Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the White Cheddar Broccoli Rice Casserole! This dish is the ultimate comfort food and a staple in my home. Whenever I whip this up, it brings back memories of family gatherings and cozy dinners. The creamy, cheesy goodness paired with tender broccoli is simply irresistible! Plus, it’s so easy to make—prep time is only about 15 minutes, and then you let the oven do the work for about 30 minutes. You’ll have a bubbling, golden casserole that’s sure to impress everyone at the table. Trust me, once you try this, it will quickly become a family favorite too!
Ingredients List
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to making this creamy masterpiece! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups cooked rice: You can use white or brown rice, just make sure it’s fluffy and ready to go!
- 2 cups broccoli florets: Fresh or frozen works beautifully; just make sure they’re bite-sized for even cooking!
- 1 cup white cheddar cheese, shredded: This is the star of the show, bringing that melty, cheesy goodness!
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup: This adds creaminess and flavor—trust me, it makes a difference!
- 1/2 cup milk: Whole milk is best, but any milk you have on hand will do.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: A little sprinkle to amp up the flavor!
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Adds depth and enhances the overall taste.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t skimp on seasoning; it really ties everything together!
With these simple ingredients, you’re all set for a delicious casserole that brings smiles to the table!
How to Prepare White Cheddar Broccoli Rice Casserole
Alright, let’s get down to the fun part—making this delightful casserole! First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because we want everything to cook evenly and get that delicious bubbly top. Once that’s set, grab a large mixing bowl and add your fluffy cooked rice, those vibrant broccoli florets, and the star ingredient, the white cheddar cheese. Oh, just wait until you smell that cheese melting!
Next, pour in the creamy goodness of the cream of mushroom soup and the milk. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, and don’t forget to add some salt and pepper to taste—this is where the flavor magic happens! Mix everything together until it’s well combined; I love using a spatula for this, as it really helps to get all those ingredients mingling.
Once it’s all mixed up, transfer that beautiful mixture into a greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly, and then it’s time to pop it in the oven! Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is all melted and bubbly. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden and inviting—trust me, you won’t be able to resist!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, broccoli florets, and shredded white cheddar cheese. Give it a good mix to distribute everything evenly.
- Add the cream of mushroom soup and milk to the bowl. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix until everything is well combined.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out into an even layer. This ensures even cooking!
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, and keep an eye on it! You want the cheese to be melted and the top to be golden. When it looks all bubbly and delicious, it’s time to dig in!
And there you have it! Simple steps that lead to a cozy and satisfying dish your whole family will love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Convenient: This casserole comes together in just 15 minutes of prep, making it perfect for busy weeknights!
- Flavor-packed: The combination of creamy white cheddar and savory broccoli creates a taste explosion that everyone will adore.
- Versatile: It’s an easy side dish or a hearty main, and you can customize it with other veggies or proteins if you like!
- Nutritional boost: Packed with broccoli, this dish adds fiber and vitamins to your meal without sacrificing taste.
- Leftover-friendly: It reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy it again for lunch or dinner without any fuss!
Tips for Success
To make sure your White Cheddar Broccoli Rice Casserole turns out just right, here are a few of my favorite tips! First off, using freshly cooked rice is key; it gives the best texture. If you’ve got leftover rice, just make sure it’s cooled and fluffy before mixing it in. Next, feel free to experiment with different cheeses! While white cheddar is a star, a blend of cheeses can add even more flavor dimensions.
Also, don’t skip on seasoning—taste as you go! A pinch more salt or a dash of pepper can elevate the whole dish. And if you want an extra crispy top, try broiling the casserole for a minute or two at the end. Just keep an eye on it, as it can go from golden to burnt pretty quickly! Enjoy the cooking process; it’s all part of the fun!
Nutritional Information
So, let’s talk numbers! A serving of this White Cheddar Broccoli Rice Casserole is around 1 cup and packs a satisfying punch. Here’s what you can typically expect:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fiber: 2g
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on your specific ingredients. But overall, it’s a delightful and hearty dish that won’t leave you feeling guilty!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, let’s chat about what to do with those tasty leftovers! If you have any of that delicious White Cheddar Broccoli Rice Casserole left, make sure to let it cool completely before storing it. Once it’s cool, transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days—perfect for a quick lunch or dinner!
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can simply reheat it in the microwave. Just pop it in for about 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure it heats evenly. If you prefer the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C), place the casserole in a baking dish, cover it with foil to keep it moist, and heat for about 15-20 minutes. You want it warmed through and maybe even a little bubbly on top—yum! Enjoy every bite!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making the White Cheddar Broccoli Rice Casserole? No worries, I’ve got you covered!
Can I use brown rice instead of white? Absolutely! Brown rice adds a nice nutty flavor and is a healthier option. Just make sure it’s cooked before mixing!
What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup? You can substitute it with cream of chicken soup or even a homemade white sauce if you’re feeling adventurous!
Can I add other vegetables? Yes! Feel free to toss in some carrots, peas, or even cauliflower. It’s a great way to sneak in more veggies!
Is this casserole gluten-free? It can be! Just make sure to use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and check your other ingredients for gluten.
How can I make this dish vegan? Swap the white cheddar for a vegan cheese alternative, use dairy-free milk, and look for a vegan cream soup. It’ll still be delicious!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got this scrumptious White Cheddar Broccoli Rice Casserole ready to go, let’s talk about what to serve it with! This casserole is super versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. For a complete meal, try serving it alongside some juicy grilled chicken or baked salmon. The creamy cheese and broccoli complement the savory flavors perfectly!
If you’re in the mood for something lighter, a fresh garden salad with a zesty vinaigrette is a fantastic choice. The crunch of the veggies adds a nice contrast to the creaminess of the casserole. And don’t forget about some crusty garlic bread on the side! It’s perfect for scooping up every last cheesy bite. Trust me, whatever you choose to serve with it, this casserole will shine on your dinner table!
For more delicious recipes, check out our blog for inspiration!
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White Cheddar Broccoli Rice Casserole: 7 Minutes to Bliss
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy and cheesy broccoli rice casserole with white cheddar.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup white cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, broccoli, and white cheddar cheese.
- Add cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until heated through and the cheese is melted.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen broccoli.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: White Cheddar Broccoli Rice Casserole