Creamy Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Ever have one of those days? You just want something warm and comforting. Something that tastes like home? This broccoli rice casserole is exactly that.
Quick Hook
Remember those cheesy, gooey casseroles your grandma used to make? This recipe is a grown-up version! The main here is broccoli rice casserole , because you need to make this cheesy broccoli rice casserole ASAP! It is delicious.
Brief Overview
The broccoli and rice casserole is a classic American dish. It's typically served at potlucks and holiday gatherings. This comfort food casserole is simple to make, taking about an hour from start to finish.
This recipe yields around 6 servings.
Main Benefits
Broccoli is packed with vitamins and antioxidants. It is a healthy broccoli rice casserole , relatively speaking, you know?. This is the perfect dish to bring to a potluck or serve on a chilly evening.
What makes this homemade broccoli rice casserole special? It is made from scratch, tastes amazing, and will be ready in an hour!
Ready to get started? Let's dive into the ingredients for this easy broccoli rice casserole !
Ingredients & Equipment: Your Broccoli Rice Casserole Arsenal
Let's talk ingredients for this broccoli rice casserole recipe . Honestly, it's all about simple stuff, done well. No need to overthink it.
Main Ingredients: The Stars of Our Show
Here's the shopping list for the ultimate cheesy broccoli rice casserole , with both US and metric measurements. Ready?
- Rice: 1 cup (200g) long grain rice. Rinsing it is important, you know?
- Water: 2 cups (475ml) for the rice.
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (3g) for the rice.
- Broccoli: 1 large head (500g). Fresh is best!. Look for tight, green florets.
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon (15ml).
- Salt & pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (1.5g) each. We'll season the broccoli before roasting.
- Butter: 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted.
- Flour: 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose.
- Milk: 3 cups (710ml) whole milk. Makes the sauce creamy and luscious.
- Nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon (1.5g) ground. Don't skip it!. It adds warmth.
- Cheddar cheese: 1 cup (115g) shredded sharp.
- Gruyère cheese: 1/2 cup (57g) shredded. It brings the gruyere cheese casserole to a new level.
- Panko breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup (50g) optional.
- Melted butter: 2 tablespoons (28g) optional.
Seasoning Notes: Flavour Town, Population: You
For this broccoli and rice casserole , it is key the balance is in the seasoning!. A touch of nutmeg in the cheese sauce is a game changer.
Honestly, it adds such a warm, comforting note. For extra flavour, think about adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a tiny kick.
Or even some crispy bacon bits because, well, bacon.
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple
You don't need fancy stuff for this easy broccoli rice casserole .
- 9x13 inch baking dish . A classic for a reason.
- Medium saucepan . For cooking the rice.
- Large skillet or pot with a lid . For the broccoli.
- Whisk . For smooth sauce.
- Measuring cups and spoons . Gotta be precise.
If you don't have a skillet, a large pot will work just fine for the broccoli. No biggie. Let's get ready to cook this comfort food casserole !
Creamy Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole: A Comfort Food Classic, Elevated
Honestly, who doesn’t love a good casserole? I'm talking about pure comfort food , like your gran used to make.
I’m gonna show you how to make broccoli rice casserole from scratch. This broccoli rice casserole recipe ditches the canned soup nonsense for a homemade broccoli rice casserole that'll knock your socks off.
Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Mission
First, get organized! It is time for the essential mise en place, mates. Rinse 1 cup (200g) long grain rice . Chop 1 large head (500g) broccoli into florets.
Measure out your cheese: 1 cup (115g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup (57g) shredded Gruyère cheese (or Swiss, if you're skint).
For the love of Mary Berry, get everything ready before you start cooking.
Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole: Let's Get Cooking!
Ready to rumble? Here's the down low on how to whip up this easy broccoli rice casserole .
- Cook the rice: Simmer rice, 2 cups (475ml) water , and 1/2 teaspoon (3g) salt for 18- 20 minutes .
- Roast the broccoli: Toss broccoli with 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil , 1/4 teaspoon (1.5g) salt and 1/4 teaspoon (1.5g) black pepper . Roast at 400° F ( 200° C) for 15- 20 minutes . Watch it, you don't want it mushy.
- Cheese sauce time: Melt 4 tablespoons (56g) butter , whisk in 1/4 cup (30g) flour . Cook for 1- 2 minutes then gradually add 3 cups (710ml) whole milk . Stir it until it thickens up nicely.
- Stir in 1/2 teaspoon (3g) salt , 1/4 teaspoon (1.5g) nutmeg , 1/4 teaspoon (1.5g) pepper , cheddar, and Gruyère.
- Combine rice, broccoli, and sauce in a 9x13 inch baking dish .
- Top with breadcrumbs: Mix 1/2 cup (50g) panko with 2 tablespoons (28g) melted butter and sprinkle it on top.
- Bake for 20 minutes , or until golden and bubbly.
Pro Tips for a Proper Broccoli Rice Casserole
Want to take your baked broccoli rice casserole to the next level? Use good quality cheese, seriously. It makes all the difference for a gruyere cheese casserole .
Don't skimp on seasoning. Season generously. This is a total winner if you want comfort food casserole , you can make it ahead of time! Assemble it, stick it in the fridge, and bake it later.
Add the topping just before baking though.
Recipe Notes for Your Broccoli Rice Casserole
Alright, so you're about to dive into making this amazing broccoli rice casserole recipe . Awesome! Before you start, let's chat about a few things to make sure it turns out perfect .
Serving Suggestions: Make it Look Pretty!
Presentation matters, right? For plating, think about a nice scoop of this comfort food casserole in a cute bowl. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for a pop of colour.
You know, like they do on TV!
For sides, a simple green salad is always a winner. It balances the richness of the casserole nicely. Maybe a light vinaigrette.
As for drinks, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, I reckon goes perfectly with this cheesy broccoli rice casserole .
Storage Tips: Keep It Fresh!
Got leftovers? Lucky you! The baked broccoli rice casserole will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container.
For longer storage, you can freeze it. Let it cool completely first. Then, wrap it tightly in freezer safe wrap. It'll be good for up to 2 months .
Reheating is easy. Pop it in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through. Or, microwave it.
Just add a splash of milk to keep it moist. Honestly, the microwave is my go-to for a quick lunch.
Variations: Let's Get Creative with this healthy broccoli rice casserole recipe!
Want to mix it up? You bet! For a gluten-free version, just swap the regular flour for a gluten-free blend when making the cheese sauce.
Easy peasy. And if you're feeling fancy, try swapping the cheddar for some gruyere cheese casserole . That nutty flavor is chef's kiss .
For seasonal swaps, think about adding roasted butternut squash in the fall or some peas in the spring. Get creative! Turn this into the best homemade broccoli rice casserole !
Nutrition Basics: Feel Good About Eating!
Okay, so this isn't exactly a salad, but it's got broccoli! Each serving of this broccoli and rice casserole has roughly 420 calories .
You're also getting about 20 grams of protein, 25 grams of fat, and 35 grams of carbs . The broccoli adds some vitamins and fibre.
Plus, it's made from scratch, so you know exactly what's in it.
So there you have it! Armed with these tips, you're ready to make an amazing dish. Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own.
Happy cooking, and enjoy your broccoli casserole from scratch !
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make broccoli rice casserole ahead of time? I'm a busy bee!
Absolutely! Assembling the broccoli rice casserole in advance is a great time saver. Simply prepare all the components, combine them in the baking dish, and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Hold off on the panko topping until just before baking.
You might need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through. Think of it as prepping your dish like they do on The Great British Bake Off all the hard work done the day before!
Help! I don't have Gruyère cheese. What's a good substitute for this broccoli rice casserole recipe?
No Gruyère, no problem! Swiss cheese is the closest in flavor profile and melts beautifully in this broccoli rice casserole. Fontina is another good option, offering a similarly nutty and slightly tangy taste.
Don't sweat it it's all about making it work like a contestant on Chopped when they get a mystery ingredient!
My kids are picky eaters. Any sneaky tips for making this broccoli rice casserole more appealing?
Ah, the age-old question! First, make sure the broccoli is cooked tender crisp, not mushy. You can also finely chop the broccoli to make it less noticeable. Stir in some cooked, crumbled bacon or diced ham for extra flavor.
Consider serving it with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of extra cheese sometimes presentation is key! You can even let them help assemble it; they're more likely to eat something they've helped make. It's like tricking them into eating their vegetables, Mary Poppins style!
How long does leftover broccoli rice casserole last, and what's the best way to reheat it?
Leftover broccoli rice casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions for a quick lunch. For a more even reheating, bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
Adding a splash of milk or cream can help keep it moist, like reviving a dish on MasterChef!
Can I freeze broccoli rice casserole?
Yes, you can! For the best results, assemble the casserole but don't bake it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed, adding about 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
Freezing is a great way to have a comforting meal ready to go, just like keeping a secret weapon in your culinary arsenal.
Is there a healthier way to make broccoli rice casserole? What about adding extra protein?
Definitely! You can use brown rice instead of white rice for added fiber. Try using low-fat milk and cheese, or even cauliflower rice to reduce carbs. For extra protein, add cooked shredded chicken, cubed ham, or even chickpeas.
You can also add a layer of cooked chicken on the very bottom of the dish so it soaks in the sauce. These tweaks let you enjoy the comfort of broccoli rice casserole without sacrificing your nutritional goals. It's like a healthy makeover for a classic dish!
Creamy Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 420 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 0g |