Broccoli Cheddar Noodle Bake
Creamy broccoli and cheddar noodle bake combines cheesy richness with fresh vegetables, making it a crowd-pleasing comfort food perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 3 cups shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1 container sour cream (16 oz.) ⓘ
- 1 package frozen chopped broccoli (10 oz.), thawed and drained ⓘ
- 3/4 cup thinly sliced green onion ⓘ
- 2/3 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 package noodles (12 oz.), cooked 2 minutes and drained ⓘ
- 2 medium tomatoes, thinly sliced ⓘ
Instructions
- Grease a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, stir in Cheddar cheese, sour cream, broccoli, green onion, mayonnaise, and salt until blended.
- Add cooked noodles; toss to coat.
- Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.
- Top with sliced tomatoes.
- Bake for an additional 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding an extra half cup of sour cream or using Greek yogurt as a substitute. If you prefer a crunchy topping, sprinkle some breadcrumbs or crushed crackers mixed with melted butter over the tomatoes before the final bake. This dish can also be adapted with different cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a kick. Explore more vegetarian recipes for family-friendly meals.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Broccoli Cheddar Noodle Bake with a light salad dressed with vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. It pairs beautifully with Baked Wisconsin Brie for an indulgent appetizer. You can also offer crusty bread or garlic bread on the side to soak up the creamy sauce. This dish makes a satisfying main course for both lunch and dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in an oven preheated to 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, covering them to retain moisture, for about 2-3 minutes on high.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Broccoli Cheddar Noodle Bake contains roughly 426 calories, with 8g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1280mg per serving (56% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Yes, you can definitely use fresh broccoli. Just blanch it in boiling water for 2-3 minutes before draining and adding it to the mixture. This will help retain its vibrant color and nutrients, making it a great choice for this bake.
What can I substitute for mayonnaise?
If you want to skip mayonnaise, you can use plain Greek yogurt or a creamy salad dressing instead. This will maintain the dish's creaminess while adding a slightly different flavor profile. Just ensure the alternative is not too tangy.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish and assemble it a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before popping it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).