Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Bake
This Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Bake is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for sharing with family and friends. Combining tender broccoli, fluffy rice, and a creamy cheese sauce, this casserole is both nutritious and delicious. The crunchy topping adds a delightful texture, making it an excellent side dish for any meal or a satisfying vegetarian main course. Ideal for potlucks or dinner gatherings, this casserole is sure to please everyone at the table!
8
Servings
400
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chopped fresh broccoli
3 cups (Chopped)
Margarine
1 tablespoon + 2 teaspoons (Divided)
Chopped onion
1/4 cup (Chopped)
Flour
3 tablespoons (None)
Dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon (None)
Milk
1 1/4 cups (None)
Pepper
1/8 teaspoon (None)
Cooked long-grain rice
1 3/4 cups (Cooked)
Shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup (Shredded)
Mayonnaise
1/4 cup (None)
Cracker crumbs
1/3 cup (Crushed)
Instructions
1
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the chopped broccoli and cook for 3 minutes until crisp-tender. Drain the broccoli and immediately plunge it into a bowl of ice water to halt cooking. Drain again and set aside.
2
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon of margarine. Add the chopped onions and sauté for about 3 minutes, or until they become tender and translucent.
3
Stir in the flour and dry mustard, cooking for an additional minute while constantly stirring with a whisk.
4
Gradually pour in the milk, continuing to stir as it thickens. Cook for 2 more minutes, or until the mixture becomes thick and bubbly. Remove from heat and stir in the pepper.
5
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked broccoli, milk mixture, cooked rice, shredded cheddar cheese, and mayonnaise. Stir until all ingredients are well incorporated.
6
Transfer the mixture into a greased 2-quart casserole dish, ensuring it is spread evenly.
7
In a small bowl, melt the remaining teaspoon of margarine and mix it with the cracker crumbs until they are well coated. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the casserole mixture.
8
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole for 25 minutes, or until it is heated through and the top is golden brown.
Nutrition Information
20g
Fat
40g
Carbs
12g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary ingredients in the Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Bake?
The main ingredients include 3 cups of chopped fresh broccoli, 1 3/4 cups of cooked long-grain rice, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 8 servings.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) before baking.
How long should the casserole bake?
Bake the casserole for 25 minutes, or until it is heated through and the top is golden brown.
How do I prepare the broccoli for this recipe?
Chop the fresh broccoli and boil it for 3 minutes until crisp-tender, then immediately plunge it into ice water to stop the cooking process.
What type of cheese is best for this bake?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to provide a rich, cheesy flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Bake is a satisfying vegetarian main course or side dish.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 400 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 12 grams of protein in each serving of this casserole.
How much fat is in each serving?
Each serving contains 20 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
One serving contains 40 grams of carbohydrates.
What kind of rice should I use?
The recipe specifies using 1 3/4 cups of cooked long-grain rice.
What is the purpose of the cracker crumbs?
The cracker crumbs are mixed with melted margarine to create a crunchy, golden-brown topping.
How much milk is required for the sauce?
You will need 1 1/4 cups of milk to create the creamy cheese sauce.
Does this recipe include onions?
Yes, it includes 1/4 cup of chopped onion that is sautéed until tender and translucent.
What size casserole dish is needed?
A greased 2-quart casserole dish is the appropriate size for this recipe.
What seasonings are used in the sauce?
The sauce is seasoned with 1/2 teaspoon of dry mustard and 1/8 teaspoon of pepper.
How do I thicken the sauce?
The sauce is thickened by whisking 3 tablespoons of flour into the melted margarine and onions before adding milk.
Can I use margarine in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe uses 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons of margarine, divided between the sauce and the topping.
Is there mayonnaise in this broccoli bake?
Yes, 1/4 cup of mayonnaise is added to the mixture to enhance the creaminess.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to bring a large pot of water to a boil to blanch the fresh broccoli.
How many ingredients are used in total?
There are 11 ingredients listed in this recipe.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The dish features tender broccoli and fluffy rice in a creamy sauce with a delightful crunchy topping.
Can I bring this to a potluck?
Yes, it is an excellent dish for potlucks or dinner gatherings and is sure to please a crowd.
How long do I sauté the onions?
Sauté the chopped onions for about 3 minutes or until they become tender.
What do I do after boiling the broccoli?
Drain the broccoli and immediately plunge it into a bowl of ice water to halt cooking, then drain again.
When do I add the cracker topping?
Sprinkle the cracker crumb and margarine mixture evenly over the casserole before putting it in the oven.
Is this a good comfort food recipe?
Yes, it is described as a hearty and comforting dish perfect for sharing.
How do I know when the casserole is finished cooking?
The casserole is done when it is heated through and the cracker topping has turned golden brown.
Does this recipe require fresh or frozen broccoli?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of chopped fresh broccoli.