Cheddar Broccoli Rice Bake has become a staple in our home, and for good reason! It’s one of those dishes that everyone, from the pickiest eaters to the most adventurous foodies, seems to enjoy. The creamy, cheesy sauce, the tender rice, and the slightly crisp broccoli florets create a symphony of textures and flavors that is simply irresistible. Even my kids, who sometimes turn their noses up at vegetables, devour this bake without a single complaint. It’s the perfect weeknight meal solution, a fantastic side dish for potlucks, and honestly, sometimes I just make it for myself because it’s that comforting and delicious. If you’re looking for a recipe that’s easy to make, satisfying, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, look no further. This Cheddar Broccoli Rice Bake is about to become your new favorite too!

Ingredients for the Perfect Cheddar Broccoli Rice Bake

• Long Grain Rice: 1 ½ cups of uncooked long grain rice. Provides the hearty base for the bake, absorbing the creamy sauce beautifully.
• Fresh Broccoli Florets: 4 cups of fresh broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces. Adds a vibrant green color, a slightly earthy flavor, and essential nutrients.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided. The star of the show, providing that classic cheesy flavor and melty goodness. Sharp cheddar offers a more pronounced cheesy taste.
• Milk: 2 cups of milk (whole or 2%). Creates the creamy sauce base, binding all the ingredients together.
• Butter: ½ cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter. Adds richness and flavor to the sauce, helping to create a velvety texture.
• All-Purpose Flour: ¼ cup of all-purpose flour. Used as a thickening agent for the sauce, ensuring it’s perfectly creamy and not too thin.
• Yellow Onion: ½ medium yellow onion, finely diced. Adds a subtle savory base note to the sauce, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
• Garlic: 2 cloves of garlic, minced. Provides a pungent and aromatic flavor boost, complementing the cheese and broccoli.
• Vegetable Broth or Water: 3 cups of vegetable broth or water. Used to cook the rice and adds another layer of flavor when using broth.
• Salt: 1 teaspoon of salt, or to taste. Enhances the flavors of all the ingredients and seasons the dish.
• Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon of black pepper, or to taste. Adds a subtle warmth and spice to balance the richness of the cheese.
• Optional: Paprika: ½ teaspoon of paprika (sweet or smoked). Adds a hint of color and a subtle smoky or sweet note, depending on the type used.

Step-by-Step Instructions for a Delicious Cheddar Broccoli Rice Bake

1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Your Baking Dish: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating, lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This prevents the bake from sticking and makes serving easier.
2. Cook the Rice: In a medium saucepan, combine the uncooked long grain rice and vegetable broth (or water). Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. Fluff the cooked rice with a fork and set aside.
3. Steam the Broccoli: While the rice is cooking, steam the broccoli florets until they are tender-crisp. You can do this using a steamer basket over boiling water, in the microwave with a little water, or by briefly blanching them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes. Steaming or blanching ensures the broccoli is cooked through but still retains a slight bite and vibrant green color. Drain the broccoli well if blanched or microwaved.
4. Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
5. Create the Roux: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the onion and garlic mixture in the saucepan. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes. This creates a roux, which is the base for the creamy sauce. Cooking the flour removes the raw flour taste.
6. Whisk in the Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, a little at a time, ensuring each addition is fully incorporated before adding more. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth and there are no lumps of flour.
7. Thicken the Sauce: Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly and coats the back of a spoon. Don’t let it boil vigorously, or the sauce might become too thick or separate.
8. Add Cheese and Seasonings: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in 1 ½ cups of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until it is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and cheesy. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste. Add paprika if using, and stir to combine.
9. Combine Ingredients: In the prepared baking dish, combine the cooked rice and steamed broccoli florets. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the rice and broccoli mixture. Gently stir to combine everything, ensuring the rice and broccoli are well coated in the cheesy sauce.
10. Top with Remaining Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the bake. This will create a golden brown and bubbly cheesy crust during baking.
11. Bake in the Oven: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the bake is heated through, bubbly around the edges, and the cheese on top is melted and golden brown.
12. Let it Rest and Serve: Remove the Cheddar Broccoli Rice Bake from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the bake to set slightly and makes it easier to serve. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts for Cheddar Broccoli Rice Bake (Per Serving, Estimated)

(Please note that these are estimated values and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

• Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup
• Calories: 350-400 kcal
• Fat: 20-25g
• Saturated Fat: 12-15g

Preparation Time Breakdown

This Cheddar Broccoli Rice Bake is wonderfully convenient and doesn’t require you to spend hours in the kitchen. The total preparation time, including both hands-on work and baking time, is approximately 45-50 minutes. The active cooking time is around 20-25 minutes, as you’ll be cooking the rice, steaming the broccoli, and making the cheese sauce. The oven takes care of the rest, baking the casserole to golden perfection in about 20-25 minutes. This makes it an ideal recipe for busy weeknights when you want a delicious and satisfying meal without a lengthy cooking process.

How to Serve Your Cheddar Broccoli Rice Bake

This versatile bake can be enjoyed in numerous ways, making it a fantastic addition to any meal. Here are some serving suggestions:

• As a Hearty Side Dish: Perfectly complements roasted chicken, baked salmon, or grilled tofu. Its creamy and cheesy nature balances out leaner protein options beautifully.
• As a Vegetarian Main Course: Serve generous portions as a satisfying vegetarian main course. It’s filling and flavorful enough to stand alone.
• Paired with a Salad: Balance the richness of the bake with a fresh and crisp side salad. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing or a tomato and cucumber salad works wonderfully.
• Alongside Soup: Makes a comforting pairing with a light soup, such as tomato soup, vegetable soup, or a creamy mushroom soup, especially during colder months.
• For Potlucks and Gatherings: Its crowd-pleasing nature and easy transportability make it an excellent dish to bring to potlucks, picnics, and family gatherings.
• Leftovers for Lunch: Enjoy the delicious leftovers for lunch the next day. It reheats well and is just as satisfying the second time around.

Additional Tips for the Best Cheddar Broccoli Rice Bake

1. Cheese Variety: While sharp cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Try a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack for a milder flavor and extra meltiness, or add a touch of Gruyere or Parmesan for a more sophisticated taste.
2. Broccoli Alternatives: If broccoli isn’t your favorite, or you want to mix things up, cauliflower, asparagus, or even frozen peas and carrots (thawed) can be substituted or added to the bake.
3. Spice it Up: For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce or sprinkle some cayenne pepper over the top before baking. A dash of hot sauce can also be incorporated into the sauce for those who like a spicier dish.
4. Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs can elevate the flavor profile. Try adding fresh thyme, chives, or parsley to the cheese sauce or as a garnish after baking. Dried herbs like Italian seasoning can also be used.
5. Make it Ahead: Assemble the bake completely, up to the point of baking, and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.
6. Creamier Sauce: For an even creamier sauce, substitute half of the milk with half-and-half or heavy cream. This will result in a richer and more decadent bake.
7. Crispy Topping: For an extra crispy topping, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle them over the cheese before baking. Panko breadcrumbs work particularly well for a satisfying crunch.
8. Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: Be careful not to overcook the broccoli when steaming or blanching. It should be tender-crisp, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Overcooked broccoli will become mushy in the bake.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cheddar Broccoli Rice Bake (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use pre-cooked rice to make this recipe faster?

A: Yes, you can use pre-cooked rice to speed up the process. If using pre-cooked rice, you can skip step 2 of the instructions. Simply add about 3 cups of cooked rice to the baking dish and proceed with the recipe from step 3 onwards. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly as the rice is already cooked.

Q2: Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh broccoli?

A: Absolutely! Frozen broccoli florets are a convenient alternative to fresh broccoli. Use about 4 cups of frozen broccoli florets. You can steam them from frozen, or thaw them slightly and then steam or sauté them briefly before adding them to the bake. Ensure to drain any excess water from the frozen broccoli after thawing or steaming.

Q3: Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?

A: Yes, with some substitutions, you can adapt this recipe to be dairy-free or vegan. Use plant-based milk (like almond, soy, or oat milk) and vegan butter in the cheese sauce. For the cheddar cheese, use a good quality vegan cheddar-style cheese alternative. Ensure to check the labels of your vegan cheese to ensure it melts well.

Q4: How do I store leftover Cheddar Broccoli Rice Bake?

A: Store leftover Cheddar Broccoli Rice Bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Q5: What’s the best way to reheat Cheddar Broccoli Rice Bake?

A: The best way to reheat Cheddar Broccoli Rice Bake is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the leftovers in an oven-safe dish, covered with foil, for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but it might not be as crispy. Reheat in microwave-safe dish in intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.

Q6: Can I add protein to this bake to make it a more complete meal?

A: Yes, you can easily add protein to this bake. Consider adding cooked chicken, diced ham (if not vegetarian), or cooked lentils or chickpeas for a vegetarian protein boost. Stir the cooked protein into the rice and broccoli mixture before adding the cheese sauce.

Q7: My cheese sauce is lumpy. How can I fix it?

A: Lumpy cheese sauce can often be fixed! If your sauce is lumpy, try whisking it vigorously over low heat. If that doesn’t work, you can strain the sauce through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the lumps. To prevent lumps in the future, ensure you are whisking the flour into the melted butter thoroughly and gradually whisking in the milk, ensuring each addition is incorporated before adding more.

Q8: Can I freeze Cheddar Broccoli Rice Bake?

A: While you can freeze Cheddar Broccoli Rice Bake, the texture may change slightly upon thawing and reheating. Dairy-based sauces can sometimes separate when frozen and thawed. If you do freeze it, allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven. Be aware that the texture might be slightly less creamy after freezing and thawing.

Print