Go Back
Before diving into the cooking process, it’s essential to understand the key ingredients that make the Creamy Broccoli Rice Bake both delicious and nutritious. Each component plays a significant role, contributing to the overall flavor profile and texture of the dish.

Creamy Broccoli Rice Bake

Discover the ultimate comfort food with our Creamy Broccoli Rice Bake! This delicious casserole combines tender broccoli, fluffy rice, and a rich blend of cheeses for a warm, cheesy delight that’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks. Packed with vitamins and nutrients, it's a dish everyone will love. With a crunchy topping and satisfying flavors, this recipe is easy to make and sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Dive in and enjoy a cozy meal that warms both heart and home!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice

2 cups vegetable or chicken broth

2 cups fresh broccoli florets

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup cream of mushroom soup (store-bought or homemade)

¾ cup milk

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon black pepper

½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for added heat)

¼ cup breadcrumbs (for a crunchy topping)

1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing and topping)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for achieving the perfect baked consistency.

    Cook the Rice: In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable or chicken broth to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the uncooked rice and give it a good stir. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is fully tender and the broth has been absorbed. Once cooked, remove from the heat but keep it covered for an additional 5 minutes.

      Blanch the Broccoli: While the rice cooks, fill a small pot with water and bring it to a boil. Carefully add the fresh broccoli florets to the boiling water and blanch them for 2-3 minutes until they are vibrantly green and tender-crisp. Immediately transfer the broccoli to a bowl of ice water to halt the cooking process, then drain and set aside.

        Create the Creamy Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice and blanched broccoli. Add in the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Stir the ingredients well until they are fully incorporated. Then, fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and half of the grated Parmesan cheese.

          Transfer to Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with olive oil. Pour the creamy rice and broccoli mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly to ensure even cooking.

            Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, mix together the remaining Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and a drizzle of olive oil. Sprinkle this mixture evenly across the top of the rice bake for a delightful crunchy topping.

              Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the edges are bubbly and enticing.

                Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes. This resting time will help the bake set a bit. Serve warm, either as a comforting main dish or as a hearty side to complement your favorite meal!

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 55 min | Serves 6-8

                    - Presentation Tips: For an elegant touch, serve this bake in individual ramekins or sprinkle some fresh parsley or chopped chives on top before serving to add a pop of color.