Broccoli cheese rice casserole is a comforting dish often served at family meals or on holidays. It’s a one-pot meal that’s creamy and cheesy. You mix tender broccoli and fluffy rice with a velvety cheese sauce.
The recipe’s simple and lets you add or change ingredients to fit your taste. It’s a flexible dish. You can enjoy it in many ways, making it a favorite for many.
Key Takeaways
- Broccoli cheese rice casserole is a classic and comforting one-pot dish.
- The recipe combines tender broccoli, fluffy rice, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce.
- The dish is versatile and can be customized with various ingredients and substitutions.
- It’s perfect for family gatherings, holiday meals, or a cozy night in.
- The recipe is easy to make and delivers a satisfying and delicious side dish.
Ingredients and Preparations
The star of broccoli cheese rice casserole is broccoli. You’ll need 6 cups of broccoli florets, cut into small pieces. Alternatively, a 10-ounce bag of frozen chopped broccoli works too. Boil the broccoli until it’s soft but still a bit crunchy. Then mix it with the other ingredients.
Rice
You need 2 cups of cooked white rice for this dish. Feel free to use your favorite type, whether it’s long-grain, short-grain, or brown rice. Mix the rice with cheese sauce and broccoli to make the casserole. Or, if you want to add a bit of variety, consider using a mix of different rice varieties in traditional paella. The combination of textures and flavors from different grains can add a unique twist to the dish. Experiment with different rice varieties to find your perfect combination for this cheesy broccoli rice casserole.
Cheese Sauce
The creamy cheese sauce is the heart of this recipe. It’s a homemade mix of butter, onion, flour, milk, cream cheese, cheddar, and spices. This cheese sauce brings a creamy touch that holds the casserole together.
How do you make broccoli cheese rice casserole?
Start by making the creamy cheese sauce. Cook onion and butter until soft. Then mix in flour, garlic powder, and pepper and cook for 2 minutes. Add milk slowly while whisking. Cook until thick. Remove from heat and add cream cheese, paprika, and cheddar. Mix until melted and smooth.
Combine Ingredients
Now, mix cooked broccoli and rice with the sauce in a baking dish. This combines the flavors and makes a comforting dish.
Assemble and Bake
Top the mix with cheddar and crushed potato chips. The chips add crunch. Bake at 350°F for about 35 minutes until bubbly.
Variations and Substitutions
This broccoli cheese rice casserole is very flexible. You can try different vegetables like cauliflower or spinach instead of broccoli. Add cooked chicken or ham to make it a main dish. For cheese, mix cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Parmesan. A different topping can change it too. Try breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for a twist.
This broccoli cheese rice casserole fits any taste or diet. It’s perfect for adding more vegetables to your meals. Or, make it a full meal with chicken or ham. Mix and match ingredients to find what you love. This recipe lets you be as creative as you want. Mix in different vegetables or cheeses to make a unique comfort food dish.
Serving and Storing
Your delicious broccoli cheese rice casserole is perfect as either a side or a main course. It goes well with many proteins, like roasted chicken or pork chops. To make a full meal, add a fresh green salad or steamed veggies. This makes the dining experience complete and enjoyable.
Serving Suggestions
Your broccoli cheese rice casserole is great with roasted meats or grilled fish. It can also fit well with a simple baked chicken meal. For a cozy family dinner, add a leafy salad and crusty bread. It’s also a hit during holidays, complementing dishes like roasted turkey.
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers of your casserole, they can easily be stored. Put them in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you want to eat them, reheat in the oven until warm and the cheese bubbles.
You can also freeze the casserole for a longer time. Let it cool, then move to a freezer-safe container. It will stay good for up to 3 months. To reheat from frozen, thaw in the fridge, then warm in the oven until hot and the cheese is melty.
Conclusion
Broccoli cheese rice casserole is a cozy one-pot meal suited for many occasions. It unites soft broccoli, light rice, and a creamy cheese sauce. This combination makes a dish loved by all. It’s quick to make, lets you change up the ingredients, and can be kept in the fridge for later. Adding this casserole to your cooking list is a great idea.
Planning a feast or just want a tasty side for the week? This casserole will stand out on your table. It mixes cheesy goodness with nutritious broccoli perfectly. It’s a top choice for various meals—such as How do you make broccoli cheese rice casserole?, broccoli casserole recipes, cheesy rice dishes, rice bake, vegetable casseroles, easy side dish recipes, comfort food recipes, holiday side dishes, family-friendly meals, and one-pot meals.
This casserole deserves a spot on your dinner table. It’s easy to make and everyone will love it. Enjoy the tasty mix of broccoli, rice, and cheese sauce. Discover a new favorite that’s ideal for any gathering.
