There are some dishes that just feel like a warm hug on a plate. You know the ones. They are cozy, comforting, and fill the whole house with an amazing aroma. This classic Broccoli And Cheese Casserole is exactly that kind of meal. It’s a dish that brings everyone to the table with a smile.
Whether you need a simple weeknight dinner or a crowd pleasing side dish for a holiday, this recipe is a keeper. It combines tender broccoli and fluffy rice in a velvety cheese sauce, all topped with buttery, crunchy crackers. Let’s get cooking!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Honestly, what’s not to love about a good Broccoli And Cheese Casserole? It is the definition of comfort food. The creamy cheddar sauce mixed with tender broccoli is a classic combination for a reason. It is just so satisfying.
This is a truly easy broccoli casserole. The steps are straightforward, making it a great recipe for beginners. You don’t need any fancy equipment or complicated techniques to pull this off. It is simple goodness.
It’s also incredibly family friendly. This dish has a magical way of getting even the pickiest eaters to enjoy their broccoli. The rich cheese sauce makes the vegetables taste amazing. It’s a win for parents everywhere.
The texture is just fantastic. You get the soft rice and broccoli, the super creamy sauce, and that delightful crunch from the cracker topping. Every bite has a little bit of everything. It’s one of my favorite broccoli and cheese recipes.
Plus, this recipe is wonderfully versatile. It is a fantastic way to use up leftover cooked rice. You can also customize it by adding some cooked chicken or bacon to make it a complete meal. This Broccoli And Cheese Casserole is a solid recipe to have in your collection.
Ingredients
The ingredients for this Broccoli And Cheese Casserole are simple and easy to find at any grocery store. The magic happens when these humble items come together to create something truly delicious. Here is what you will need.
- 4 cups broccoli florets, lightly steamed or blanched
- 3 1/2 cups cooked rice, any variety
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup flour
- 2 cups milk, whole milk recommended
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 2 ounces cream cheese, cut into small cubes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup crushed buttery cracker crumbs
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- cooking spray
Step By Step Instructions
Making this amazing cheddar broccoli casserole is easier than you think. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a bubbling, golden brown casserole ready in no time. Let’s walk through it together.
Step 1: Get Everything Ready
First things first, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures it’s nice and hot when your casserole is ready to bake. Go ahead and coat a 9×13 inch baking pan with cooking spray so nothing sticks.
Step 2: Create The Creamy Cheese Sauce
Now for the heart of our Broccoli And Cheese Casserole, the sauce. In a medium pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add your diced onion and cook it for about 3 to 4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent.
Next, sprinkle the flour over the onions. Stir it all together to coat the onions completely. Let this cook for about one minute. This step is important because it cooks out the raw flour taste.
Slowly, and I mean slowly, whisk in the milk. If you pour it all at once, you might get lumps. A slow, steady stream while whisking is the way to go. Continue cooking and stirring occasionally for 4 to 5 minutes.
You will know the sauce is thick enough when it can coat the back of a spoon. Once it is thickened, it is time for the cheese. Add the cream cheese, 2 cups of the shredded cheddar, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Stir until everything is melted and the sauce is smooth and glorious.
Step 3: Combine And Assemble
Grab a large bowl and combine your lightly steamed broccoli florets and the cooked rice. Give them a gentle stir to mix them up. Now, pour that beautiful cheese sauce all over the broccoli and rice mixture.
Toss everything together until it is evenly coated. You want every piece of broccoli and every grain of rice to be covered in that cheesy goodness. This is what makes it a great Broccoli Bake.
Pour this mixture into your prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it out into an even layer. This will help the Broccoli And Cheese Casserole cook evenly.
Step 4: Add The Topping And Bake
We are almost there! Sprinkle the remaining one cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. Then, evenly distribute the crushed buttery cracker crumbs over the cheese. This topping will become golden and crunchy in the oven.
Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 30 minutes. You are looking for the casserole to be bubbly around the edges and the cheese to be fully melted and golden brown. The whole kitchen will smell amazing.
Once it’s done, carefully remove it from the oven. Sprinkle the fresh chopped parsley over the top for a little color and freshness. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious homemade Broccoli And Cheese Casserole!
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers of this wonderful Broccoli And Cheese Casserole, storing them is simple. First, let the casserole cool down to room temperature. You should not put a hot dish directly into the refrigerator.
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. You can also transfer the leftovers to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors can even get better the next day.
When you are ready to reheat it, the oven is your best friend. Reheating in the oven at 350 degrees helps the cracker topping get crispy again. You can also use the microwave for a quicker option, but the topping will be softer. This Broccoli Bake is just as good the second time around.
Tips
Want to make your Broccoli And Cheese Casserole even better? Here are a few tips. Don’t overcook your broccoli when you steam or blanch it. It will continue to cook in the oven, and you want it to be tender, not mushy.
Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. While cheddar is classic, a mix of Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or even a little bit of Colby can add a nice flavor dimension to your cheddar broccoli casserole.
For a heartier meal, add about two cups of cooked, shredded chicken or some crumbled bacon to the broccoli and rice mixture. This turns a side dish into a complete main course. Such an easy broccoli casserole to customize.
This dish is great for making ahead. You can assemble the entire casserole, except for the cracker topping, and cover it. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just add the crackers and pop it in the oven. You may need to add about 10 minutes to the baking time.
If you don’t have buttery crackers, panko breadcrumbs tossed with a little melted butter make a fantastic substitute for the topping. It provides that same wonderful crunch. Many broccoli and cheese recipes allow for simple swaps like this one.
Conclusion
There you have it, a simple yet incredibly satisfying Broccoli And Cheese Casserole. It’s a dish that proves you don’t need complicated steps to create something truly delicious. It is a reliable, comforting meal that is sure to become a staple in your home.
This recipe is all about bringing simple ingredients together to create a warm, cheesy, and satisfying experience. I hope you and your family enjoy every last bite of this classic Broccoli And Cheese Casserole. Happy cooking!
FAQ
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli For This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works very well in this Broccoli And Cheese Casserole. Just make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess water before adding it to the rice. This prevents the casserole from becoming watery.
What Can I Serve With This Broccoli Bake?
This Broccoli Bake is quite versatile. It can be a main course on its own or a side dish. It pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, roasted turkey, pork chops, or even a simple steak. A light green salad on the side also makes a great companion.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead Of Time?
Yes, this is a great make ahead dish. You can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just add the cracker topping right before you put it in the oven and add about 10 extra minutes to the bake time.
How Do I Make This Recipe Gluten Free?
To make a gluten free version, you will need to make a few substitutions. Use a gluten free all purpose flour blend for the sauce. Also, be sure to use gluten free crackers for the topping. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten free.
Classic Broccoli and Cheese Casserole
A comforting and classic Broccoli and Cheese Casserole featuring tender broccoli and fluffy rice in a rich, velvety cheese sauce, finished with a crunchy cracker topping. A family-friendly favorite for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and coat a 9×13 inch baking pan with cooking spray.
- In a medium pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft.
- Sprinkle the flour over the onions, stir to coat, and cook for one minute.
- Slowly whisk in the milk until smooth. Continue cooking and stirring for 4-5 minutes until the sauce has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Stir in the cream cheese, 2 cups of the shredded cheddar, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder until completely melted and smooth.
- In a large bowl, combine the steamed broccoli and cooked rice. Pour the cheese sauce over the top and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan and spread into an even layer.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top, followed by the crushed cracker crumbs.
- Bake for 20 to 30 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped parsley, and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
For a heartier meal, add about two cups of cooked, shredded chicken or some crumbled bacon to the broccoli and rice mixture.
Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. A mix of Gruyere or Monterey Jack can add a nice flavor dimension.
This dish is great for making ahead. Assemble the casserole without the topping, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add topping before baking and increase bake time by about 10 minutes.
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