Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole Creamy Dreamy Delicious
Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole Creamy Dreamy Del
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
| Calories | 350-400 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15-20g |
| Fiber | 3-5g |
Recipe Introduction: Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole Magic
Fancy a bit of comfort food that’s proper tasty? Then you need this Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole in your life.
It’s like a warm hug on a plate. This Easy Broccoli Casserole recipe will become a family favorite.
Quick Hook: The Ultimate Cheesy Delight
Remember those school dinners? This isn't that . This Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole is a cheesy, dreamy upgrade. It brings serious flavor. It's also easy.
Brief Overview: From Humble Origins to Your Table
This Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole is a classic American side dish. It's perfect for any occasion. It's super adaptable. It only takes about 50 minutes to make and serves 6-8 people.
Main Benefits: Goodness in Every Bite
Broccoli is packed with goodness! This Side Dish Casserole Recipes is relatively healthy. This casserole is perfect for a cold night in.
Its creamy texture is really special. It is a Comfort Food Casserole Recipe .
Ready to get started? Let's dive into what you'll need for this Cheesy Rice Bake .
Ingredients You'll Need:
- Butter for greasing the baking dish and sautéing
- Onion and garlic for flavor
- Flour to thicken the sauce
- Milk for creaminess
- Seasoning with Salt, pepper, and a touch of nutmeg
- Cooked rice, that provides the base of the dish
- Frozen broccoli, an easy solution for fresh broccoli
- Cheddar cheese for cheesy flavour
- Gruyere cheese to add a touch of nutty flavour
Why this Recipe Works?
Honestly, this Easy Dinner Recipes with Broccoli is foolproof. It starts with a simple cheese sauce. Then it combines with rice and broccoli.
The optional breadcrumb topping gives it a lovely crunch. Trust me; it's easier than ordering a takeaway! This dish is an ultimate Broccoli Cheddar Rice Dish .
Alright, let's get cracking on this Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole . I'm telling you, this Broccoli Cheese Casserole Easy recipe is a game changer.
It's proper comfort food casserole recipe that'll make everyone happy. Plus, it’s one of those easy dinner recipes with broccoli that doesn't take all day to make.
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Sorted
Okay, so before we start, let's make sure we have everything. There’s nothing worse than being halfway through and realizing you’re missing something, right? This cheesy broccoli rice casserole is all about ease, so let's keep it simple.
Main Ingredients
- Butter: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) unsalted. For richness, you know?
- Onion: 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup / 150g).
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced (around 2 teaspoons).
- Flour: 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose.
- Milk: 3 cups (700ml) whole milk.
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml). Adjust to taste, though.
- Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml). Freshly ground is always better.
- Nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) ground (optional). Adds a cozy touch.
- Rice: 4 cups (about 800g) cooked long grain. Basmati or jasmine are fab. Don't use sticky rice for this cheesy rice bake .
- Broccoli: 1 pound (450g) frozen florets, thawed and chopped. Make sure they're not soggy.
- Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups (about 225g) shredded sharp cheddar, divided. Good quality cheese makes a difference.
- Gruyere Cheese: 1/2 cup (about 60g) shredded (optional). Adds a fancy touch to your Broccoli Cheddar Rice Dish .
- Panko breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup (50g) (optional).
- Melted butter: 2 tablespoons (30ml) (optional).
- Paprika: A pinch. For that nice colour (optional).
For the cheese, get a block and grate it yourself. Pre-shredded stuff often has cellulose that stops it melting properly.
Seasoning Notes
Don’t skip the nutmeg. I know it seems a bit random, but trust me, it brings warmth. A pinch of mustard powder in the cheese sauce is a game changer too.
If you're feeling brave, a dash of hot sauce gives it a kick.
Equipment Needed
- 9x13 inch baking dish: Essential for the side dish casserole recipes .
- Large saucepan: For the cheese sauce.
- Whisk: Get rid of those lumps!
- Mixing bowls: For prepping bits and bobs.
If you haven’t got a whisk, a fork will do in a pinch. Honestly, don’t stress too much about fancy gear. This Broccoli Cheese Rice is all about simple, tasty food.
Let's Get Casserole ing: Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole
Right, listen up! Fancy making the ultimate comfort food? We're diving headfirst into a Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole . Honestly, this is one of those dishes that brings back memories.
I remember my Gran making something similar. This recipe gives the old classic a proper makeover!
Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place Mission
First things first, get your gear sorted. Chop one medium yellow onion nice and fine. Mince two cloves of garlic .
Then, measure out 3 tablespoons unsalted butter , ¼ cup (30g) all-purpose flour , 3 cups whole milk , and your spices: ½ teaspoon salt , ¼ teaspoon black pepper , and a tiny pinch of nutmeg .
This mise en place will save you a headache later!
Safety tip: Always wash your hands before you start! You know? And keep those knives sharp, but be careful!
Making Magic Happen: Step-by-Step
This Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole Easy recipe is a piece of cake. Here's how you nail it:
Oven's On : Preheat your oven to 350° F ( 175° C) . Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Aromatics Ahoy : Melt butter in a saucepan. Sauté onion until soft, about 5 minutes . Add garlic, cook 1 minute until fragrant.
Cheese Sauce Dreams : Whisk in flour, cook for 1 minute . Slowly whisk in milk. Simmer, stirring until thickened (about 5- 7 minutes ). Stir in spices.
The Big Combine : Remove from heat. Stir in 4 cups cooked rice , 1 pound thawed chopped broccoli , and 1 1/2 cups cheddar plus 1/2 cup Gruyere cheese (if using).
Casserole Time : Pour into the dish, spread it out.
Get Baked : Bake for 30 minutes , or until golden and bubbly. Internal temperature should be around 165° F ( 74° C) .
Rest and Serve : Let it stand for 5- 10 minutes before digging in.
Pro Tips for a Proper Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole
Want to seriously level up your Broccoli Cheese Casserole Easy ? Here’s the real deal:
- Don't Overcook That Rice! Undercook it slightly; it'll finish in the oven, avoiding a soggy mess.
- Cheese Matters! Avoid pre-shredded cheese. It has cellulose that stops it melting properly.
- Taste As You Go: Season that cheese sauce like you mean it. It's the backbone of the whole dish!
If you're prepping ahead, get all the ingredients combined and store them in the fridge. The next day, add the topping and bake.
It will taste just as good! Honestly, this Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole is foolproof when you follow these tips.
This Comfort Food Casserole Recipe is not only perfect for family dinners but also makes a fantastic Side Dish Casserole Recipes option for gatherings.
Plus, it's one of those Easy Dinner Recipes with Broccoli that even the kids will love! Whether you call it Cheesy Rice Bake or Broccoli Cheddar Rice Dish , everyone will ask for seconds.
Enjoy making this for the entire family!.
Right, let's talk about making this Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole even easier and tastier, shall we? I mean, honestly, who doesn't love a good comfort food casserole recipe ? I’ve had this Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole recipe knocking around my kitchen for ages, adapting it here and there.
Recipe Tweaks & Tidbits
It is truly a Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole sensation.
Serving Up Some Inspiration
Think about how you want to plate it up. A simple scoop onto a plate does the trick. But, if you're feeling fancy, try garnishing with a sprig of parsley or a sprinkle of extra cheese.
On the side, I reckon a simple green salad with a zingy lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly. Roasted chicken or even a nice bit of pork works wonders as well.
A glass of crisp white wine or even a sparkling elderflower cordial is a nice touch too, for those warmer evenings.
Storage Sorted
Right, so leftovers are almost a given with this Easy Broccoli Casserole , and they're blooming lovely the next day.
- Fridge Time: Pop it in an airtight container and it'll keep in the fridge for 3-4 days .
- Freezing Fun: You can freeze it! Wrap it well or portion it into freezer safe containers. It'll keep for up to 2-3 months .
- Reheating Rescue: Reheat it in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through, or microwave it for a quick fix. Just be sure to stir it halfway through to avoid any hot spots.
Remixing the Recipe
Fancy a bit of a change? No worries, this recipe is super adaptable.
- Veggie Boost: Chuck in some cooked mushrooms or bell peppers. They add a bit of colour and extra nutrients.
- Dietary Needs: For a gluten free version, just use gluten free flour and breadcrumbs. You’d never know the difference. Broccoli can be substituted with cauliflower florets.
Nosh Knowledge
Okay, so let's keep the nutrition info simple and easy, shall we?
Each serving of this cheesy rice bake contains approximately 350-400 calories, with a decent whack of protein (15-20g) and carbohydrates (35-40g).
It’s got a fair amount of fat (15-20g), mainly from the cheese, but it's all good stuff. The fiber content (3-5g) is thanks to the broccoli.
The broccoli has a number of vitamins and minerals. Just remember this is an estimate. Now, This Broccoli Cheddar Rice Dish is not the healthiest side dish casserole recipe on the planet.
But, hey, everything in moderation, right?
So there you have it. Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole Easy peasy! Now go get in the kitchen and give it a whirl. You’ve got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly with cling film and store it in the fridge. When you're ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through properly. It's like prepping your packed lunch the night before, just on a bigger scale.
How do I stop my Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole from being watery?
The key to avoiding a watery casserole is to ensure your broccoli is thoroughly thawed and drained. Excess moisture from the frozen broccoli can really bring the dish down. You can also give the broccoli a gentle squeeze with a clean tea towel to remove any extra water think of it as giving it a proper British pat down!
What's the best way to store leftover Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, you can use the microwave or oven. For the oven, add a splash of milk or broth to prevent it from drying out, then cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
This gives it a little refresh, like a quick holiday for your tastebuds.
I don't have cheddar cheese. What other cheeses can I use in this Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole recipe?
No cheddar, no worries! You can use any cheese that melts well as a substitute. Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a Swiss cheese would work beautifully. A blend of different cheeses can also add a nice depth of flavour.
Just avoid anything too strong or overpowering, unless you're feeling adventurous like a contestant on the Great British Baking Show!
Is there a way to make Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole healthier?
Definitely! You can use brown rice instead of white rice for added fibre. You can also substitute some of the cheese with low-fat versions or use a smaller amount overall. Sneaking in some extra veggies like chopped carrots or bell peppers can also boost the nutritional value.
It's all about making smart swaps, a bit like switching from full fat Coke to Diet Coke!
Can I add meat to my Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole to make it a main course?
Of course! Adding cooked, diced ham, shredded chicken, or crumbled bacon would transform this casserole into a heartier main course. Just stir the meat in with the rice and broccoli before baking. It's like turning your humble beans on toast into a full English breakfast a proper upgrade!
