Ultimate Cream Cheese Sour Cream Casserole Recipes: A Delicious Guide
Cream cheese sour cream casserole is a dish that combines the rich, tangy flavor of cream cheese and sour cream to create a creamy, decadent delight. It’s incredibly versatile, adaptable to both sweet and savory preparations, and perfect for breakfast, brunch, dinner, or even dessert. Whether you’re looking for a comforting baked pasta, a cheesy vegetable side dish, or a sweet fruit-filled treat, this article will guide you through several delicious recipes and tips for making the perfect cream cheese sour cream casserole.
Why Cream Cheese and Sour Cream?
Before we dive into the recipes, let’s understand why cream cheese and sour cream are such a winning combination. Cream cheese brings a rich, smooth texture and a subtly tangy flavor, while sour cream adds moisture, a pleasant tang, and a slight acidity that balances the richness. Together, they create a creamy base that can be flavored in countless ways.
Essential Tips for a Perfect Casserole
* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** The better the quality of your cream cheese and sour cream, the better your casserole will taste. Opt for full-fat versions for the richest flavor and creamiest texture.
* **Bring Ingredients to Room Temperature:** Allowing your cream cheese and sour cream to come to room temperature is crucial. This ensures they blend smoothly and evenly, preventing lumps in your casserole.
* **Don’t Overbake:** Overbaking can dry out your casserole and cause the cream cheese to become grainy. Bake until the casserole is set and lightly golden on top. Use a toothpick inserted into the center to test for doneness; it should come out clean.
* **Rest Before Serving:** Letting the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes after baking allows it to set up properly, making it easier to slice and serve.
* **Season Generously:** Cream cheese and sour cream can be mild in flavor, so don’t be afraid to season generously. Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and herbs can all add depth and complexity to your casserole.
Savory Cream Cheese Sour Cream Casserole Recipes
1. Creamy Baked Pasta Casserole
This comforting pasta casserole is perfect for a weeknight dinner. The creamy sauce is incredibly flavorful and coats the pasta beautifully.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
* 1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce
* 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
* 1 cup sour cream
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
* Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Cook the Pasta:** Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. **Prepare the Sauce:** While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. **Brown the Meat (Optional):** If using ground beef or Italian sausage, add it to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess grease.
4. **Combine Ingredients:** Stir in the marinara sauce, cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the cream cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
5. **Assemble the Casserole:** In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta and the sauce. Toss to coat evenly. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
6. **Top with Cheese:** Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
7. **Bake:** Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
8. **Rest and Serve:** Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired.
2. Cheesy Vegetable Casserole
This is a great way to get your vegetables in! The creamy cream cheese and sour cream sauce makes even the most reluctant vegetable eaters enjoy their greens.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 red bell pepper, chopped
* 1 green bell pepper, chopped
* 1 zucchini, chopped
* 1 yellow squash, chopped
* 1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
* 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
* 1 cup sour cream
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Vegetables:** Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. **Sauté the Vegetables:** Add the bell peppers, zucchini, and yellow squash to the skillet. Cook until tender-crisp, about 8-10 minutes. Stir in the thawed and squeezed dry spinach.
3. **Make the Sauce:** In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
4. **Combine Ingredients:** Add the sautéed vegetables to the cream cheese mixture and toss to coat evenly. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
5. **Top with Cheese:** Sprinkle the cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
6. **Bake:** Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
7. **Rest and Serve:** Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving.
3. Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
A classic comfort food dish elevated with the tangy creaminess of cream cheese and sour cream.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
* 2 cups broccoli florets, cooked or steamed until tender-crisp
* 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
* 1 cup sour cream
* 1/2 cup mayonnaise
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
* 1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers (optional topping)
* 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional topping)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare Ingredients:** Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Ensure chicken and broccoli are cooked and ready.
2. **Make the Sauce:** In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
3. **Combine Ingredients:** Gently fold in the cooked chicken and broccoli into the cream cheese mixture. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
4. **Top with Cheese and Cracker Crumbs (Optional):** Sprinkle the cheddar cheese evenly over the top. If using, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter and sprinkle over the cheese.
5. **Bake:** Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
6. **Rest and Serve:** Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Sweet Cream Cheese Sour Cream Casserole Recipes
1. Cream Cheese Sour Cream Coffee Cake Casserole
A decadent twist on classic coffee cake, perfect for brunch or dessert.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 (16 ounce) package yellow cake mix
* 1 cup sour cream
* 1/2 cup vegetable oil
* 3 eggs
* 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
* 1/2 cup granulated sugar
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
* Cinnamon-sugar mixture (for topping)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Cake Batter:** Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, sour cream, vegetable oil, and eggs. Mix well until smooth.
2. **Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:** In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the granulated sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
3. **Assemble the Casserole:** Pour half of the cake batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the cake batter. Pour the remaining cake batter over the cream cheese filling. Sprinkle with chopped nuts, if using, and cinnamon-sugar mixture.
4. **Bake:** Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. **Cool and Serve:** Let the casserole cool completely before slicing and serving.
2. Fruit and Cream Cheese Casserole
This dessert is simple, elegant, and bursting with fresh fruit flavors. Perfect for a light and refreshing dessert or brunch.
**Ingredients:**
* 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
* 1 cup sour cream
* 1/2 cup granulated sugar
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 4 cups mixed fresh fruit (berries, peaches, melon, etc.)
* 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs (optional topping)
* 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional topping)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture:** In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the sour cream, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
2. **Combine Ingredients:** Gently fold in the mixed fresh fruit into the cream cheese mixture. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
3. **Top with Graham Cracker Crumbs (Optional):** If using, mix the graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the fruit mixture.
4. **Chill:** Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
5. **Serve:** Serve chilled.
3. Sweet Noodle Casserole (Kugel Variation)
A twist on traditional kugel, this casserole uses cream cheese and sour cream for an extra creamy and decadent texture.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound wide egg noodles
* 4 eggs, beaten
* 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
* 1 cup sour cream
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 1/2 cup melted butter
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
* 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
* Cornflake topping (optional – crushed cornflakes with melted butter and sugar)
**Instructions:**
1. **Cook the Noodles:** Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the egg noodles according to package directions. Drain well.
2. **Prepare the Mixture:** In a large bowl, combine the beaten eggs, softened cream cheese, sour cream, granulated sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Mix well until smooth.
3. **Combine Ingredients:** Add the cooked egg noodles and raisins (if using) to the cream cheese mixture and toss to coat evenly. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
4. **Prepare the Topping (Optional):** Combine crushed cornflakes with melted butter and sugar (to taste). Sprinkle evenly over the noodle mixture.
5. **Bake:** Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and set.
6. **Cool and Serve:** Let the casserole cool slightly before serving.
Variations and Add-Ins
The beauty of cream cheese sour cream casserole is its versatility. Here are some ideas to customize your recipes:
* **Cheese:** Experiment with different cheeses such as Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for added flavor.
* **Herbs and Spices:** Add fresh or dried herbs like dill, chives, or rosemary to savory casseroles. For sweet casseroles, try nutmeg, cardamom, or allspice.
* **Vegetables:** Add roasted vegetables like asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or butternut squash to savory casseroles.
* **Protein:** Add cooked bacon, ham, or sausage to savory casseroles for extra protein and flavor.
* **Fruit:** Use different types of fruit, such as apples, pears, or cranberries, in sweet casseroles.
* **Nuts:** Add toasted nuts like almonds, pecans, or walnuts to both sweet and savory casseroles for added texture and flavor.
* **Toppings:** Create a crumb topping with butter, flour, and sugar for sweet casseroles, or use crushed crackers or potato chips for savory casseroles.
Storage and Reheating
* **Storage:** Store leftover cream cheese sour cream casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions. Cover with foil while reheating in the oven to prevent the top from browning too much.
Conclusion
Cream cheese sour cream casserole is a delightful dish that is surprisingly easy to make and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re in the mood for a comforting savory meal or a sweet and decadent dessert, there’s a cream cheese sour cream casserole recipe that’s perfect for you. Experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create your own unique and delicious creations. Enjoy!