Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole

$- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown) - 2 cups fresh broccoli florets - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup milk - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1/2 cup sour cream - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon paprika - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 2 tablespoons olive oil These ingredients create a warm and cheesy dish that everyone loves. You can use white or brown rice, depending on your preference. Fresh broccoli florets give the casserole a nice crunch and bright color. The sharp cheddar cheese adds a strong flavor, while the mozzarella makes it creamy and gooey. For a little kick, I often add cayenne pepper. If you are not a fan of spicy food, feel free to leave it out. The onion and garlic give a wonderful aroma and taste. Dijon mustard adds depth. Lastly, breadcrumbs on top create a crispy texture that contrasts with the soft rice and broccoli below. I always recommend using high-quality cheese and fresh ingredients. These choices elevate the dish and make it special. This recipe is easy to adapt, so feel free to experiment with your favorite flavors. You can find the full recipe for exact steps and cooking times. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even cooking. A hot oven ensures that your casserole bakes properly, giving it a nice golden top. Next, get a large pot of salted water boiling. Once it’s boiling, add 2 cups of fresh broccoli florets and blanch them for 2 to 3 minutes. This quick cooking helps keep the broccoli bright and crisp. Drain the broccoli and set it aside. In the same pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 small finely chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Cook until the onion turns soft and clear, which takes about 5 minutes. Now, grab a large mixing bowl. Combine the cooked rice, blanched broccoli, sautéed onion and garlic, and 1 cup each of shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Pour in 1 cup of milk and add 1/2 cup of sour cream. Don't forget to add 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of paprika, and 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper if you like heat. Mix everything well until it’s all combined. Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish. Spread it out evenly. In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs with a bit of olive oil. Sprinkle this mix over the casserole. Bake in your preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. You want the top to be golden brown and bubbling. Once done, take it out and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your cheesy creation! For the full recipe, check the details above. To avoid mushy rice, cook it just right. Use 2 cups of cooked rice. If you overcook the rice, it will turn mushy in the casserole. Use a timer. Follow the package instructions for cooking time. Rinse the rice well before cooking to remove extra starch. This helps it stay fluffy. Cheese makes this dish special. For great flavor, use sharp cheddar and mozzarella. Sharp cheddar gives a nice bite. Mozzarella melts well, adding creaminess. You can mix these cheeses for a rich taste. Try adding some parmesan for a nice twist. It adds a salty flavor that works well with broccoli. Make your casserole pretty with garnishes. Fresh parsley adds color and brightness. You can also use chives for a mild onion flavor. Sprinkle them on right before serving. This makes the dish look appealing. A bright garnish invites everyone to dig in. Use a spatula to serve. Make sure each plate has broccoli and cheese. {{image_2}} For a veggie-packed casserole, I love adding more greens. You can swap in spinach, kale, or even bell peppers. These not only bring bright colors but also boost nutrients. Try adding some corn for sweetness or mushrooms for earthiness. If you want to add protein, chicken or beef works great. You can use leftover rotisserie chicken for ease. Simply shred it and mix it into the rice and cheese blend. For beef, ground beef or turkey can be browned and added. This makes the dish heartier and more filling. To make this casserole gluten-free, swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free ones. You can also use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice. These swaps keep the dish tasty while meeting dietary needs. Enjoy the same cheesy goodness without worry! For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions. To keep your Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down before sealing it. This helps prevent moisture build-up, which can make the casserole soggy. It can last in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days. If you want to enjoy it later, freezing is a great option. When you want to enjoy leftovers, reheat them in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in a baking dish and cover it with foil. This prevents the top from burning while it heats. Bake for about 20 minutes or until it's hot all the way through. You can also use the microwave, but the oven keeps the texture better. Heat in short bursts and stir often to ensure even heating. Freezing the casserole is simple. Just make sure it’s completely cool before you freeze it. Use a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and then foil. It can stay frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge. Then, reheat it in the oven for best results. For the full recipe, check out the details above. You can store Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole in the fridge for up to five days. Just keep it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh and tasty. Yes, you can prepare this casserole a day ahead. Just mix all your ingredients and place them in a greased dish. Cover it with plastic wrap. When ready, bake it straight from the fridge. This saves time on busy days. This casserole pairs well with many dishes. You can serve it with a simple green salad. Roasted chicken or grilled fish makes a great addition too. For a heartier meal, try adding some crusty bread on the side. Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works well in this dish. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before use. This prevents extra moisture in your casserole. This blog post covered making a Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole. We listed all the key ingredients and shared step-by-step instructions. You learned helpful tips for perfecting your dish, including cheese choices and garnishing. We explored variations for different diets and gave storage and reheating advice. This dish is not just tasty but also versatile. You can easily adapt it to fit your needs. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this comforting casserole with friends and family!$

Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole

Looking for a delicious family meal that everyone will love? Try this Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole! Packed with fresh broccoli, creamy cheeses, and wholesome rice, it's the perfect dish for any gathering. Easy to make and customizable with your favorite ingredients, this casserole is a comforting classic.

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Ingredients

2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)

2 cups fresh broccoli florets

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup milk

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup sour cream

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

1/2 cup breadcrumbs

2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

In a large saucepan, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and blanch the broccoli florets for 2-3 minutes. Drain and set aside.

In the same saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent (about 5 minutes).

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, blanched broccoli, the sautéed onion and garlic, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, milk, sour cream, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix until well combined.

Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish, spreading it evenly.

In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with a touch of olive oil, mixing until the breadcrumbs are slightly coated. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole.

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.

Remove from the oven and allow it to cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6

- Presentation Tips: Serve the casserole hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color. Use a spatula to serve individual portions, ensuring each plate has a nice balance of broccoli and cheese.