![- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown) - 2 cups fresh broccoli florets - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup milk - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1/2 cup sour cream - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon paprika - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 2 tablespoons olive oil To make my cheesy broccoli rice casserole, I focus on fresh and simple ingredients. The key is to have a mix of creamy and cheesy flavors. The rice acts as a base, while the broccoli adds color and nutrition. I love using fresh broccoli florets because they stay crisp and bright. The cheeses I use are sharp cheddar and mozzarella. They melt perfectly and give the dish that gooey texture we all crave. The milk and sour cream make the casserole creamy. The Dijon mustard adds a slight tang that brightens the whole dish. For seasoning, I use salt, black pepper, paprika, and a touch of cayenne. Cayenne adds a little kick but is optional. Finally, breadcrumbs on top add crunch and contrast to the creamy filling. - Large pot for blanching broccoli - Mixing bowl - Casserole dish (9x13 inch) - Small bowl for breadcrumb topping Having the right tools makes the cooking process smooth. A large pot is great for blanching the broccoli. This keeps it vibrant and tender. A mixing bowl helps combine all the ingredients without a mess. I recommend using a 9x13 inch casserole dish. It gives enough space for everything to cook evenly. A small bowl is handy for mixing the breadcrumbs with olive oil before topping the casserole. For more details and techniques, check out the [Full Recipe]. - Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for even cooking. - Boil water with a pinch of salt. Add the fresh broccoli florets and blanch for 2-3 minutes. This keeps them bright and crisp. Drain the broccoli and set it aside. - Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. This step adds great flavor to your dish. - In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, blanched broccoli, sautéed onion and garlic, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, milk, sour cream, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper if you like it spicy. Stir well until all ingredients are mixed evenly. - Grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish with cooking spray or a little olive oil. Pour the rice and broccoli mixture into the dish. Spread it out evenly for even baking. - Place the dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling. This gives you a crispy top and creamy inside. You can find the full recipe with more details in the earlier section. Enjoy the process of making this comforting dish! To make the best Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole, focus on a few key steps: - Ensure broccoli is crisp after blanching for texture. This keeps it bright green and crunchy. - Use freshly shredded cheese for better melt quality. Pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that affect melting. Presentation makes a big difference. After baking, garnish your casserole with chopped parsley or chives. This adds color and freshness to your dish. Serve your casserole hot. It pairs well with a fresh green salad or crusty bread. These sides balance the rich flavors and add texture. {{image_4}} You can boost your casserole with extra protein. Consider adding cooked chicken, ham, or tofu. These ingredients mix well with the rice and cheese. They also add flavor and texture. If you use chicken, make sure it’s shredded. For ham, diced pieces work best. Tofu should be firm and cubed for the right bite. This way, you make the dish heartier and more satisfying. If you want a vegetarian version, you can swap heavy cream. Use a plant-based milk alternative instead. Almond milk or oat milk works great. This keeps the dish creamy without the dairy. You can also add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. It’s a simple change that still gives you rich taste. Cheese is key in this casserole. You can try different cheese blends to change the flavor. Pepper jack adds a kick, while gouda gives a smoky taste. Mixing cheeses can make your casserole unique and fun. I love using a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for the best melt. Feel free to experiment with your favorites. Each cheese choice will give your dish a new twist. For the full recipe, check the section above! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the casserole fresh and ready for a quick meal. Make sure to let it cool before sealing it up. This helps prevent moisture from building up inside, which can make your dish soggy. You can freeze the casserole in portions for easy reheating later. Just wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Place them in a freezer-safe bag, and consume within 2 months. This way, you’ll always have a delicious meal on hand for busy nights. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F until heated through. This usually takes about 20-25 minutes. To keep it moist, add a splash of milk before covering it with foil. This will help the cheese melt nicely and keep the rice from drying out. Enjoy your warm and cheesy broccoli rice casserole again! Yes, you can prepare and assemble it a day before baking. Just cover the dish with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. This way, you save time on busy days. When you are ready, just pop it in the oven. It comes out just as tasty! You can use quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Quinoa adds a nutty flavor and nice texture. Cauliflower rice is light and healthy. Both alternatives work well in this dish. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Check all other ingredients for gluten. Many brands offer gluten-free options for cheese and milk. This way, everyone can enjoy the dish! Absolutely! It stores well and reheats nicely, making it perfect for meal prep. You can divide leftovers into containers. They are easy to grab for lunch or dinner during the week. Enjoy tasty meals without the fuss! This blog post covered how to make a creamy Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole. You learned about the key ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for the best flavor and texture. I shared fun variations like adding proteins or different cheese types. Make it your own! This dish keeps well, too, perfect for meal prep. Enjoy serving it at dinner or a gathering. You’ll impress everyone with this simple and tasty recipe!](https://mealinmoments.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/ba7a30ed-ba53-4019-aeca-750821e577e2-250x250.webp)
Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole
Discover the perfect comfort food with this Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole recipe that's creamy, easy to make, and packed with flavor! Ideal for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this dish combines fresh broccoli, gooey cheese, and savory spices to create a delicious meal everyone will love. Ready to dig into warmth and taste? Click through to explore the full recipe and bring happiness to your dinner table tonight!