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- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown) - 2 cups fresh broccoli florets (lightly steamed) - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature - 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth - 1/2 cup sour cream - 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus extra for greasing) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes for added heat - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for a crunchy topping) When I make Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole, I love using simple yet tasty ingredients. You can choose between white or brown rice for a base. Both work great, so pick what you like! Fresh broccoli adds a nice crunch and vibrant color. For cheese, I always go for sharp cheddar and cream cheese. They melt well and give a rich flavor. When it comes to broth, use chicken or vegetable. Either choice makes the casserole flavorful. If you want to kick it up a notch, add some spices! Garlic and onion powder are a must for depth. A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes gives it a nice heat. And don’t forget the breadcrumbs! They add a delightful crunch on top. Get ready for a warm and cheesy dish that everyone will love! 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for a great bake. 2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of cooked rice and 2 cups of fresh broccoli florets. Add 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup of softened cream cheese, 1 cup of chicken or vegetable broth, and 1/2 cup of sour cream. This mix brings all the flavors together. 1. Measure and add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1 teaspoon of onion powder. Season the mix with salt and pepper to taste. If you want more heat, add 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes. 2. Stir everything until the mixture is creamy and well-blended. This is where the magic happens. 1. Grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. This helps to prevent sticking. 2. Pour the rice and broccoli mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly. 3. In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs with a drizzle of olive oil. Toss gently to coat. Sprinkle this evenly over the casserole for a crunchy topping. 4. Place the casserole in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. You know it's done when the top is golden brown and the dish is heated through. 5. Once baked, take it out and let it sit for about 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to settle before serving. How to ensure perfect creaminess To get a creamy casserole, use a mix of cheeses. Sharp cheddar gives flavor, while cream cheese adds smoothness. Mixing in sour cream also helps. Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature. This helps them blend well. Stir until fully combined for a creamy texture. Preventing a dry casserole To avoid dryness, don’t overbake your casserole. Baking it for 25 to 30 minutes is perfect. Use broth to keep it moist. This adds flavor while preventing dryness. Cover the dish with foil for the first 15 minutes. This traps steam and helps the casserole stay juicy. Recommended cookware Use a 9x13 inch casserole dish. This size cooks the casserole evenly. It also gives enough space for a crunchy topping. A mixing bowl is needed for combining your ingredients. A spatula works great for mixing and spreading. Using a thermometer for perfect baking A food thermometer can help you check doneness. The center of the casserole should reach 165°F (74°C). This ensures it is hot all the way through. If you don’t have a thermometer, check if the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly. These signs show that your casserole is ready to enjoy! {{image_4}} You can easily change up the veggies in your casserole. Instead of broccoli, try cauliflower or spinach. They add great taste and texture. For a twist, mix in some cooked carrots or peas. Cheese is key to making this dish creamy and rich. You can swap sharp cheddar for mozzarella or gouda. Each cheese brings its own flavor. You can even mix different cheeses for extra depth. Experimenting keeps the dish exciting. If you want a vegan version, use plant-based cheese and sour cream. Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth. You can also use cashew cream in place of cream cheese. It works well and adds a nice nutty flavor. For a gluten-free option, choose gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can also use rice flour to thicken the casserole if needed. This way, everyone can enjoy this tasty dish! To keep your cheesy broccoli rice casserole fresh, use an airtight container. Glass or plastic containers work well. You can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the casserole. It can last up to three months in the freezer. Just make sure to let it cool completely before sealing it up. This helps prevent ice crystals from forming. When it’s time to enjoy leftovers, reheat them gently. The best way is to use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in a baking dish, cover it with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes. This method keeps the casserole moist. You can also use the microwave for quick reheating. Just cover it with a microwave-safe lid. Heat in short bursts, checking often to avoid drying it out. To maintain texture, add a splash of broth or water before reheating. This keeps the casserole creamy and delicious. Enjoy your meal! Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can make this casserole ahead of time. Just prepare it and cover it well. Store it in the fridge for up to two days. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Then, bake as directed. What can I serve with this dish? This casserole pairs well with many sides. Try serving it with simple grilled chicken or a fresh salad. You can also enjoy it as a main dish. Why is my casserole watery? A watery casserole can happen if you add too much broth. Make sure to measure accurately. If you see extra liquid, try baking it a bit longer. This helps it thicken up. How can I make it more flavorful? To boost flavor, add more spices. You can use extra garlic and onion powder. Adding fresh herbs like thyme or parsley also brightens the dish. If you like heat, sprinkle in more red pepper flakes. To wrap up, we covered everything you need for a cheesy broccoli rice casserole. You learned about essential ingredients, optional flavors, and step-by-step instructions. We discussed tips for creaminess and explored ingredient swaps. Storage tips and FAQs helped address common concerns. This dish is easy and fun to make. Experiment and enjoy your unique version. Cooking should bring joy, so have fun with each step!

Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole

Savor the comfort of Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole with this easy recipe! Perfect for family dinners, this dish combines tender broccoli, creamy cheeses, and savory rice for a delightful meal that's bursting with flavor. Follow our simple steps to create a golden, crunchy topping and impress your loved ones. Don't miss out—click through to explore the full recipe and make this cheesy delight tonight!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)

2 cups fresh broccoli florets (lightly steamed)

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1/2 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature

1 cup chicken or vegetable broth

1/2 cup sour cream

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for a crunchy topping)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tablespoon olive oil (plus extra for greasing)

Optional: 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes for added heat

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s hot when your casserole is ready to bake.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice and lightly steamed broccoli florets. Add in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese, chicken or vegetable broth, and sour cream.

      Season this mixture generously with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and the optional crushed red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Stir everything together until the mixture is creamy and well-blended.

        Take a 9x13 inch casserole dish and grease it with a tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking. Pour the rice and broccoli mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly to ensure even cooking.

          In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with a drizzle of olive oil, tossing them gently until they are lightly coated. Sprinkle this breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole for a delightful crunchy texture.

            Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the top has reached a beautiful golden brown.

              Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to sit for about 5 minutes before serving, letting the flavors settle.

                Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 45 min | Servings: 6-8

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the casserole directly in the dish, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley to add a vibrant pop of color. For an extra touch of brightness, consider adding a few slices of fresh lemon on the side. Enjoy your meal!