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To make a tasty Cheesy Broccoli Cheddar Casserole, gather these items: - 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen) - 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown) - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided) - 1 cup milk (whole or 2%) - 1 cup sour cream - 1/2 cup mayonnaise - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste) - 1 cup crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz) - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted) You can swap some of these ingredients for others. Here are a few ideas: - Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter option. - Try cream cheese in place of mayonnaise for a richer flavor. - If you want a dairy-free version, use plant-based cheese and milk. - Brown rice or quinoa can replace white rice for added texture and health. This casserole is tasty and has some good nutrition. Each serving (about 1/6 of the dish) has: - Calories: 380 - Protein: 14g - Carbohydrates: 30g - Fat: 24g - Fiber: 2g Keep in mind that these numbers can change based on your substitutions. Enjoying this dish can give you a good balance of flavors and nutrients! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This gets it ready for baking. Next, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets carefully and blanch them for 2-3 minutes. They should look bright green and feel slightly tender. Drain the broccoli well and set it aside to cool. In a big mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese, milk, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix everything until it is smooth. Now, gently fold the cooled broccoli into this mixture. Make sure the florets spread out nicely. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish using cooking spray or butter. Pour the broccoli and cheese mix into the dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. In a small bowl, mix the crushed buttery crackers with melted butter. Coat the crackers well and sprinkle this topping over the casserole. Finally, add the last 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese on top. Place the casserole in the preheated oven. Bake it for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges bubble and the top turns a nice golden brown. To check if the casserole is ready, look for the bubbling edges. You can also insert a knife into the center. If it comes out hot, the casserole is done. Let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors blend. Enjoy your cheesy and tasty broccoli cheddar casserole! You can easily change the flavor of your casserole. Try adding different cheeses, like mozzarella or pepper jack. These will give your dish a new twist. You can also add spices or herbs. A pinch of cayenne pepper can add heat. Fresh herbs like thyme or basil can brighten the taste. Mix and match to find your favorite combo! To make your casserole extra creamy, use full-fat dairy. Whole milk and sour cream work best. You can even add cream cheese for a richer texture. Stir well to combine all creamy ingredients. This helps to create a smooth mixture. Don't skimp on the cheese! The more cheese, the creamier it gets. Avoid overcooking the broccoli. Blanch it just until bright green. This helps keep some crunch. If you skip the step of mixing well, the flavors may not blend. Make sure to coat the broccoli and rice mixture evenly. Lastly, don’t forget to let your casserole rest after baking. This helps the flavors settle and makes serving easier. Pro Tips Blanching Broccoli: Blanching the broccoli briefly before adding it to the casserole helps to preserve its bright color and crisp-tender texture. Don’t over-blanch; just a couple of minutes is enough! Cheese Variations: Feel free to mix and match different types of cheese! A combination of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack or Gruyère can elevate the flavor profile of the casserole. Make Ahead: This casserole can be prepared in advance! Assemble it and refrigerate overnight. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge. Garnishing: For an extra touch of flavor and color, consider garnishing the casserole with a sprinkle of breadcrumbs or a drizzle of hot sauce before serving. {{image_4}} You can make this dish heartier by adding protein. Cooked chicken, turkey, or ham work well. Just chop them up and mix them in with the other ingredients. You can also add some cooked bacon for a smoky flavor. If you like seafood, shrimp or crab can add a nice twist. Just be sure to adjust the baking time if you add a lot of extra ingredients. For a gluten-free version, swap the buttery crackers for gluten-free ones. You can use crushed gluten-free cornflakes or crumbs made from gluten-free bread. Also, check that your mayonnaise and any other sauces are labeled gluten-free. This way, you keep the same great taste without the gluten. To make this dish vegetarian, simply skip any meat additions. For a vegan option, use plant-based cheese and sour cream. Almond or soy milk can replace regular milk. You can also add in other veggies like bell peppers or spinach for extra flavor. Just ensure you use vegan mayonnaise for the best results. To keep your cheesy broccoli cheddar casserole fresh, let it cool first. Once cooled, place it in an airtight container. This keeps moisture in and air out. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to cover it well to avoid drying out. If you have a lot, consider dividing it into smaller portions. This way, you can enjoy it whenever you want. When you're ready to enjoy leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until it is warm throughout. You can also microwave individual portions. Just heat for 1-2 minutes, checking often to avoid overcooking. If you want to save the casserole for a longer time, freezing is a great option. First, let it cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. This prevents freezer burn. Label it with the date so you can keep track. It can stay in the freezer for about 2-3 months. When you're ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, reheat it as described above. Enjoy that cheesy goodness anytime! Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. It saves time and works well. Just add it directly to the cheese and rice mix. Tip: Make sure to thaw and drain it first. This helps avoid extra water in your dish. To add spice, try these options: - Mix in some diced jalapeños or green chilies. - Add a dash of hot sauce to the cheese mix. - Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar. These options give your casserole a nice kick without overpowering the cheese flavor. This casserole pairs well with many dishes. Here are some ideas: - A light side salad with vinaigrette. - Grilled chicken or baked fish for protein. - Garlic bread for a cozy touch. These sides balance the richness of the casserole and make your meal complete. This blog post covered everything you need for a delicious Cheesy Broccoli Cheddar Casserole. You learned about the key ingredients, how to prep and bake, and tips for that creamy texture. We explored variations, including gluten-free and vegan options. Proper storage and reheating tips make enjoying leftovers easy. In the end, these simple steps help you create a dish that's both tasty and adaptable. Happy cooking!

Cheesy Broccoli Cheddar Casserole

A creamy and cheesy casserole featuring broccoli and rice, topped with buttery crackers.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
  • 1 cup milk (preferably whole or 2%)
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 2 teaspoons salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1 cup crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it's ready for baking.
  • In a large pot, bring water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the broccoli florets and blanch for 2-3 minutes, or until they are vibrant green and slightly tender. Drain thoroughly and set them aside to cool.
  • In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese, milk, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Stir all ingredients together until they form a smooth, cohesive mixture.
  • Gently fold the blanched broccoli into the cheese and rice mixture, ensuring that the florets are evenly dispersed throughout.
  • Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter, and pour the broccoli-cheese mixture into it. Spread it out evenly with a spatula.
  • In a small bowl, combine the crushed buttery crackers with the melted butter, mixing until the crackers are well coated. Evenly distribute this buttery cracker topping over the surface of the casserole.
  • Finish by sprinkling the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top, allowing it to melt beautifully during baking.
  • Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are bubbling and the top has turned a golden brown.
  • Once done, carefully remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to settle before serving.

Notes

For an elegant touch, serve the casserole directly from the baking dish and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives.
Keyword broccoli, casserole, cheddar, cheesy