Description
This Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole is a comforting, creamy side dish featuring tender broccoli and fluffy white rice smothered in a rich cheddar cheese sauce. Perfectly baked until bubbly and golden, it’s a satisfying addition to any meal with simple ingredients and easy preparation.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 5 cups broccoli (cut into small florets)
Grains
- 3 cups white rice (cooked)
Dairy and Fats
- ¼ cup butter
- 2 ½ cups cheddar cheese (shredded, divided)
- 3 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 2 ¼ cups milk
Dry Ingredients and Seasonings
- ¼ cup all purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat the oven to 350 F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Blanch Broccoli: Bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and boil for 2 minutes. Immediately rinse the broccoli under cold water to stop the cooking process and preserve color and texture. Set aside.
- Make Roux: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 2 minutes constantly to form a roux, removing the raw flour taste.
- Add Milk and Seasonings: Gradually whisk in the milk and add mustard powder, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Bring the mixture to a simmer while stirring constantly and cook for 4 minutes until it thickens into a smooth sauce.
- Add Cheese and Season: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese and cream cheese until melted and smooth. Season the cheese sauce with salt and ground black pepper to taste.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, toss the blanched broccoli and cooked rice with the cheese sauce until well coated. Transfer this mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.
- Top and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese topping is golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve hot directly from the baking dish as a hearty side dish.
Notes
- This casserole takes about 45 minutes total to prepare and cook, making it a quick and easy side dish option.
- Blanching the broccoli helps to keep it tender-crisp and vibrant green after baking.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch in the roux.
- You can use sharp cheddar cheese for a more intense flavor or mild cheddar for a creamier taste.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Adding cooked chicken or bacon can transform this into a complete main course.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 561 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 503 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 67 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
