I still remember the first time my mom made this dish when I was a kid. It was a chilly fall evening, and the smell of melted cheese and buttery rice filled the whole house.
I was sitting at the kitchen table, impatiently kicking my feet under the chair, waiting for the oven timer to go off. When it finally did, I grabbed a big spoonful before it had even cooled, burning my mouth—but I didn’t care. It was that good.
Now, I make it for my own family, and it’s still the kind of meal that brings people to the table fast. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with fresh broccoli, making it both comforting and surprisingly nutritious.
Whether you’re feeding a picky eater or just craving something warm and satisfying, this Cheesy Broccoli & Rice Bake is a winner. Plus, it’s easy to tweak based on what you have in your kitchen. Let’s get cooking!
Tips for the Best Flavor
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh broccoli gives the best texture and flavor. If using frozen, let it thaw and drain excess moisture.
- Sharp Cheddar for Bold Flavor: Mild cheddar works, but sharp cheddar brings the best cheesy punch.
- For a Creamier Texture: Swap milk for heavy cream or add an extra handful of cheese.
Variations & Substitutions
- Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or skip the topping altogether.
- Add Protein: Stir in shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked ground turkey for a full meal.
- Spice it Up: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
- Switch the Cheese: Try Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or smoked Gouda for a fun twist.
Serving Suggestions
This bake is perfect with a side of roasted veggies, a simple green salad, or some crusty bread. It’s also a great dish to bring to potlucks—just double the recipe if feeding a crowd!
Cheesy Broccoli & Rice Bake
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American Comfort Food
Description
A creamy, cheesy, and comforting broccoli and rice casserole that’s easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
For the Bake:
- 1 ½ cups uncooked white rice (or brown rice for a healthier option)
- 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 head fresh broccoli, cut into small florets (about 3 cups)
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
- ½ cup whole milk (or half-and-half for extra creaminess)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
For the Topping:
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (or crushed Ritz crackers)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
-
Cook the Rice:
In a medium pot, bring the broth to a boil. Add the rice, cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook according to package instructions (about 15 minutes for white rice, 40 minutes for brown). Fluff with a fork and set aside. -
Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft, about 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. -
Steam the Broccoli:
While the onions cook, bring a small pot of water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 2 minutes, just until bright green. Drain immediately and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. -
Mix Everything Together:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, sautéed onions and garlic, steamed broccoli, shredded cheddar, Parmesan, cream of mushroom soup, milk, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Stir until everything is evenly coated. -
Assemble the Casserole:
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the mixture evenly into the pan. -
Make the Topping:
In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter. Stir in the extra shredded cheddar. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the casserole. -
Bake to Perfection:
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the top is golden brown. -
Serve & Enjoy:
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy as a main dish or a hearty side!
Notes
Easily customizable—add protein, swap cheeses, or make it gluten-free!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 generous portion
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
