The Best Baked Broccoli Cheese Rice Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Baked broccoli cheese rice crafts ordinary ingredients into a spectacular culinary experience that warms both stomach and soul.

Creamy textures mingle with verdant vegetable notes, creating a harmonious blend of comfort and nutrition.

Each forkful promises a delightful combination of soft grains and melted dairy magic.

The dish strikes a perfect balance between wholesome and indulgent, appealing to health-conscious and flavor-seeking individuals alike.

Nutritious elements merge seamlessly with rich, satisfying components that elevate this simple casserole.

Sophisticated yet approachable, this recipe speaks to home cooks craving something both familiar and exciting.

Prepare to fall in love with a meal that redefines weeknight dining.

Why Baked Broccoli Cheese Rice Is a Comfort Classic

• Creamy Comfort Meets Healthy Greens: This recipe brilliantly combines the rich, velvety cheese sauce with nutritious broccoli, creating a satisfying dish that feels indulgent yet wholesome.
• Simplified Gourmet Technique: The method transforms basic ingredients into a restaurant-quality side dish through easy sautéing, whisking, and baking, making complex cooking accessible to home chefs.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: With just 45 minutes total prep and cooking time, this one-pan recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, perfect for busy families seeking delicious and balanced meals.

What Goes Into This Creamy, Cheesy Side Dish

• Long Grain White Rice: Provides a fluffy base for the casserole and absorbs the creamy cheese sauce.
• Broccoli Florets: Fresh and crisp vegetable that adds nutrition and texture to the dish.
• Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy, sharp cheeses that create a rich and tangy flavor profile and help bind the ingredients together.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth roux for the sauce.
• All-Purpose Flour: Thickens the sauce and provides a smooth consistency.
• Milk: Creates a creamy liquid base for the cheese sauce.
• Garlic: Provides a fragrant and flavorful base for the sauce.
• Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.
• Mustard: Adds a subtle tangy depth to the cheese sauce.

Tips for a Flavorful, Cheesy Broccoli Base

• Master Cheese Melting: Use room temperature cheese for smoother, more even melting and avoid clumping in the sauce.
• Prevent Dry Rice: Ensure your cooked rice isn't too dry before mixing with sauce to maintain perfect moisture and creamy texture.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Toast your rice briefly in butter before adding liquid to enhance its nutty undertones and complexity.
• Control Broccoli Texture: Cut florets into uniform sizes for consistent cooking and prevent some pieces from becoming mushy while others remain undercooked.
• Maximize Golden Crust: Sprinkle extra breadcrumbs on top before final baking to create a deliciously crispy, golden-brown surface that adds incredible crunch.

How to Store This Casserole and Reheat Without Drying

• Refrigerator Storage
• Carefully transfer leftover broccoli cheese rice to an airtight container. Seal tightly and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. These delicious leftovers will stay fresh for 3-4 days when stored properly in the fridge.
• Freezing Method
• Portion the rice into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen broccoli cheese rice maintains excellent quality for up to 2 months. Label containers with the date to track freshness.
• Reheating Technique
• Revive cold rice by adding a splash of milk or broth before reheating. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly.

Main Dishes That Match This Side’s Rich Flavor

• Complement Creamy Goodness: Pair this cheesy broccoli rice with roasted chicken or grilled salmon to balance the rich, velvety texture of the dish.
• Enhance Wine Experience: Select a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or unoaked Chardonnay to cut through the cheese's richness and brighten the meal's flavors.
• Boost Veggie Satisfaction: Add a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette to provide a zesty contrast and introduce additional nutrition to the comforting casserole.
• Elevate Protein Profile: Serve alongside herb-crusted pork tenderloin or baked tofu to create a complete, satisfying meal with complementary protein sources.

Easy Ways to Switch Up This Cheesy Rice Dish

• Veggie Power Boost: Replace broccoli with a colorful mix of roasted cauliflower, carrots, and zucchini for extra nutrition and vibrant presentation.
• Protein Punch Casserole: Add shredded chicken or diced ham to create a heartier main dish that satisfies bigger appetites.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Incorporate diced green chiles, replace cheddar with pepper jack cheese, and sprinkle some cumin for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Inspiration: Mix in sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and swap parmesan for crumbled feta cheese to give the dish a Mediterranean-inspired makeover.

How to Bake a Rice Dish That’s Creamy and Crisp on Top

Step 1: Prepare Baking Dish

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and preheat the oven to 400°F.

Step 2: Create Cheese Sauce

• Whisk in flour
• Cook for 3-4 minutes while stirring constantly
• Slowly add milk and mustard
• Season with salt and pepper
• Simmer for 4 minutes

Stir in cheeses until mostly melted, then remove from heat.

Step 3: Combine and Bake

Mix rice and broccoli florets with the creamy cheese sauce. Transfer to the prepared baking dish and sprinkle with of remaining cheese. Bake for 30 minutes or until the top turns golden and the dish becomes bubbly. Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Baked Broccoli Cheese Rice Recipe

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4.6 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Baked broccoli cheese rice delivers comfort and flavor in one hearty casserole. Creamy cheddar melts perfectly over tender broccoli and fluffy rice, creating a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups cooked rice (brown)
• 2–3 cups cooked broccoli florets
• 2 ¼ cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
• ¼ cup fresh Parmesan cheese (shredded)

Dairy and Liquid Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons (¼ cup) butter
• 2 cups milk
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)

Seasoning and Thickening Ingredients:

• ¼ cup flour
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt
• Few cracks of fresh black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare a 9×13-inch (23×33 centimeters) baking dish with cooking spray or butter, ensuring complete coverage. Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
2. Melt butter in a medium saucepan over low heat. Add minced garlic and cook until aromatic, approximately 30-45 seconds.
3. Sprinkle flour into the butter and garlic mixture, whisking continuously to create a smooth roux. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
4. Gradually pour milk into the roux, incorporating slowly while whisking to prevent lumps. Add Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper.
5. Simmer the sauce for 4 minutes until it thickens slightly, stirring periodically to maintain smooth consistency.
6. Remove sauce from heat and fold in shredded cheddar and grated parmesan cheeses. Stir until cheese is mostly melted and sauce appears creamy.
7. Mix cooked rice and fresh broccoli florets into the cheese sauce, ensuring even coating and distribution.
8. Transfer the rice and broccoli mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly. Sprinkle remaining of cheese over the top.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the surface turns golden brown and the edges become bubbly.
10. Remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving, which helps the dish set and makes portioning easier.

Notes

• Customize this cheesy rice casserole by adding crispy bacon bits or diced ham for extra protein and flavor explosion.
• Leftover rotisserie chicken works perfectly as a quick protein boost, making the dish even more satisfying and budget-friendly.
• Swap white rice for brown rice or quinoa to increase nutritional value and add a delightful nutty undertone to the creamy mixture.
• Freeze individual portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months, creating a convenient make-ahead meal for busy weeknights.
• Elevate the dish’s presentation by garnishing with fresh chopped parsley, green onions, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a pop of color and subtle heat.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 290 kcal
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 14g
• Cholesterol: 45mg