![The core of this dish brings together simple, yet tasty ingredients. Here’s what you need: - 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown) - 2 cups fresh broccoli florets - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1 cup sour cream - 1/2 cup cream of mushroom soup - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 2 tablespoons olive oil These ingredients blend well together. Each adds its own flavor and texture to the casserole. You can switch things up based on what you like. Here are some ideas: - Swap cheddar cheese for mozzarella or pepper jack for a kick. - Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a tangy twist. - Add cooked chicken or turkey for protein. - Toss in some red bell pepper or spinach for extra veggies. Feel free to experiment! Selecting fresh ingredients makes a big difference. Look for vibrant broccoli with tight florets. Choose rice that is fluffy and not sticky. Always check the expiration date on dairy products. Use high-quality cheese for a rich flavor. Fresh herbs provide more taste than dried ones. Quality ingredients lead to a better casserole. For a full recipe, check the details above to get started on this delightful dish! Start by making the broccoli bright and tender. Boil a pot of salted water. Add the fresh broccoli florets to the pot. Blanch them for 2-3 minutes. This helps keep the color and nutrients. After blanching, drain the broccoli and set it aside. Next, we focus on the aromatics for flavor. In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until they soften. The smell will make you hungry! Now it’s time to mix everything together. In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, blanched broccoli, and sautéed onion and garlic. Add 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1 cup of sour cream, and 1/2 cup of cream of mushroom soup. Stir in 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined. Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish. Spread it out evenly. For the topping, mix 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs with a tablespoon of olive oil. Sprinkle this mixture and some reserved cheddar cheese on top. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes. The casserole should be bubbly and golden. Let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. This waiting helps it set. For the full recipe, refer to the recipe section above. Enjoy your delicious Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole! To make your casserole creamy, focus on the right balance of ingredients. Use full-fat sour cream for the best texture. This adds richness and smoothness. The cream of mushroom soup also helps with creaminess. If you want an extra touch, add a splash of milk or a bit of cream. Mixing these well ensures every bite is creamy and tasty. For a golden topping, use breadcrumbs mixed with a little olive oil. This adds crunch and color. Spread the breadcrumb mix evenly over the casserole. Don't forget to sprinkle some cheese on top too! The cheese melts and helps achieve that beautiful golden color. Keep an eye on it while it bakes. You want it bubbly and golden, not burnt. Want to boost flavor? Start by sautéing your onions and garlic. This brings out their sweetness and adds depth. Adding Dijon mustard gives a subtle tang that brightens the dish. Don't skip the dried thyme; it adds warmth and earthiness. You can also mix in some cooked bacon for a smoky twist. These small changes can make your casserole shine. For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps. {{image_2}} You can make this dish fully vegetarian by swapping out the cream of mushroom soup. Use a vegan cream soup or a homemade version. You can also add more vegetables like carrots or bell peppers. These will keep your casserole colorful and tasty. If you want to add protein, cooked chicken, or turkey works great. You can use shredded rotisserie chicken for speed. For a totally different flavor, add cooked sausage or bacon. Each will give your casserole a savory kick. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. They work well for the topping and still add crunch. You can also check for gluten-free cream of mushroom soup. This keeps your dish safe for gluten-sensitive eaters. Follow the [Full Recipe] to create a base that works for all these variations! Store leftover Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to four days. Make sure it cools completely before sealing it. This helps prevent moisture build-up and sogginess. To freeze, place the cooled casserole in a freezer-safe dish. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and then with aluminum foil. This keeps out air and prevents freezer burn. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. Label the dish with the date, so you know when to use it. When you're ready to eat, thaw the casserole in the fridge overnight if frozen. Heat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, cooking them for about 2-3 minutes until hot. For a crispy top, finish it under the broiler for a minute or two. Enjoy every cheesy bite! Yes, you can prepare Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole ahead of time. Just follow the recipe up to the baking step. Then, cover the dish and store it in the fridge. You can make it a day in advance. When you are ready to bake, take it out of the fridge and let it sit for about 30 minutes. This helps it heat evenly. Then, simply pop it in the oven. To reheat leftovers, the oven is the best choice. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 20-25 minutes. If you want a crispy top, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes. You can also use a microwave, but the oven gives better results. Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. It saves time and is convenient. Just make sure to thaw and drain it first. This step helps remove excess water. If you add it straight from the freezer, the casserole might be too watery. Frozen broccoli works well, but fresh gives a better texture. For the full recipe, check out the details provided earlier. In this blog post, we explored how to make a cheesy broccoli rice casserole. We covered key ingredients, including optional add-ins for extra flavor. I shared steps for prepping, sautéing, and baking the dish. I also offered tips to ensure creaminess and a golden topping. Remember, you can adjust the recipe to fit your needs. Experiment with variations like vegetarian options or protein additions. Enjoy your delicious casserole, and don’t forget to save leftovers for later!](https://foodishtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/9ee963d6-7744-4fcc-b8ab-846d02882ece.webp)
Ingredients
Method
Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare Broccoli: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and blanch them for 2-3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Drain and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, blanched broccoli, sautéed onion and garlic, shredded cheddar cheese (reserve a little for topping), sour cream, cream of mushroom soup, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Transfer to Casserole Dish: Pour the broccoli rice mixture into a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
Add Topping: In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with a tablespoon of olive oil. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture and the reserved cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole.
Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.
Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving to let it set slightly.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6-8