Description
Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole made from scratch with tender broccoli, creamy cheddar cheese sauce and a crispy panko topping. No canned soup needed!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 bag frozen broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small shallot, minced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 1/2 cups freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Microwave the frozen broccoli florets for 3 minutes. Chop into smaller pieces and set aside.
- Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large oven-safe skillet or skillet over medium heat.
- Add the shallot and garlic. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Sprinkle in the flour. Stir and cook for 1 minute.
- Slowly whisk in the whole milk, followed by the heavy cream.
- Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder and paprika. Simmer gently until the sauce begins to thicken, about 5-6 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the cheddar in batches, then stir in the Parmesan until melted and smooth.
- Fold in the cooked rice and chopped broccoli.
- If not using an oven-safe skillet, transfer the mixture to a casserole dish.
- Combine the panko with 1 tablespoon melted butter. Sprinkle over the casserole.
- Cover and bake for 15 minutes.
- Uncover and bake for another 10 minutes.
- Broil for a few minutes, watching closely, until the top is golden brown.
- ENJOY!
Notes
- Use cooked rice for this recipe. Uncooked rice will not cook properly in the casserole.
- Microwave the frozen broccoli for only 3 minutes before chopping. It will finish cooking in the oven.
- Drain off any excess moisture from the broccoli before adding it to the cheese sauce.
- Freshly shredded cheddar will melt more smoothly than packaged shredded cheese.
- Keep the heat low when adding the cheese to prevent the sauce from becoming grainy. Add the cheese in batches.
- If using an oven-safe skillet, the casserole can go directly from the stovetop to the oven.
- If using a casserole dish, there is no need to butter or grease the dish before adding the broccoli rice mixture.
- Keep a close eye on the casserole while broiling. The panko only needs a few minutes to turn golden brown.
- Leftover cooked rice works especially well and makes preparation even quicker.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish, Dinner
- Method: Moderate
- Cuisine: American