Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole

$- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown) - 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen) - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened - 1 cup milk (or plant-based milk) - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping) - 2 tablespoons olive oil Gathering the right ingredients is key to a great cheesy broccoli rice casserole. Start with cooked rice. You can use either white or brown rice, depending on your taste. Next, choose broccoli florets. Fresh or frozen works well. I often use frozen broccoli for ease. For that cheesy goodness, you need sharp cheddar cheese. It adds flavor and creaminess. You will also need cream cheese, which gives the dish a rich texture. Don't forget milk; you can use regular or plant-based. Then, add grated Parmesan cheese for an extra kick. For flavor, you’ll want garlic powder and onion powder. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. If you like a crunchy top, consider adding breadcrumbs. Finally, use olive oil to grease your casserole dish. Each ingredient plays a part in making this dish a hit! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with olive oil. 2. In a large bowl, mix 2 cups of cooked rice, 2 cups of broccoli florets, 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir well to combine. 1. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of softened cream cheese, 1 cup of milk, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Whisk until smooth and creamy. 1. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the rice and broccoli mixture. Stir until everything is well coated. 2. Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared casserole dish. If you like, sprinkle 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs on top for some crunch. 3. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Look for bubbly cheese and golden edges. 4. Once baked, let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your cheesy broccoli rice casserole! To make your casserole pop, try adding spices like paprika or cayenne for heat. You can also mix in fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a fresh taste. When it comes to cheese, use a mix of varieties. Gouda or pepper jack can add a nice twist. The sharper the cheese, the better the flavor! Perfect rice is key to this dish. Rinse your rice well before cooking. This removes starch and helps it stay fluffy. Follow the package instructions for the best results. For broccoli, steam it lightly for 2-3 minutes. This keeps its bright green color and nutrients. Just don’t overcook it! Pair this casserole with baked chicken or grilled fish for a complete meal. A simple salad on the side adds freshness. For a fun presentation, serve in individual ramekins or small bowls. Top with extra cheese or fresh herbs for a pop of color. Enjoy your delicious creation! Pro Tips Use Fresh Broccoli: Fresh broccoli gives a better texture and flavor compared to frozen. If using frozen, thaw and drain excess water to avoid a soggy casserole. Experiment with Cheeses: While sharp cheddar is delicious, mixing in some Gruyère or mozzarella can add a unique flavor and creaminess. Add Protein: For a complete meal, consider adding cooked chicken, turkey, or even some crispy bacon bits to the mixture. Make Ahead: This casserole can be prepared a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate. Bake it when ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. {{image_2}} You can easily change the veggies in this casserole. Try using cauliflower or carrots for a twist. Both add different textures and flavors. You can also mix in bell peppers or peas. These swaps keep the dish fresh and fun. Cheese and milk can also be swapped. If you want a lighter dish, use low-fat cheese. For a creamier texture, try mascarpone cheese. If you want a dairy-free option, use plant-based cheese and milk. Almond or oat milk works great here. Making this casserole gluten-free is simple. Just use gluten-free breadcrumbs on top. You can also make the whole dish gluten-free by choosing rice that is labeled gluten-free. Most rice types are naturally gluten-free. For a vegan-friendly adaptation, replace cream cheese with cashew cream. Blend soaked cashews with a bit of lemon juice for creaminess. Use plant-based cheese and milk to keep it vegan. This way, everyone can enjoy the dish. Changing the flavor profile can add fun. For a southwestern twist, add black beans, corn, and taco seasoning. This gives the dish a spicy kick. For a Mediterranean flair, add olives and sun-dried tomatoes. You can also mix in feta cheese for a salty bite. These regional twists make the casserole exciting and unique. To store your Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole, let it cool to room temperature. Next, place it in an airtight container. This method keeps it fresh for up to three days in the fridge. If you have leftovers, it’s best to store them in smaller portions. This makes it easier to heat up later. Always label your containers with the date for easy tracking. For long-term storage, you can freeze the casserole. First, let it cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. This will keep it fresh for about three months. When you're ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. This method helps preserve the taste and texture. To reheat your casserole, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in a baking dish. Cover it with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Heat for about 20-25 minutes. Check that it's heated through. You can also microwave individual portions. Just heat each portion for 2-3 minutes. Stir halfway to ensure even warming. Enjoy your cheesy goodness! If you want to swap rice, try quinoa or cauliflower rice. Quinoa adds protein and has a nutty flavor. Cauliflower rice is low in carbs and gives a unique taste. Both options work well. Just make sure they are cooked before mixing them in. Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. It saves time and cooks well. Just thaw it first and drain any extra water. This helps keep your casserole from getting soggy. Fresh broccoli is great too, giving a nice crispness. Choose what you prefer! You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Keep it in an airtight container. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it for up to 3 months. The quality stays good if you wrap it well. Just reheat it in the oven for best results! This blog post covered a tasty broccoli and cheese casserole. You learned about the key ingredients, like rice and broccoli, and how to mix everything. We shared tips to improve flavor and the best ways to cook. You can also adapt the recipe to fit your needs, like going gluten-free or vegan. For storage, I showed you how to keep leftovers fresh. Enjoy making this simple dish that fits any meal! Remember, playing with flavors can make it your own masterpiece.$

Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole

A creamy and cheesy casserole featuring rice and broccoli, perfect for a comforting meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
0.5 cup cream cheese, softened
1 cup milk (or plant-based milk)
0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
to taste salt and pepper
0.5 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with olive oil.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, broccoli florets, and both cheddar and Parmesan cheese, mixing well to combine.
In another bowl, whisk together the cream cheese, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Pour the cream cheese mixture over the rice and broccoli mixture, stirring until everything is well coated and combined.
Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared casserole dish.
If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top for a crunchy topping.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the edges are golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Add breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping if desired.

Keyword broccoli, casserole, cheese, rice