Cheesy Broccoli Rice Bake Delight
Indulge in this creamy and comforting Cheesy Broccoli Rice Bake Delight that combines vibrant broccoli with cheesy goodness, creating a delightful casserole that's perfect for family dinners or potlucks. This versatile dish is a wholesome blend of flavors with melted Velveeta cheese, tender broccoli, and fluffy rice, all baked to perfection. With a crunchy topping of Chicken In A Biscuit cracker crumbs, every bite is satisfying and sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Effortless to prepare, this recipe comes together in under an hour, making it a perfect weeknight meal or a delicious side dish for your next gathering. Share the love and warmth of this casserole with friends and family!
8
Servings
400
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Frozen chopped broccoli
2 (10-ounce packages, thawed)
Cream of broccoli soup
1 (10.75-ounce can)
Cream of chicken soup
1 (10.75-ounce can)
Velveeta cheese
16 (ounces, cubed)
Minute Rice
1.5 (cups, raw)
Melted butter
6-8 (tablespoons)
Chicken In A Biscuit crackers
0.5 (12-ounce box, crushed into fine crumbs)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the cream of broccoli soup, cream of chicken soup, and cubed Velveeta cheese. Microwave on high for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the mixture is melted and creamy.
3
Add the thawed chopped broccoli and raw Minute Rice to the soup and cheese mixture, stirring until well combined.
4
Transfer the combined mixture into a greased 13x9-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
5
In a small bowl, mix the crushed Chicken In A Biscuit crackers with melted butter until the crackers are evenly coated. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole.
6
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
7
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cracker topping is golden brown.
8
Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Cheesy Broccoli Rice Bake Delight!
Nutrition Information
25g
Fat
30g
Carbs
12.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Broccoli Rice Bake Delight?
It is a creamy and comforting casserole that combines vibrant broccoli, melted Velveeta cheese, and fluffy Minute Rice with a crunchy cracker topping.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 8 servings, making it perfect for family dinners or small gatherings.
What are the calories per serving for this casserole?
Each serving contains approximately 400 calories.
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh broccoli, but it is recommended to lightly steam or blanch it first to ensure it reaches the desired tenderness during the baking process.
What kind of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 16 ounces of Velveeta cheese, cubed for easy melting.
Do I need to cook the Minute Rice before adding it to the casserole?
No, you use 1.5 cups of raw Minute Rice; it will cook in the oven using the moisture from the soups and broccoli.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How long does the Cheesy Broccoli Rice Bake need to bake?
It bakes for a total of 40 to 45 minutes: 30 minutes covered with foil and an additional 10 to 15 minutes uncovered.
What size baking dish is required?
You will need a greased 13x9-inch baking dish.
What gives the casserole its crunchy topping?
The topping is made from crushed Chicken In A Biscuit crackers mixed with melted butter.
Can I substitute Chicken In A Biscuit crackers?
Yes, you can use Ritz crackers or any other buttery cracker crumbs if you prefer.
What soups are needed for the base?
The recipe uses one 10.75-ounce can of cream of broccoli soup and one 10.75-ounce can of cream of chicken soup.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
As written, it is not vegetarian because it contains cream of chicken soup and chicken-flavored crackers. You can substitute these with cream of celery soup and plain buttery crackers to make it vegetarian.
Can I add meat to this casserole?
Yes, adding cooked shredded chicken or diced ham is a great way to turn this side dish into a full meal.
How do I melt the Velveeta cheese and soup mixture?
Combine the soups and cheese in a microwave-safe bowl and heat on high for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until smooth.
Should the broccoli be thawed before mixing?
Yes, the recipe specifies using thawed chopped broccoli.
How much butter is needed for the topping?
The recipe calls for 6 to 8 tablespoons of melted butter.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 25 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein is in one serving?
Each serving provides 12.5 grams of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 30 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze it. For best results, freeze it before the final baking step, or freeze individual portions after baking.
Why do I need to cover the dish with foil?
Covering the dish helps trap steam to cook the raw rice and prevents the cracker topping from burning.
Is this dish suitable for a potluck?
Absolutely! It is a crowd-pleaser, easy to transport, and keeps well when warm.
Can I use regular long-grain rice instead of Minute Rice?
Standard long-grain rice requires more liquid and a longer cooking time; it is recommended to stick with Minute Rice to ensure it cooks through properly.
What should I do if the topping is browning too fast?
If the crackers are browning too quickly during the final uncovered stage, you can loosely tent a piece of foil over the top.
How do I know when the casserole is finished cooking?
The casserole is done when it is bubbly throughout and the cracker topping is a beautiful golden brown.
Can I use cream of mushroom soup?
Yes, cream of mushroom soup is a common and delicious substitute for either the cream of broccoli or cream of chicken soup.
How long should the casserole sit before serving?
Letting the dish sit for a few minutes after removing it from the oven helps the sauce set slightly, making it easier to serve.
Is this an easy recipe for beginners?
Yes, with only 7 ingredients and simple microwave and oven steps, it is very beginner-friendly.