If you’re looking for a warm, comforting dish that’s both hearty and packed with veggies, broccoli rice cheese casserole is a perfect choice. This classic casserole blends tender broccoli, fluffy rice, and a creamy, cheesy sauce into a dish that’s irresistible for family dinners, potlucks, or holiday meals. Plus, it’s a great way to get kids excited about eating their greens!
Let’s dive into how you can make this delicious casserole step-by-step, with tips to make it creamy, cheesy, and perfectly baked.
Ingredients You’ll Need
– Broccoli: Fresh florets, about 4 to 6 cups, cut into bite-sized pieces
– Cooked white rice: 2 to 3 cups (leftover rice works great)
– Butter: 1/4 cup (for the roux and sautéing)
– Onion: 1/4 cup diced (optional, for extra flavor)
– All-purpose flour: 1/4 cup (to thicken the sauce)
– Milk: 2 to 2 1/4 cups (whole milk for creaminess)
– Cheese: Sharp cheddar (about 2 cups shredded), plus cream cheese (3 ounces) and Parmesan (1/2 cup) for extra richness
– Seasonings: Mustard powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to taste
– Topping: Additional shredded cheddar cheese and optionally crushed potato chips or crackers for a crunchy finish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a casserole dish (9×13 inch or 8×8 inch depending on your batch size) with non-stick spray or butter.
2. Cook the Rice and Blanch the Broccoli
Cook your rice according to package instructions. While the rice cooks, bring a large pot of water to boil. Add the broccoli florets and blanch them for about 2 minutes—just until bright green and slightly tender. Immediately transfer the broccoli to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking and keep that vibrant color.
3. Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until translucent and soft. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to make a roux. Slowly whisk in the milk, a little at a time, to avoid lumps. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens and bubbles gently.
Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and Parmesan until melted and smooth. Season with mustard powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
4. Combine Everything
In a large bowl, mix the cooked rice, blanched broccoli, and creamy cheese sauce until everything is evenly coated.
5. Assemble the Casserole
Pour the mixture into your prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. For extra crunch, you can add crushed potato chips, Ritz crackers, or breadcrumbs on top.
6. Bake to Perfection
Bake uncovered for about 30 to 35 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. The casserole should be hot throughout and slightly browned on top.
Tips for the Best Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole
– Use fresh broccoli for the best texture and flavor, but frozen works in a pinch—just thaw and drain well.
– Don’t overcook the broccoli during blanching; it will continue to cook in the oven and you want it tender but not mushy.
– Make the cheese sauce from scratch for a richer, fresher flavor compared to canned soups.
– Add cream cheese to the sauce for extra creaminess and tang.
– For a crunchy topping, crushed potato chips or cheese crackers add a delicious texture contrast.
– Make ahead: Prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover and refrigerate. Add the topping and bake when ready. This is perfect for busy holiday meals.
– Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 4 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
Variations to Try
– Add protein: Mix in cooked chicken or ham to make it a one-dish meal.
– Swap cheeses: Try mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for different flavors.
– Make it healthier: Use brown rice or quinoa, reduce cheese, or substitute Greek yogurt for some of the cream cheese.
– Add more veggies: Toss in peas, carrots, or corn for extra color and nutrition.
Broccoli rice cheese casserole is a timeless recipe that brings comfort and nutrition together in one dish. It’s cheesy, creamy, and filled with wholesome ingredients that everyone will love. Whether you’re serving it as a side or a main, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Enjoy baking and savor every cheesy bite!