Broccoli Rice Casserole is the cozy, classic bake that feels like a warm hug on the dinner table—creamy, cheesy, and full of broccoli goodness that promises comfort food at its best. This recipe transforms humble ingredients into a bubbly, golden-topped delight that wins hearts at holidays and weeknights alike. If you’re after a side dish that earns rave reviews but comes together with ease, this is your new go-to for family gatherings or any night you need a little extra cheer.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the joys of this recipe is how easily the ingredients blend together to create something magical. Each component offers its own magic, whether bringing creaminess, flavor depth, or a satisfying crunch.
- Cooked white rice: A fluffy base that soaks up all those creamy, cheesy flavors.
- Fresh broccoli florets, chopped: Adds vibrant color and a wholesome, tender bite.
- Unsalted butter: Gives sautéed onions a savory, buttery depth.
- Small onion, diced: Builds the foundation of flavor with its gentle sweetness.
- Garlic, minced: Brings a subtle aromatic kick to lift the casserole.
- Canned condensed cream of mushroom soup: The shortcut to a rich, creamy sauce without extra fuss.
- Sour cream: For luscious tang and smooth texture throughout.
- Shredded cheddar cheese, divided: A double dose of cheesy goodness, both in the mix and melty on top.
- Salt: Just enough seasoning to wake up all the flavors.
- Black pepper: Adds gentle warmth and balance.
- Paprika: Brightens up with a sweet smokiness and beautiful color.
- Crushed Ritz crackers: For that irresistible buttery crunch over every bite.
- Melted butter: Toasts up the topping to golden perfection.
How to Make Broccoli Rice Casserole
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Give your 9×13-inch baking dish a light coat of butter or nonstick spray—this helps the Broccoli Rice Casserole slide right out when serving and keeps the edges deliciously crisp.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it turns soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Toss in the minced garlic for a fragrant finish, stirring for just a minute so it doesn’t burn. This step fills your kitchen with an aroma that screams home-cooked comfort!
Step 3: Mix Everything Together
Grab your biggest mixing bowl—now the fun begins! Combine the cooked rice, chopped broccoli, sautéed onion and garlic, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Stir it all until it’s fully blended and every piece of broccoli gets some creamy, cheesy love.
Step 4: Assemble and Add Toppings
Spread the mixture into your greased baking dish, smoothing it into an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar over the top, so you get extra melty goodness. In a separate small bowl, combine your crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter, then sprinkle this crunchy mixture evenly across the surface—it’s all about that golden, buttery finish!
Step 5: Bake and Rest
Bake the Broccoli Rice Casserole for 25-30 minutes, or until it’s bubbling at the edges and the cracker topping is a beautiful golden brown. Let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving—this helps everything set up perfectly so you get picture-perfect slices.
How to Serve Broccoli Rice Casserole
Garnishes
A flourish of fresh herbs can effortlessly elevate Broccoli Rice Casserole—try a scattering of chopped parsley or chives for color and freshness. For a mild, nutty kick, a sprinkle of toasted sliced almonds works wonders. Even just a grind of black pepper or a pinch of paprika goes a long way for that final burst of flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair this casserole with a crisp green salad or garlicky roasted carrots to balance the creamy richness. It also makes a dreamy accompaniment to baked chicken, roasted turkey, or even a big bowl of chili for a comforting weeknight meal everyone will love.
Creative Ways to Present
For something fun, spoon Broccoli Rice Casserole into individual ramekins for personal servings—perfect for dinner parties. Or serve it as a filling inside baked bell peppers for a colorful twist. Leftovers even make a stellar breakfast topped with a poached egg!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Broccoli Rice Casserole keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to four days. Just cover the baking dish tightly with foil or scoop portions into airtight containers to lock in all that moisture and flavor.
Freezing
This casserole freezes like a dream. Simply assemble everything (except the cracker topping), cover tightly, and freeze for up to three months. Add the topping just before baking—no need to thaw, just increase the bake time by about 10 minutes.
Reheating
To reheat, place the casserole in a 350°F oven until warmed through and the top is crisp again, about 15 minutes for a single portion or 25 minutes for a larger batch. For smaller servings, a quick zap in the microwave works, but the oven or toaster oven keeps the topping crunchiest!
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just thaw your broccoli and drain it well so the casserole doesn’t get watery. Frozen broccoli makes this dish even speedier for busy nights.
How do I make Broccoli Rice Casserole a main dish?
Add cooked, shredded chicken or diced ham right into the mix before baking for a protein boost. It transforms perfectly into a hearty one-pan meal everyone will fill up on.
Can I use a different type Side Dish
Of course! Broccoli Rice Casserole is delicious with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a sharp white cheddar. Mix and match to suit your family’s favorite flavors.
What’s the best rice to use?
Regular long-grain white rice is classic here, but you can substitute brown rice or even wild rice blends. Just ensure your rice is fully cooked and drained before stirring in.
Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and swap the Ritz crackers for a gluten-free cracker or panko breadcrumb. It’ll be just as comforting and delicious.
Final Thoughts
Broccoli Rice Casserole has a way of bringing everyone back for seconds—it’s cozy, familiar, and oh-so-satisfying. If you haven’t tried it homemade yet, give this recipe a whirl and watch it become a cherished comfort food staple in your kitchen!
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Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This comforting and cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole is a perfect side dish for any occasion. Creamy with a crispy Ritz cracker topping, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make.
Ingredients
Rice Mixture:
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
Topping:
- 1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Sauté: In a skillet, melt the butter and sauté the onion until translucent. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Mix: In a bowl, combine rice, broccoli, sautéed onion and garlic, soup, sour cream, 1 1/2 cups cheese, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix well.
- Layer: Spread the mixture in the baking dish, top with remaining cheese.
- Top: Mix crackers with melted butter, sprinkle over casserole.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden. Rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can use frozen broccoli; thaw and drain well.
- Add diced cooked chicken for extra protein.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
