrumbs.
🔄 Low-carb? Skip the rice and add more broccoli.
🔄 Add protein—stir in shredded chicken or ground turkey.
Make-Ahead Tips:
✔️ Assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover it, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
✔️ Freeze before baking for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight and bake as directed.
How to Make It
1. Preheat the Oven & Prep the Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a casserole dish.
2. Cook the Broccoli (if using fresh)
If using fresh broccoli, steam it for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender. Skip this step if using frozen (it will soften while baking).
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cottage cheese, sour cream, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
4. Add the Broccoli, Rice & Cheese
Stir in the steamed broccoli, cooked rice, and shredded cheddar cheese until everything is well combined.
5. Transfer to Casserole Dish
Pour the mixture into the greased casserole dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
6. Make the Crispy Topping
In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the melted butter, then sprinkle it evenly over the casserole.
7. Bake Until Golden & Bubbly
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling around the edges.
8. Let It Rest & Serve
Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes scooping easier!
Leftovers & Storage
🥶 Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
🔥 Reheat in the microwave or oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
❄️ Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months—thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Final Thoughts
This creamy, cheesy cottage cheese and broccoli casserole is a family favorite, and I can’t wait for you to try it! Whether you serve it as a side or a main dish, it’s cozy, delicious, and packed with flavor. If you make it, let me know how it turned out—drop a comment below! 😊