Description
Cheesy broccoli rice casserole delights dinner tables with its comforting blend of creamy textures and wholesome ingredients. Quick preparation and simple steps make this dish a family favorite you’ll crave repeatedly.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 ¼ cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 2 cups milk
- 3 cups cooked rice (brown)
- 2–3 cups cooked broccoli florets
- 4 tbsps (¼ cup) butter
- ¼ cup fresh Parmesan cheese (shredded)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- ¼ cup flour
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ¼ tsp sea salt
- Few cracks of fresh black pepper
Instructions
- Preparation: Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
- Sauce Foundation: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Introduce minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Dust flour into the mixture, whisking continuously to form a smooth roux. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring to prevent scorching.
- Liquid Integration: Slowly stream milk into the roux, whisking to eliminate potential lumps. Incorporate Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 4 minutes until the sauce thickens, stirring periodically.
- Cheese Infusion: Remove sauce from heat and blend in cheddar and parmesan cheeses until mostly melted and creamy.
- Combine and Transfer: Fold cooked rice and broccoli florets into the cheese sauce, ensuring uniform coating. Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish and top with additional cheese.
- Baking and Finishing: Bake for 25-30 minutes until the surface turns golden and edges become effervescent. Rest the casserole for 5 minutes before serving to allow proper setting and easier portioning.
Notes
- Cheese Selection Matters: Choose high-quality, sharp cheddar and freshly grated parmesan for maximum flavor depth and creamy texture.
- Roux Technique Crucial: Whisk flour and butter carefully to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, silky cheese sauce foundation.
- Broccoli Prep Tip: Cut broccoli florets into uniform, bite-sized pieces to guarantee even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
- Resting Period Important: Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes after baking to allow flavors to meld and achieve perfect serving consistency.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg