This Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole is a comforting and delicious dish that combines tender broccoli, creamy cheese sauce, and flavorful rice, all topped with a crispy garlic butter Ritz cracker crust. Perfect for a satisfying meal any day of the week!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked basmati rice
- 4 cups broccoli, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 3-4 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon roasted garlic base
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups half-and-half or heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Seasonings: celery salt, smoked paprika, all-purpose seasoning (to taste)
- 1.5 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
- 1 cup crushed garlic butter Ritz crackers
- Diced parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large baking dish with a bit of butter or non-stick spray.
2. Prepare the Broccoli:
- Steam the broccoli until it’s just tender, about 3-5 minutes. Alternatively, you can blanch it in boiling water for 2 minutes then rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
3. Make the Roux:
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it becomes translucent.
- Stir in the roasted garlic base and Dijon mustard. Sprinkle the flour over the onion mixture and stir to combine, cooking for about 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
4. Add the Creams:
- Gradually whisk in the half-and-half (or heavy cream), ensuring there are no lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, and let it thicken slightly.
- Stir in the sour cream, Parmesan cheese, and Monterey Jack cheese until the mixture is smooth and the cheese has melted. Season with celery salt, smoked paprika, and all-purpose seasoning to taste.
5. Combine Ingredients:
- In the prepared baking dish, spread the cooked rice as the first layer. Top with the steamed broccoli.
- Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the broccoli, ensuring it covers all the pieces evenly.
- Sprinkle the shredded Colby Jack cheese over the top.
6. Add the Cracker Topping:
- In a small bowl, mix the crushed garlic butter Ritz crackers with a bit of melted butter, if desired, for extra richness. Sprinkle this mixture over the cheese layer.
7. Bake:
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
8. Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with diced parsley for a fresh, colorful touch.
This Broccoli and Cheese Casserole is creamy, cheesy, and full of comforting flavors, perfect for a satisfying meal any day of the week. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: Approximately 400 kcal per serving
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve this casserole as a main dish with a side of garlic bread.
- Pair it with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
- Enjoy it as a hearty side dish alongside roasted chicken or grilled steak.
Cooking Tips:
- Use freshly grated cheese for the best melt and flavor.
- Adjust the seasonings to your taste preference.
- For a lower-calorie option, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Broccoli is rich in vitamins C and K, and is a good source of fiber.
- Cheese provides calcium and protein.
- Using garlic butter Ritz crackers adds a delightful crunch and flavor to the dish.
Dietary Information:
- This recipe can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free flour and crackers.
- For a lighter version, use low-fat sour cream and half-and-half.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
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- It’s a comforting, cheesy dish that’s perfect for family dinners.
- Easy to prepare with simple ingredients.
- Versatile and can be customized with your favorite cheeses and seasonings.
Conclusion:
This Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole is a delicious and comforting addition to your meal repertoire. With its creamy cheese sauce, tender broccoli, and crispy topping, it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy the balance of flavors and the satisfying texture of this delightful casserole!
Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole
Recipe card for Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole.
Ingredients
Method
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large baking dish with a bit of butter or non-stick spray.
- Steam the broccoli until it's just tender, about 3-5 minutes. Alternatively, you can blanch it in boiling water for 2 minutes then rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it becomes translucent.
- Stir in the roasted garlic base and Dijon mustard. Sprinkle the flour over the onion mixture and stir to combine, cooking for about 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Gradually whisk in the half-and-half (or heavy cream), ensuring there are no lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, and let it thicken slightly.
- Stir in the sour cream, Parmesan cheese, and Monterey Jack cheese until the mixture is smooth and the cheese has melted. Season with celery salt, smoked paprika, and all-purpose seasoning to taste.
- In the prepared baking dish, spread the cooked rice as the first layer. Top with the steamed broccoli.
- Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the broccoli, ensuring it covers all the pieces evenly.
- Sprinkle the shredded Colby Jack cheese over the top.
- In a small bowl, mix the crushed garlic butter Ritz crackers with a bit of melted butter, if desired, for extra richness. Sprinkle this mixture over the cheese layer.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with diced parsley for a fresh, colorful touch.