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- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets - 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown) - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1 cup cream of mushroom soup - 1/2 cup milk - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 cup crushed crackers (like Ritz or butter crackers) - 2 tablespoons melted butter Feel free to customize this dish! You can add cooked chicken, diced ham, or even some sautéed onions for extra flavor. You might also replace the cheddar with mozzarella or gouda for a different taste. Each serving has about 300 calories. It contains around 15 grams of fat and 12 grams of protein. Broccoli is a great source of vitamins K and C, and it helps support your immune system. Cheese adds calcium and protein, making this dish not only tasty but also nutritious. How to prepare the broccoli and rice Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add 4 cups of fresh broccoli florets. Blanch the broccoli for 2-3 minutes. You want it bright green and slightly tender. Drain the broccoli and set it aside. Next, cook 1 cup of rice. You can use white or brown rice. Once cooked, let the rice cool a bit before mixing. Mixing the casserole ingredients In a big bowl, combine the cooked rice, 3/4 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1 cup of cream of mushroom soup, and 1/2 cup of milk. Add 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything until well combined. Gently fold in the blanched broccoli, ensuring it is evenly mixed with the rice blend. Temperature and time guidelines Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once your mixture is ready, transfer it into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread the mixture evenly across the dish. Tips to ensure even baking To add crunch, mix 1/2 cup of crushed crackers with 2 tablespoons of melted butter and the remaining 1/4 cup of cheddar cheese. Sprinkle this mixture on top of the casserole. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on it. Look for melted cheese and a golden-brown top. Once done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. For the full recipe, refer to the section above. To make your casserole creamy, use plenty of cheese and soup. The cream of mushroom soup adds moisture and flavor. Mix it well with rice and broccoli. For added richness, use full-fat milk. This makes every bite delicious and smooth. To avoid mushy broccoli, blanch it briefly. Cook it in boiling water for just 2-3 minutes. This keeps the bright green color and crispness. After blanching, drain and quickly cool it in ice water. This step is key to keeping your broccoli fresh. Spices can boost the flavor of your casserole. Try adding a pinch of paprika for warmth. A bit of cayenne pepper can add a nice kick. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can also brighten up the dish. If you want to add protein, consider cooked chicken or ham. This makes the meal more filling. You can also mix in some beans for a plant-based option. Just ensure any protein is cooked before mixing it in. For the full recipe, check out the Easy Cheesy Broccoli Casserole section. {{image_2}} You can use many types of cheese in this casserole. Sharp cheddar gives a strong flavor. Monterey Jack adds creaminess. Mozzarella melts well and makes it gooey. For a twist, try Parmesan for a nutty taste. If you want a dairy-free option, use vegan cheese. Look for brands that melt well, like cashew or almond cheese. Crushed crackers are a classic topping, but you can mix it up. Try panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch. You can also use toasted nuts like almonds or walnuts for a nutty bite. For a kick, sprinkle on some crushed red pepper flakes. You can even mix in herbs like parsley or thyme for added flavor. To keep your Easy Cheesy Broccoli Casserole fresh, first let it cool completely. Then, place it in an airtight container. Cover it tightly to prevent moisture loss. Store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freezing is a great option. Use a freezer-safe container and leave some space at the top. This space allows for expansion when the casserole freezes. You can enjoy it for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, reheating is key. The best method is to use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in a baking dish, cover it with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes. This method keeps the texture nice and creamy. If you're short on time, you can also use the microwave. Heat it in short bursts of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between. To refresh the dish, consider adding a sprinkle of cheese or fresh herbs before serving. This little touch can make it feel new again. Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare this casserole a day early. Just follow the recipe up to the baking step. Cover it well and store it in the fridge. When you're ready, bake it straight from the fridge. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time. Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free? Absolutely! Use gluten-free crackers instead of regular ones. Also, check that your cream of mushroom soup does not contain gluten. Many brands offer gluten-free versions, so you can enjoy this dish without worry. Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh? Yes, frozen broccoli works well. Just thaw and drain it before adding it to the dish. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly, as frozen broccoli can release more water. What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup? No problem! You can use cream of chicken soup or even a homemade white sauce. Mix in some mushrooms for flavor if you like. This keeps the dish creamy and delicious. Suggested sides to pair with the casserole Pair your casserole with a simple green salad or some crusty bread. The fresh crunch of the salad complements the creamy casserole perfectly. You can also serve it with baked chicken or fish for a complete meal. Ideas for meal preparation with this dish This casserole is great for meal prep. You can portion it into containers for easy lunches. It also freezes well, so you can make extra for busy days. Just reheat and enjoy! For the full recipe, refer to the Easy Cheesy Broccoli Casserole section. You learned how to make a delicious cheesy broccoli casserole. We covered the best ingredients, steps, and tips. This dish is easy to customize and offers great health benefits. You can also store leftovers for later. If you try this recipe, explore different cheese and topping options too. Your meals can be simple but still full of flavor. Enjoy this dish as a comforting favorite or a new family tradition. Happy cooking and sharing!

Easy Cheesy Broccoli Casserole

Satisfy your cravings with this easy cheesy broccoli casserole that combines tender broccoli, fluffy rice, and gooey cheddar cheese. It’s a delicious and comforting dish perfect for family gatherings or weeknight dinners. In just 45 minutes, you can whip up this creamy, cheesy delight that kids and adults will love.
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Ingredients
  

4 cups fresh broccoli florets

1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup cream of mushroom soup

1/2 cup milk

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 cup crushed crackers (like Ritz or butter crackers)

2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

    In a large pot of boiling water, blanch the broccoli florets for 2-3 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender. Drain and set aside.

      In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, 3/4 cup of cheddar cheese, cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

        Fold the blanched broccoli florets into the rice mixture, ensuring the broccoli is evenly distributed.

          Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

            In a small bowl, mix the crushed crackers with melted butter and the remaining 1/4 cup of cheddar cheese. Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the broccoli casserole.

              Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the top is golden brown.

                Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6-8

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve hot from the oven in individual bowls, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color. You can also add a side of crusty bread to complete the meal.