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Creamy Cheesy Baked Broccoli Rice Casserole

creamy cheesy baked broccoli rice casserole - featured image
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A comforting and creamy casserole combining tender broccoli, fluffy rice, and a smooth, cheesy sauce baked to golden perfection. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or cozy family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups broccoli florets, fresh or frozen, chopped
  • 2 cups cooked white rice (day-old preferred)
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (can substitute gluten-free flour)
  • 2 cups milk (whole or 2%; use dairy-free milk for vegan)
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (optional, for topping)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, panko preferred, for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 inch baking dish lightly with butter or nonstick spray.
  2. Cook the broccoli: steam or boil fresh florets for 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp and bright green. If using frozen, thaw and drain thoroughly. Set aside.
  3. Prepare the cheese sauce: melt 4 tablespoons butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in 1/4 cup flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until smooth and slightly nutty.
  4. Slowly whisk in 2 cups milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Cook for 5-7 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Add seasoning: stir in onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Fold in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Add more milk if sauce is too thick.
  6. Combine the casserole: in a large mixing bowl, gently mix cooked rice, broccoli, and cheese sauce until evenly coated.
  7. Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish. For a crunchy topping, sprinkle evenly with breadcrumbs mixed with grated Parmesan cheese.
  8. Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly with slightly bubbling edges.
  9. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to set and make serving easier.

Notes

Use day-old rice for better texture. Whisk constantly when adding milk to avoid lumps. Do not overcook broccoli to keep it tender-crisp. Tent with foil if top browns too quickly. For gluten-free, substitute flour with gluten-free blend. For vegan, use plant-based milk, vegan cheese, and margarine or oil instead of butter.

Nutrition

Keywords: broccoli casserole, cheesy casserole, baked rice casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, broccoli rice bake

Find it online: https://siennaspoon.com/creamy-cheesy-baked-broccoli-rice-casserole-recipe-easy-and-perfect/