![- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets - 2 cups cooked white rice - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1 cup cream of mushroom soup - 1/2 cup mayonnaise - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers - 2 tablespoons melted butter The key to a great broccoli cheese casserole lies in the ingredients. Fresh broccoli florets offer a crisp bite and bright color. Cooked white rice adds a nice base, helping to hold everything together. Sharp cheddar cheese is a must. Its rich flavor melts perfectly into the mix. You can add optional ingredients to boost flavor. Cream of mushroom soup makes it creamy and adds depth. Mayonnaise gives a nice tang. A sprinkle of garlic and onion powder adds warmth. Black pepper gives a gentle kick. For toppings, crushed Ritz crackers create a delightful crunch. Mixing them with melted butter makes them golden and tasty. This combination of ingredients makes the dish simple and tasty. You can find the full recipe within this section to guide you through the cooking process. First, we need to preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps the casserole cook evenly. While the oven warms up, we will blanch the broccoli. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the broccoli florets. Blanch them for 2-3 minutes until they are just tender. This step brightens their color and softens them a bit. Drain the broccoli and set it aside to cool. Now, it's time to prepare the casserole mix. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked white rice, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, cream of mushroom soup, and mayonnaise. Add garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper for flavor. Mix all the ingredients until they are well combined. Next, gently fold in the blanched broccoli. Make sure the broccoli gets evenly mixed with the rice and cheese. This ensures every bite is cheesy and tasty. After mixing, transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly to ensure even cooking. Now, we will add the cracker topping. In a separate bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter. Mix until the crackers are coated. Sprinkle this buttery cracker mixture over the top of the casserole. Now we can bake it! Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. The casserole is done when it is bubbly and the top is golden brown. Once it is ready, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious creation! For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. Blanching broccoli is easy and helps keep it bright green. Here’s how to do it right: - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. - Add the broccoli florets. - Cook for 2-3 minutes until tender. - Drain and rinse with cold water. This stops the cooking and locks in color. For the perfect cheesy texture, use sharp cheddar cheese. It adds flavor and melts well. Mix it with the other ingredients until smooth. This casserole pairs well with many dishes. Serve it with a fresh side salad or some crusty bread. For a pop of color, garnish with fresh parsley or chives. It makes the dish look more appealing. To make the dish healthier, use low-fat mayonnaise or Greek yogurt. This swaps out some fat but keeps the creaminess. If you need a gluten-free option, replace Ritz crackers with gluten-free breadcrumbs. This keeps the crunch without the gluten. You can find the full recipe [here](#). {{image_2}} You can easily change the cheese in this casserole. Try gouda or mozzarella for a new twist. Each cheese brings a unique flavor. Don’t be afraid to mix them too! Also, consider using other veggies. Cauliflower or green beans can replace broccoli. This keeps the dish fresh and fun. You can even add carrots for color and crunch. Want a slow cooker version? Just combine all ingredients in your slow cooker. Cook on low for about 4 hours. This makes it super easy for busy days. If you prefer the Instant Pot, use it too! Combine all ingredients in the pot with a cup of broth. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. This gives you a creamy and quick meal. For a vegetarian option, skip the cream of mushroom soup. Instead, use a veggie cream soup. This keeps it rich and tasty. To lower the calories, use low-fat cheese and mayo. You can also swap rice for quinoa. This adds protein and fiber without adding many calories. Check out the Full Recipe for more ideas! After you enjoy your broccoli cheese casserole, store leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh. The casserole can last up to four days in the fridge. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in a baking dish. Cover it with foil to prevent dryness. Heat for about 20 minutes or until hot. You can also use the microwave for quick reheating. Just heat in short bursts, stirring in between. If you want to store the casserole for longer, freezing works great. First, let the casserole cool completely. Then, cut it into portions for easy use later. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This helps avoid freezer burn. When you’re ready to eat, move a portion to the fridge to thaw overnight. For quicker thawing, you can use the microwave. Once thawed, reheat as described above. It’s that simple! This blog post covered a delicious broccoli casserole recipe, focusing on key ingredients like broccoli, rice, and cheese. I shared step-by-step instructions for easy preparation, mixing, and baking. You learned tips for cooking and serving, as well as variations to suit different tastes. Lastly, I provided storage info and answered common questions. In conclusion, this comforting dish is simple and adaptable. Experiment with ingredients and methods to make it your own. Enjoy cooking!](https://pureeatsnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/53a4ee72-cf87-4f30-903b-fb5d14fc5da0-250x250.webp)
Classic Broccoli Cheese Casserole
Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Broccoli Delight Casserole that will make your taste buds dance! Packed with fresh broccoli, creamy cheese, and a crunchy Ritz cracker topping, this easy recipe is perfect for family dinners or potlucks. In just 45 minutes, you can whip up a meal that everyone will love. Click through to explore the step-by-step instructions and elevate your dinner game tonight!