Randy Chandler
Broccoli rice casserole is a tasty and comforting dish that can be served as a side or main course. The recipe typically calls for a combination of cheeses, such as cheddar, cream cheese, and Parmesan, to create a creamy and flavourful sauce. Some recipes suggest using processed cheese, American cheese, or Velveeta for an extra creamy texture. For a lighter option, you can use light cheese and low-fat milk, or even substitute the rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice. This versatile dish can be customised to your taste preferences and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese | Cheddar, Swiss, Monterey Jack, Colby, Muenster, Gouda, Velveeta, American, Meximelt |
| Rice | White, Brown, Basmati, Instant, Long-grain, Quinoa, Cauliflower |
| Broccoli | Fresh, Frozen |
| Other ingredients | Butter, Onion, Garlic, Milk, Cream, Breadcrumbs, Ritz crackers, Potato chips, Chicken, Ham, Spices |
| Baking instructions | Bake at 350°F for 20-40 minutes, until bubbly and lightly browned |
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What You'll Learn
Using cheddar cheese
Cheddar cheese is a popular choice for broccoli rice casserole. You can use mild, sharp, or extra sharp cheddar cheese, depending on your preference for flavour. It is recommended to shred the cheese from a block at home for the best results, as pre-shredded cheese may not melt as well.
When using cheddar cheese, it is important to consider its texture and flavour. Cheddar cheese has a creamy texture that can add a creamy mouthfeel to the casserole. It has a strong flavour that can enhance the overall taste of the dish. To ensure a creamy texture, you can replace 8 ounces of Velveeta cheese with 2 cups of good-melting shredded cheddar cheese. Stir 1 and 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar into the broccoli rice mixture, and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup on top of the casserole.
Additionally, when using cheddar cheese, consider the type of rice you are using. White rice, brown rice, or long-grain rice are all suitable options. You can cook the rice according to the package directions or in chicken broth for extra flavour.
For a broccoli rice casserole with cheddar cheese, you can follow these general steps:
- Cook the rice according to the package directions or in chicken broth.
- In a separate pan, melt butter and cook onion until transparent.
- Add broccoli florets and cook until tender.
- Stir in flour, garlic powder, and pepper.
- Gradually add milk while whisking and continue whisking until thick and bubbly.
- Remove from heat and add seasonings, cream cheese, and 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Stir until the cheese is melted and season to taste.
- Place the broccoli in boiling water for about 2 minutes to blanch.
- Combine the rice, broccoli, and cheese sauce in a greased casserole dish.
- Top with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake in the oven at 350°F for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is lightly browned.
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Using American cheese
Broccoli rice casserole is a classic, comforting side dish that can be served as a weeknight meal or at a holiday gathering. It is a versatile dish that can be made with various types of cheese, including American cheese. Here are some tips and instructions for using American cheese in your broccoli rice casserole:
Ingredients and Preparation:
You will need the following ingredients: American cheese (such as Velveeta), broccoli, rice (white, brown, or long-grain), butter, onion, milk, salt, pepper, and optional crushed potato chips or bread crumbs for topping.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Cook the rice according to the package directions. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and add chopped onion, cooking until the onion is transparent. Then, add broccoli florets and continue cooking. You can also add garlic at this stage if desired.
Next, stir in milk, salt, and pepper. Some recipes suggest adding a roux (a mixture of butter and flour) before adding the milk to create a thicker sauce. You can also add other spices like garlic powder, paprika, or dry mustard to enhance the flavor.
Adding the Cheese:
For an 8x8-inch casserole dish, you will need 8 ounces of American cheese, divided. Add 4 ounces of the cheese to the skillet and stir until melted. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the cooked rice. You can use quick-cooking rice to speed up the preparation process.
Pour the mixture into a lightly greased casserole dish. Shred or crumble the remaining 4 ounces of cheese and sprinkle it over the top of the mixture. If desired, you can also add crushed potato chips or bread crumbs on top for extra crunch.
Baking and Serving:
Bake the casserole for about 30 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, the chips or crumbs are golden brown, and the casserole is bubbly. This dish can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Simply let it set at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
The broccoli rice casserole pairs well with various main dishes, including pork chops, ham, turkey, chicken, and steak. You can also add cooked chicken or ham directly to the casserole to make it a complete meal.
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Using Monterey Jack cheese
Broccoli rice casserole is a classic, comforting, and creamy dish that can be served as a side or a meal in itself. It is a versatile dish that can be made with a variety of cheeses, including Monterey Jack cheese.
Monterey Jack cheese is a semi-hard cheese with a creamy texture and a mild flavour. It is an excellent melting cheese, making it a perfect choice for casseroles. When used in a broccoli rice casserole, it adds a creamy texture and a subtle cheesy taste that complements the other ingredients.
To make a delicious broccoli rice casserole with Monterey Jack cheese, start by cooking the rice according to the package directions. You can use white rice, brown rice, or long-grain rice, depending on your preference. In a separate pan, cook the broccoli florets until they are tender but still slightly crisp, as they will continue to cook in the oven. You can also add other vegetables of your choice, such as cauliflower or sautéed mushrooms.
In a large bowl, mix the cooked rice and broccoli with the cheese sauce. For the cheese sauce, you can use a combination of Monterey Jack cheese and other cheeses, such as cheddar or gouda, to enhance the flavour. Add milk to create a smooth and creamy sauce, and season with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add additional spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika for extra flavour.
Spread the mixture evenly in a greased baking dish and top it with breadcrumbs and the remaining cheese. Bake the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a crispy topping, you can also add crushed potato chips or tortilla chips before baking.
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Adding chicken
You can use cooked or uncooked chicken for your casserole. If you're using cooked chicken, you can skip the browning step and simply add the cooked chicken to the casserole before baking. Rotisserie chicken is a popular choice for this dish. If you're using uncooked chicken, cut it into bite-sized pieces and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. You can also add garlic powder and onion powder for extra flavor. Brown the chicken in a skillet with butter or olive oil, then remove it from the pan and set it aside.
Next, prepare the rice. The type of rice you use will determine the amount of liquid and cooking time needed. White long-grain rice is a common choice for this dish, but you can also use brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a lighter option. Add the rice and liquid to the pan, using chicken broth for extra flavor. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the rice is tender. You can also use cream of chicken soup to add creaminess and flavor to the dish.
Now it's time to assemble the casserole! In a large bowl, mix the cooked rice, chicken, broccoli, cheese sauce, and any other desired ingredients such as onions, garlic, and seasonings. Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish and top with cheese and optional breadcrumbs or crushed crackers. Bake the casserole until it's bubbly and the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
This chicken broccoli rice casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a potluck. It's a versatile recipe that you can make your own by adding your favorite herbs and spices or using different types of cheese and rice. Enjoy!
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Adding ham
Broccoli rice casserole is a classic side dish that can be made even heartier by adding ham. This is a great way to use up leftover ham from a holiday dinner, but you can also use pre-packaged diced ham or a ham steak from the grocery store.
To make a broccoli rice casserole with ham, you'll first want to cook your rice. You can use white rice, brown rice, basmati rice, instant rice, or long-grain rice. Cook the rice according to the package instructions, or cook it in chicken broth for extra flavor.
While the rice is cooking, you can prepare the rest of the casserole. In a large skillet over medium heat, add some butter or cooking spray, and then add diced carrots, ham, and onions. Cook until the carrots are softened, then add in your broccoli and cook for another minute or so.
Next, you'll want to add a creamy cheese sauce. You can use a combination of shredded cheddar cheese, condensed cheddar cheese soup, and sour cream, or use whatever cheese you have on hand, such as Swiss, Monterey Jack, or Gouda. Stir the sauce until the cheese is melted and well combined.
Combine the cooked rice with the ham and veggie mixture, along with the cheese sauce, in a greased casserole dish. Top with crushed potato chips, breadcrumbs, or crushed crackers, and bake in the oven until bubbly and golden brown.
This casserole is a delicious and easy weeknight dinner that's sure to please the whole family. It's a great way to use up leftover ham and get some extra veggies into your meal. Enjoy!
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Frequently asked questions
The best cheese to use is a cheese that melts well. Cheddar cheese is a popular choice, but you can also use American cheese, Velveeta, Colby cheese, Muenster cheese, or gouda.
Yes, you can use light cheese and low-fat milk to lighten up the dish.
You can use Swiss cheese, Monterey Jack, or any other cheese you have on hand.
The amount of cheese you use will depend on the size of your casserole. A standard amount is around 8 ounces or 2 cups of shredded cheese.
