Cheddar Broccoli Rice Casserole Simple and Tasty Dish

Craving a warm and hearty meal? This Cheddar Broccoli Rice Casserole is the answer! Packed with fresh broccoli, creamy cheese, and savory rice, it’s a dish you can whip up in no time. I’ll guide you through simple ingredients, easy steps, and clever tips that will make your casserole a hit. Get ready to enjoy a comforting meal that the whole family will love! Let’s dive into the recipe.

Ingredients for Cheddar Broccoli Rice Casserole

When making Cheddar Broccoli Rice Casserole, gather these key ingredients. They form the heart of this dish.

Main Ingredients

– 2 cups cooked white or brown rice

– 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, blanched until vibrant green

– 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

– 1 cup cream of mushroom soup

– 1 cup milk

These main ingredients bring rich flavors and textures. The rice serves as the base. The broccoli adds freshness. The cheddar cheese melts into gooey goodness. Cream of mushroom soup gives it creaminess. Milk helps bind everything together.

Seasoning and Extras

– 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 1/2 teaspoon salt

– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

– 1/4 teaspoon paprika

– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for a crunchy topping)

– 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional, for breadcrumb mixture)

Seasoning is key to great flavor. Onion and garlic add depth. Salt and pepper enhance the taste. Garlic powder and paprika bring warmth. Breadcrumbs with butter create a crunchy topping if you choose to use them.

For the full recipe, you can check the detailed cooking instructions. Enjoy crafting this delightful dish!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheating and Preparation

– Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

– Grease the baking dish.

To start, you need to set your oven. Preheating helps cook the casserole evenly. Greasing the dish stops it from sticking. I often use non-stick spray or butter. This makes cleanup easier.

Mixing the Ingredients

– Combine rice, broccoli, cheese, and sauces.

– Stir until fully mixed.

Next, grab a large bowl. Add cooked rice, fresh broccoli, and half the cheddar cheese. Pour in the cream of mushroom soup and milk. Add chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix all these ingredients well. You want everything to blend nicely.

Baking the Casserole

– Transfer mixture to baking dish.

– Add remaining cheese and optional breadcrumb topping.

– Bake covered, then uncovered.

Now, put the mixed ingredients in your greased dish. Spread it out evenly. Top with the rest of the cheddar cheese. If you like a crunchy top, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle this on top. Cover the dish with foil. This keeps moisture in while baking. Bake for 25 minutes. After that, take off the foil. Bake for another 10-15 minutes. You want the cheese to bubble and turn golden brown.

Let the casserole rest before serving. This helps it set. Enjoy this cheesy delight! You can find the full recipe [here](#).

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting the Texture

To get a creamy texture in your casserole, use enough cream of mushroom soup and milk. Mix them well with the rice and broccoli. This keeps the dish moist as it cooks. If you find it too thick, add a bit more milk to reach your desired creaminess.

To prevent over-baking, cover the dish with foil for the first part of cooking. This keeps moisture in and stops the top from burning. Check the casserole at the end of the baking time. If the cheese is bubbling and golden, it’s ready.

Enhancing Flavor

Spices can change your casserole from good to great. I recommend adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a bit of heat. You can also mix in some onion powder for extra depth.

Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can brighten the dish. Add them just before serving to keep their flavor fresh. If you want more texture, consider adding cooked chicken or bacon bits for a savory twist.

For the full recipe, check out the Cheesy Broccoli Bliss Casserole.

Variations of Cheddar Broccoli Rice Casserole

Dietary Alternatives

For those who need gluten-free options, use gluten-free rice and check your soup label. Many brands offer gluten-free cream of mushroom soup. You can also make your own at home using gluten-free flour.

If you want to go dairy-free, swap the cheddar cheese with a plant-based cheese. Coconut milk can also work instead of regular milk. There are many delicious dairy-free soups on the market, too.

Additional Ingredients

You can add protein to make this dish heartier. Chicken or diced ham works well. Crisped bacon can also add a nice flavor. Just mix it in with the rice and broccoli.

For more veggies, think about using cauliflower or peas. Cauliflower gives a nice texture, while peas add a sweet note. You can also mix in some carrots for color and crunch.

Check out the Full Recipe for a tasty way to enjoy this comforting dish!

Storage Info

Storing Leftovers

To keep your casserole fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps lock in moisture. Refrigerate the leftovers within two hours of cooking. It will stay good for about three to four days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option.

For freezing, let the casserole cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil. This prevents freezer burn and keeps flavors intact. You can freeze it for up to three months. Just remember to label it with the date.

Reheating Instructions

To reheat your casserole, I suggest using the oven for the best taste. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes or until it’s hot all the way through.

If you’re short on time, the microwave is a quick option. Transfer a portion to a microwave-safe dish. Heat it on medium power for two to three minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even heating. Enjoy your delicious Cheddar Broccoli Rice Casserole! You can find the full recipe above.

FAQs about Cheddar Broccoli Rice Casserole

Common Questions

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this casserole a day before. Just mix all the ingredients and store it in the fridge. Before baking, let it sit at room temperature for a bit. This helps it cook evenly.

What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?

If you don’t have cream of mushroom soup, try using cream of chicken or cream of celery. You can also make your own by blending cooked mushrooms with cream. This will keep the dish creamy and tasty.

Serving Suggestions

Best side dishes and drinks to accompany

This casserole goes well with a fresh green salad or garlic bread. For drinks, a crisp lemonade or iced tea complements the meal. These options balance the dish’s richness and add freshness.

How to garnish the casserole for presentation

To make your casserole look great, sprinkle fresh parsley or green onions on top. This adds a pop of color. You can also add a bit more cheese right before serving for extra appeal.

Cooking Adjustments

What if I have leftover ingredients?

If you have leftover rice or broccoli, use them in this casserole. You can also add leftover cooked chicken or ham. This dish is flexible and perfect for using what you have.

Can I use fresh versus frozen broccoli?

You can use either fresh or frozen broccoli. If using frozen, just thaw and drain it first. Fresh broccoli adds a nice crunch and color, but both work well in this casserole.

This blog post covered the key ingredients, steps, and tips for making Cheddar Broccoli Rice Casserole. You learned about the main components, how to mix and bake them, and ways to enhance flavor. You also discovered storage tips and answers to common questions.

Now, you can make this dish your own by trying different variations and substitutions. Cooking is fun and creative! Enjoy your delicious casserole and share it with friends and family.

Cheddar Broccoli Rice Casserole

Indulge in the comforting flavors of Cheesy Broccoli Bliss Casserole, a perfect dish for any meal. This easy recipe combines tender broccoli, creamy mushroom soup, sharp cheddar cheese, and fluffy rice for a deliciously cheesy experience. Whether you're feeding a family or hosting a crowd, this casserole is sure to impress. Click through for step-by-step instructions and make this cheesy delight tonight!

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Ingredients

  

2 cups cooked white or brown rice

2 cups fresh broccoli florets, blanched until vibrant green

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1 cup cream of mushroom soup (store-bought or homemade)

1 cup milk (whole or any preferred type)

1/2 cup onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon paprika

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for a crunchy topping)

2 tablespoons melted butter (optional, for breadcrumb mixture)

Instructions

 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter to prevent sticking.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, blanched broccoli, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, cream of mushroom soup, milk, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Stir vigorously until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed and well incorporated.

Transfer the rice and broccoli mixture to the greased baking dish, spreading it into an even layer with a spatula or the back of a spoon.

Evenly sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole, ensuring every bite will be cheesy.

If using breadcrumbs, mix them with the melted butter in a small bowl until well coated. Sprinkle this breadcrumb mixture evenly over the casserole to provide a delightful crunch once baked.

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture and prevent over-browning. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.

After 25 minutes, carefully remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully bubbly and the top achieves a golden brown hue.

Once baked to perfection, allow the casserole to rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting period will help the casserole set and make for neater servings.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 6-8

- Presentation Tips: Serve the casserole hot right from the oven, elevating its appeal by garnishing with fresh chopped parsley or green onions for a vibrant color contrast. For an individual serving option, scoop portions into bowls and sprinkle a touch more cheddar cheese on top for that extra cheesy indulgence. Enjoy this comforting dish bursting with flavor!