There’s nothing quite as comforting as a classic Broccoli and Cheese Casserole, creamy, cheesy, and perfectly baked until golden and bubbly. This dish brings together tender broccoli, fluffy rice, and a luscious homemade cheese sauce for the ultimate side dish or even a cozy main course.
It’s a perfect way to get your veggies in while still indulging in rich, satisfying flavors. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner, holiday spread, or meal prep, this casserole is guaranteed to win everyone over with its creamy texture and irresistible cheesy topping.
Jump To:
Ingredients
For the Casserole Base
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for greasing the dish)
For the Cheese Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 2 cups whole milk (or 2% milk)
- ½ teaspoon dry mustard
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided: 1½ cups for sauce + ½ cup for topping)
- Salt, to taste
Step By Step Instructions
Ready to get cooking? Follow these simple steps, and you will have a beautiful Broccoli And Cheese Casserole ready in no time. We will take it one stage at a time.
Step 1: Prepare The Oven And Dish
First things first, let’s get the oven ready. Preheat it to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures it is nice and hot when your casserole is ready to bake. You want that even cooking from the moment it goes in.
Next, grab a 2 quart casserole dish. A standard 8×8 inch or similar sized baking dish works well. Grease it lightly with some butter or nonstick cooking spray. This little step prevents sticking and makes cleanup much easier later.
Step 2: Create The Sauce Base
Now for the heart of our Broccoli And Cheese Casserole, the creamy sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium low heat. Add the diced onion and cook it gently until it becomes soft and translucent. This takes a few minutes.
Once the onions are soft, stir in the all purpose flour, garlic powder, and black pepper. It is important to cook this mixture, stirring constantly, for about two minutes. This process cooks out the raw flour taste and creates what is called a roux, which will thicken our sauce beautifully.
Step 3: Whisk In The Milk And Thicken
With your roux ready, it is time to add the milk. The trick here is to pour it in gradually while you whisk continuously. This prevents lumps from forming and helps create a silky smooth sauce. Keep whisking as you pour.
Continue cooking over medium heat, still whisking, until the sauce thickens and starts to bubble. You will feel it change consistency. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. This shows it is ready for the next step.
Step 4: Melt In The Cheesy Goodness
Once your sauce is thick and bubbly, remove it from the heat. This is an important step to prevent the cheese from becoming grainy. Now, stir in the dry mustard, paprika, cream cheese, and 1 and a half cups of the shredded cheddar cheese.
Keep stirring until all the cheese has melted completely into the sauce. The cream cheese adds an extra layer of creaminess that is just divine. At this point, give the sauce a little taste. Add more salt and pepper if you think it needs it. Everyone’s preference is different.
Step 5: Briefly Cook The Broccoli
For the broccoli, we want it to be tender but not mushy in the final casserole. The best way to achieve this is to blanch it. Bring a pot of water to a boil and place the broccoli florets in for about two minutes.
Immediately drain the broccoli. You want it to still have a slight crispness to it. Remember, it will continue to cook in the oven. This quick blanch gives it a head start and ensures a perfect texture in your finished Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole.
Step 6: Combine Everything And Assemble
We are in the home stretch! In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, the blanched broccoli, and that gorgeous cheese sauce you just made. Gently stir everything together until the rice and broccoli are evenly coated.
Pour this mixture into your prepared casserole dish and spread it out into an even layer. The smells alone will be amazing at this point. It is one of those fantastic Broccoli Recipes Casserole that comes together so well.
Step 7: Bake To Bubbly Perfection
Sprinkle the remaining half cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. This will create that irresistible golden brown crust that everyone loves to dig into first.
Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for about 35 minutes. You are looking for the casserole to be hot and bubbly all the way through. The cheese on top should be melted and lightly browned. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers of this delicious Broccoli And Cheese Casserole, storing them is easy. First, make sure the casserole has cooled down completely to room temperature. This is important for food safety.
Once cooled, you can cover the casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Or, transfer the leftovers to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 or 4 days. It makes for a wonderful lunch the next day.
When you are ready to reheat it, you have a couple of options. For a single serving, the microwave is quick and easy. For larger portions, I recommend reheating it in the oven. Place it in an oven safe dish at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until it is heated through. This helps bring back some of that freshly baked texture.
You can also freeze this casserole. For best results, assemble the casserole but do not bake it. Cover it tightly with both plastic wrap and foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, you can bake it from frozen, adding about 20 to 30 extra minutes to the baking time.
Tips
Here are a few extra tips to make your Broccoli And Cheese Casserole even better. These little tricks can make a big difference.
- Shred Your Own Cheese: For the creamiest sauce, I always recommend shredding your own cheese from a block. Pre shredded cheeses often have anti caking agents that can make the sauce a bit grainy.
- Broccoli Choices: You can absolutely use frozen broccoli florets to save time. Just make sure to thaw them and pat them very dry before adding them to the casserole to avoid excess water.
- Add Some Crunch: If you like a crunchy topping, try mixing the final half cup of cheese with some breadcrumbs or crushed crackers tossed in a little melted butter before sprinkling on top.
- Protein Power: Feel free to add some cooked, shredded chicken or crumbled bacon to the mixture for a heartier dish. It turns this side into a full meal.
- For Extra Creaminess: If you love an ultra creamy casserole, you can swap some of the cheddar for a processed cheese. This can give you a Velveeta Broccoli Casserole style texture that is super smooth.
Conclusion
And there you have it! A simple, from scratch Broccoli And Cheese Casserole that is packed with flavor and comfort. It is proof that you do not need complicated ingredients or techniques to create a truly memorable dish. It is a recipe that is sure to become a staple in your rotation.
Whether you are making it for a holiday gathering or just a cozy Tuesday night, this casserole delivers every time. I hope you and your family enjoy every cheesy, delicious bite. Happy cooking!
FAQ
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli Instead Of Fresh?
Yes, you certainly can. Using frozen broccoli is a great time saver. Just be sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out as much excess water as possible before adding it to the mix. This prevents the casserole from becoming watery.
What Kind Of Cheese Works Best?
Sharp cheddar is my top choice because it has a strong flavor that stands up well in the creamy sauce. However, other good melting cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Gruyere blend would also be delicious in this Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead Of Time?
Absolutely. You can assemble the entire casserole, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be starting from cold.
How Do I Know When The Casserole Is Done?
You will know the Broccoli And Cheese Casserole is done when it is bubbling around the edges and the center is hot. The cheese on top should be fully melted and have lovely light brown spots. A cooking time of around 35 minutes is usually just right.
Can I Add A Protein Like Chicken Or Bacon?
Yes, adding a protein is a wonderful way to turn this into a main course. About two cups of cooked, shredded chicken or a few slices of crispy, crumbled bacon would be excellent additions. Stir them in when you combine the rice, broccoli, and sauce. It makes for one of the most satisfying Broccoli Recipes Casserole variations.
