Delicious Pairings For Broccoli, Cheese, And Rice

Broccoli and cheese rice is a versatile dish that can be served as a side or main course. It pairs well with a variety of proteins and vegetables, making it a great option for a balanced meal. For a heartier dish, adding cooked chicken or eggs can make it a more substantial meal. For a vegetarian option, substituting the Parmesan with nutritional yeast and adding more butter can make it a tasty plant-based dish. This dish is also customisable to personal preferences, with options to add spices, a crunchy topping, or different types of cheese.

Broccoli Rice Casserole

Ingredients

• Butter
• Onion
• Broccoli
• Rice
• Cheese
• Spices (e.g. garlic powder, cayenne, black pepper, dry mustard powder)
• Milk (optional)

Method

This recipe is a great, flexible option for a side dish or a vegetarian main. You can use any type of rice and any type of cheese you like. It's also a good way to use up leftover rice.

First, cook the onion in butter until softened. Then, add the broccoli and continue cooking until tender. In a separate pan, make a cheese sauce by melting butter and flour together, then slowly adding milk and whisking until thick. Add the cheese to the sauce and stir until melted.

Next, toss the cheese sauce with the broccoli and rice, and transfer to a casserole dish. You can add a crunchy topping like crushed potato chips or tortilla strips.

Finally, bake in the oven at 350°F until golden and bubbly. This usually takes around 30 minutes.

Variations

This recipe is very versatile and can be adapted to your taste. You can add protein like chicken or ham, or extra vegetables. You can also experiment with different spices and types of cheese.

If you're short on time, you can make a simpler version of this dish on the stovetop, which only takes around 20 minutes. Simply cook the rice, broccoli, and other ingredients together in a pan, and stir in the cheese at the end.

Chicken and Rice Casserole

Ingredients

• 2 cups long-grain rice
• 3 cups water or broth (chicken or vegetable)
• 1 lb. broccoli florets, fresh or frozen
• 2-3 tbsp butter
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• Freshly cracked black pepper
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
• 1 cup shredded cheddar
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded

Optional

• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• Splash of cream or half-and-half
• Crushed potato chips
• Ritz crackers or panko crumbs

Method

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the rice and water/broth in a large pot and bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, turn the heat down to low and simmer for 15 minutes. After simmering, turn off the heat and let the rice rest for 5 minutes without removing the lid.

While the rice is cooking, chop the broccoli florets into small pieces. If using fresh broccoli, steam until just tender.

Once the rice is cooked, gently fluff with a fork and add the butter, salt, garlic powder, cayenne, and black pepper. Fold the butter and spices into the rice until well combined.

Add the chopped broccoli and fold it into the rice. The broccoli should bring the temperature of the rice down, allowing the cheese to melt slowly when added.

Next, add the shredded chicken, Parmesan, and cheddar cheese. Fold the ingredients together, and taste to adjust seasoning if needed.

Transfer the mixture to a greased 2-quart casserole dish. If desired, sprinkle the top with crushed potato chips, Ritz crackers or panko crumbs for a crunchy topping.

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the casserole is golden on top and the cheese is melted.

Tips

• For a creamier sauce, add a splash of cream or half-and-half.
• If using frozen broccoli, there is no need to cook it separately. Simply add it to the rice and let it steam.
• This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, let it come to room temperature for 30 minutes, then bake as directed.
• To reheat leftovers, cover the casserole with aluminum foil and warm in the oven at 350°F for 10-20 minutes, depending on the portion size.

Broccoli and Rice as a side dish

Broccoli and rice is a versatile combination that can be served as a side dish or a main course. Here are some ideas for serving broccoli and rice as a side dish:

Cheesy Broccoli Rice:

This is a classic and comforting side dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal or a holiday buffet. It is also a great way to get picky eaters to eat their vegetables. The base of this dish is cooked rice, broccoli, and cheese. You can use any type of rice and cheese you prefer, and you can also add additional ingredients such as garlic powder, onion, or cayenne pepper. Simply cook the rice and broccoli, then mix in the cheese and any other desired ingredients. This dish can be served as-is or baked in a casserole for a more crispy texture.

Broccoli Rice Casserole:

Another popular option is to turn broccoli and rice into a casserole by combining them with a creamy cheese sauce and baking them until bubbly. This dish is often made with a combination of cooked rice, broccoli, cheese, and a canned cream soup, such as cream of chicken or cream of mushroom. You can also add in other ingredients such as onions, garlic, and various spices. This casserole is then baked in the oven until it is golden brown and bubbly.

Serving Suggestions:

Broccoli and rice, either on its own or as a casserole, can be served alongside a variety of main courses. Some popular options include grilled or baked chicken breasts, pork chops, roasted chicken, or a beef roast. It also goes well with other side dishes such as mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, or Brussels sprouts.

Broccoli Rice Casserole with Cauliflower

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup uncooked white rice
• 10 ounces broccoli florets
• 10 ounces cauliflower florets
• 1 pound processed cheese food, cubed
• 1 (10.75-ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
• 5 3/8 fluid ounces milk
• 1 1/2 cups crushed buttery round crackers
• Butter
• Onion

Method:

First, bring a saucepan of water to a boil. Add the rice and stir. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Next, simmer the broccoli and cauliflower florets in water for 10 minutes or until crunchy. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

In a large saucepan, melt some butter and saute onion. Add the cauliflower, broccoli, and rice to the saucepan. Once the vegetables and rice are coated, stir in the cheese, chicken soup, and milk.

Transfer the mixture to a 9x13-inch baking dish and sprinkle the crackers on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.

Tips and Variations:

• You can use fresh or frozen cauliflower rice and broccoli florets. If using frozen, make sure to squeeze out the excess water before adding to the pan.
• For a vegetarian option, substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth.
• Get creative with substitutions or additions, but keep in mind that rice is tricky and may absorb more liquid than expected.
• For a crunchy topping, add crushed pork rinds or tortilla strips.
• This dish can also be made in a slow cooker or Instant Pot.

Broccoli Rice Casserole with Meat

This hearty and comforting casserole is a perfect blend of broccoli, rice, cheese, and your choice of meat. It's a flexible dish that can be made ahead of time and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser! Here's a step-by-step guide to making this delicious meal.

Ingredients:

• Broccoli (fresh or frozen)
• Rice (white, brown, long-grain, or any variety)
• Butter
• Onion
• Flour
• Milk
• Cheese (cheddar, Swiss, Monterey Jack, or any combination)
• Meat of your choice (ground beef, chicken, or turkey)
• Seasonings (garlic powder, black pepper, dry mustard powder, paprika, salt)
• Optional: cream cheese, sour cream, or yogurt

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F.
• Cook the rice according to the package instructions.
• Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened.
• If using meat, sauté it in the same skillet until cooked through. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
• In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, broccoli, onion, and meat mixture.
• Create a cheese sauce by making a roux with butter and flour. Slowly add milk while whisking, and cook until thick and bubbly. Add your choice of cheese(s) and stir until melted and creamy.
• Pour the cheese sauce over the rice and broccoli mixture, stirring to combine.
• Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish.
• Bake in the oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is lightly browned.
• Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips and Variations:

• You can add more vegetables like cauliflower, mushrooms, or carrots.
• For a lighter version, use low-fat milk and cheese.
• Try different types of rice, such as brown rice or quinoa.
• Make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
• For a crispy topping, sprinkle crushed potato chips or tortilla strips before baking.

Frequently asked questions