Creamy Cheesy Broccoli Rice Bake

There’s nothing quite like a warm, bubbling casserole to bring comfort to the table, and this **Broccoli Cheese and Rice Casserole** stands out as a true culinary embrace. It’s a dish often associated with festive holiday gatherings, gracing tables during Christmas and Thanksgiving. However, its irresistible creamy, cheesy, and deeply satisfying nature makes it far too delicious to reserve for special occasions alone. This soul-warming side dish is perfectly suited for any night of the week, transforming a simple meal into a delightful experience.

For many, the mention of broccoli and rice casserole might conjure up memories of versions made with processed cheese products. While those have their nostalgic charm, our recipe takes a different, more refined path. Inspired by cherished family recipes, we set out to create a rendition that delivers on all the classic flavor and comforting texture without relying on Cheez Whiz or Velveeta. The secret lies in a rich, homemade cheese sauce, crafted from scratch using real, wholesome ingredients, reminiscent of a classic béchamel elevated with robust cheddar and creamy notes.

This commitment to natural ingredients not only enhances the flavor profile but also ensures a dish you can feel good about serving your loved ones. The result is a broccoli cheese casserole that is undeniably smooth, wonderfully cheesy, and profoundly satisfying, providing that perfect balance of wholesome goodness and indulgent flavor. It’s an easy-to-make, family-favorite side dish that’s sure to earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation, whether for a bustling holiday feast or a quiet weeknight dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Broccoli Rice Casserole

• **Pure, Unprocessed Goodness:** Say goodbye to artificial flavors. Our recipe uses real cheese, creating a cleaner, more authentic taste that truly shines.
• **Rich & Creamy Texture:** The homemade béchamel-based cheese sauce is incredibly smooth and velvety, coating every grain of rice and every tender floret of broccoli.
• **Versatile Appeal:** It’s an ideal accompaniment to a wide range of main courses, from roasted chicken to grilled salmon. It can also serve as a satisfying vegetarian main dish.
• **Family-Friendly Favorite:** Even picky eaters often find themselves reaching for seconds of this cheesy, comforting classic.
• **Effortless Preparation:** With straightforward steps and common ingredients, this casserole is surprisingly easy to whip up, even for novice cooks.
• **Perfect for Meal Prep:** It reheats beautifully, making it an excellent candidate for make-ahead meals, especially useful during busy weeks or holiday planning.

Key Ingredients for the Perfect Casserole

Creating this irresistible casserole starts with selecting the right components. Each ingredient plays a vital role in building the layers of flavor and achieving the perfect creamy texture.

• **Fresh Broccoli Florets:** We highly recommend fresh broccoli for its superior texture and vibrant color. Cutting the florets into 1-inch pieces ensures they cook evenly and integrate well into the casserole. If using frozen broccoli, ensure it’s thawed and thoroughly drained to prevent excess moisture from making the casserole watery.
• **Cooked Rice (White Rice):** This recipe is an excellent way to utilize leftover rice, making meal prep even quicker. White rice, such as long-grain or Basmati, works beautifully, providing a neutral base that absorbs the rich cheese sauce.
• **Unsalted Butter, All-Purpose Flour, Whole Milk:** These three form the foundation of our creamy, luscious cheese sauce. The butter and flour create a roux, a classic thickening agent, while whole milk adds richness and helps achieve that desirable velvety consistency. Using whole milk is key for a truly decadent sauce.
• **Onion, Garlic, Dry Mustard, Kosher Salt, and Black Pepper:** These simple yet powerful seasonings are essential for layering flavor. Sautéed onion and garlic provide an aromatic depth, while dry mustard, a secret weapon in many cheese sauces, subtly enhances the cheesy notes without overpowering them. Salt and pepper balance the flavors.
• **Cream Cheese, Sharp Cheddar Cheese:** This combination is where the magic happens for our sauce. Cream cheese adds an unparalleled silkiness and extra creaminess, while sharp cheddar cheese delivers that bold, tangy, and quintessential cheesy flavor that defines a great broccoli cheese casserole. Freshly shredded cheddar melts more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents.

Transform Your Casserole: Delicious Variations & Add-ins

While this casserole is perfect as written, it’s also incredibly adaptable. Feel free to experiment with these variations to customize it to your taste or turn it into a complete meal:

• **Make it a Hearty Meal:** To transform this side dish into a main course, simply incorporate cooked protein. Diced cooked ham, shredded roasted chicken, or even browned ground beef or turkey are excellent additions. Stir them in with the broccoli and rice before baking.
• **Explore Different Cheeses:** The type of cheese can significantly alter the flavor profile. Instead of sharp cheddar, try Monterey Jack for a milder, meltier casserole, Pepper Jack for a hint of spice, or even Gruyère for a nutty, more sophisticated taste. A blend of cheeses can also be delightful.
• **Lighten It Up:** For a lighter version, substitute low-fat milk and a light cream cheese or reduced-fat cheddar. Be aware that this may result in a slightly less thick and creamy sauce, but it will still be delicious.
• **Alternative Grains:** Swap out white rice for an equally wholesome option. Brown rice offers a nuttier flavor and more fiber, while quinoa or even cauliflower rice (for a low-carb alternative) can be used. Just ensure they are cooked and drained properly before adding to the casserole.
• **Add More Vegetables:** Feel free to include other complementary vegetables. Sautéed mushrooms, diced carrots, or even corn kernels can be stirred into the mixture for added nutrition and texture.
• **Crunchy Topping:** For an extra layer of texture, consider adding a crunchy topping. Mix 1/2 cup of panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter and sprinkle over the top before baking. Crushed crackers or even crispy fried onions also work well.

Step-by-Step: Crafting Your Broccoli Rice and Cheese Casserole

Making this creamy broccoli and cheese casserole from scratch is simpler than you might think. Follow these detailed steps for a perfect result every time.

1. **Prepare Your Oven and Dish:** Preheat your oven to a cozy 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 2-quart casserole dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
2. **Blanch the Broccoli:** Cut fresh broccoli florets into uniform 1-inch pieces. This ensures they cook evenly. Place the florets in a large microwave-safe bowl with 3 tablespoons of water. Cover the bowl and microwave for 2 minutes. This brief blanching is a crucial step; it helps the broccoli retain a pleasant bite-through texture, preventing it from becoming mushy after baking, while also ensuring it’s tender enough. Drain the broccoli thoroughly to remove any excess water. Alternatively, you can boil the broccoli in a pot of lightly salted water for 2 minutes, then drain.
3. **Start the Cheese Sauce Base:** In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent and softened, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
4. **Create the Roux:** Whisk in the all-purpose flour, dry mustard, kosher salt, and black pepper into the butter and onion mixture. Continue to whisk constantly for 1 to 2 minutes. This step cooks out the raw flour taste and creates the roux, which will thicken your sauce.
5. **Form the Bechamel:** While continuously whisking, gradually pour in the whole milk. Pour slowly to avoid lumps, ensuring a smooth sauce. Continue whisking constantly until the sauce thickens and begins to bubble gently. It should reach the consistency of a thick cream soup or gravy, able to coat the back of a spoon.
6. **Melt the Cheeses:** Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the cream cheese and 1 1/2 cups of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until both cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
7. **Adjust Seasoning:** Taste the cheese sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add a pinch more salt or pepper to enhance the flavors.
8. **Combine Casserole Ingredients:** In the same large bowl you used for the broccoli (or a separate large mixing bowl), combine the blanched broccoli, 2 cups of cooked rice, and the prepared cheese sauce. Stir gently until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and coated in the rich sauce.
9. **Assemble and Top:** Pour the mixture evenly into your prepared 2-quart baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. This will create a beautiful golden crust.
10. **Bake to Perfection:** Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the cheese topping is golden brown and melted.
11. **Rest Before Serving:** Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly, making it easier to serve and preventing it from being too runny.

Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Broccoli Cheese Casserole

This cheesy broccoli rice casserole is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of main dishes, making it a standout side for any occasion. Its rich, creamy profile perfectly complements lean proteins and lighter accompaniments.

• **Classic Pairings:** Serve it alongside roasted chicken, baked ham, grilled steak, or pork loin for a hearty and satisfying meal. The casserole provides a comforting counterpoint to savory meats.
• **Vegetarian Main:** For a complete vegetarian meal, simply serve a generous portion of the casserole with a crisp, fresh green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. The freshness of the salad cuts through the richness of the casserole beautifully.
• **Holiday Feast Staple:** This dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for holiday tables, fitting right in with other traditional sides.
• **Weeknight Wonder:** Don’t save it just for holidays! It’s an easy and delicious way to get vegetables and whole grains into your diet any night of the week.

Make Ahead, Storage, and Reheating Tips

Preparing this casserole in advance can be a huge time-saver, especially during busy holidays or weeknights. Here’s how to handle make-ahead, storage, and reheating:

• **Make Ahead:** This broccoli and rice casserole is an excellent candidate for making ahead. Assemble the recipe as directed, but do not bake it. Cover the casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to bake, transfer the dish to the counter and let it come closer to room temperature while your oven preheats. Then, bake as directed, potentially adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it’s still quite cold.
• **Storing Leftovers:** Allow any leftover casserole to cool completely to room temperature before storing. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• **Freezing for Later:** This casserole freezes beautifully. Place the cooled casserole in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty plastic freezer bag. Ensure it’s sealed tightly to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• **Reheating Instructions:** To reheat, you can use either the microwave or the oven. For individual portions, microwave for 3-5 minutes, stirring halfway through, until warmed through. For a larger portion or the entire casserole, place it in an oven-safe dish, add a splash of water or chicken broth (about 1-2 tablespoons) to prevent drying, cover with foil, and reheat in a 300-325°F (150-160°C) oven until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes. Remove the foil for the last few minutes if you want to crisp up the topping again.

More Side Dish Recipes to Love

If you enjoyed this comforting casserole, you might also like these other delightful side dishes:

• Potatoes Au Gratin With Gruyere – A rich and elegant potato dish with a nutty cheese flavor.
• Baked Macaroni And Cheese – The ultimate comfort food, cheesy and baked to perfection.
• Easy Creamy Carrot Souffle – A light yet creamy vegetable side that’s surprisingly easy.
• Decadent Whipped Potatoes Recipe – Ultra-smooth and rich mashed potatoes, perfect for any meal.
• Southern Yellow Squash Casserole – A sweet and savory summer vegetable casserole.
• Easy Sweet Potato Casserole – A holiday favorite with a sweet, streusel topping.

Broccoli Cheese Casserole with Rice

A hearty, creamy, cheesy, and soul-warming side dish for any night of the week! Made with real ingredients, no processed cheese!

Course: Side Dish | Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 8

Author: Leigh Harris

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Ingredients

Casserole

• 6 cups Fresh broccoli florets, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 cups Cooked white rice

Cheese Sauce

• 3 tbsp Unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup Onion, diced
• 1/2 tsp Garlic, minced
• 3 tbsp All-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp Dry mustard
• 1 tsp Kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp Black pepper, ground
• 2 cups Whole milk
• 3 tbsp Cream cheese
• 2 1/2 cups Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (divided)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175°C). Grease a 2-quart casserole dish.
2. Cut fresh broccoli florets into 1-inch pieces. Place the florets in a large microwave-safe bowl and add 3 tablespoons of water. Cover and microwave for 2 minutes. Drain thoroughly.
3. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook another minute until fragrant.
4. Whisk in the flour, dry mustard, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
5. While whisking constantly, gradually pour in the milk. Continue whisking until the sauce is thick and bubbly, reaching the consistency of a cream soup.
6. Remove from the heat. Add the cream cheese and 1 1/2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Stir until all the cheese is completely melted and smooth.
7. Taste the cheese sauce and add more salt and pepper if desired.
8. In the same large bowl, stir the blanched broccoli, 2 cups cooked rice, and the cheese sauce together until completely combined and coated.
9. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
10. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
11. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
12. Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set.

Nutrition

Calories: 326kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 60mg | Sodium: 578mg | Potassium: 374mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1083IU | Vitamin C: 62mg | Calcium: 370mg | Iron: 1mg