Cheesy Broccoli Rice Muffins
These Cheesy Broccoli Rice Muffins are a delightful and nutritious way to enjoy a tasty side dish or a quick snack. Filled with the goodness of broccoli, creamy mozzarella cheese, and seasoned with ranch dressing, these muffin cups are baked to perfection, creating a crispy outer layer while remaining soft and cheesy on the inside. Perfect as a party appetizer, an easy lunchbox option, or a side for your favorite main dish. They’re freezer-friendly too—simply reheat for a convenient meal anytime!
8
Servings
124
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Minute Rice
1 cup (uncooked)
Chicken Broth
1 cup
Frozen Broccoli
1.5 cups (thawed and drained)
Mozzarella Cheese
2/3 cup (shredded)
Ranch Dressing
1/4 cup
Eggs
2 (lightly beaten)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the Minute Rice, stir, cover, and remove from heat. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork and allow it to cool slightly.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the slightly cooled rice, thawed broccoli, shredded mozzarella cheese, ranch dressing, and lightly beaten eggs. Mix thoroughly until everything is well combined.
4
Grease a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking. Spoon the rice mixture evenly into 8 of the muffin cups, packing it down gently.
5
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 25 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden and the edges are firm.
6
Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes before gently removing the muffins from the tin. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition Information
5g
Fat
13g
Carbs
7g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Cheesy Broccoli Rice Muffins?
They are a savory and nutritious snack or side dish made by combining rice, broccoli, mozzarella cheese, and seasonings, then baking them in a muffin tin.
What type of rice is required for this recipe?
The recipe specifically uses 1 cup of uncooked Minute Rice, which is then prepared using chicken broth.
Can I use regular rice instead of Minute Rice?
Yes, but you must ensure the rice is fully cooked before mixing it with the other ingredients, as the baking time is not sufficient to cook raw long-grain rice.
How do I prepare the broccoli for these muffins?
You should use 1.5 cups of frozen broccoli that has been fully thawed and thoroughly drained of any excess liquid.
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh broccoli, but it should be finely chopped and steamed until tender before being added to the rice mixture.
What cheese is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for shredded mozzarella cheese for its mild flavor and excellent melting properties.
Can I substitute the mozzarella with another cheese?
Certainly; sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a Mexican blend would work well in these muffins.
Why is ranch dressing used in the recipe?
Ranch dressing adds both moisture and a blend of herbs and spices that season the rice and broccoli perfectly.
What can I substitute for ranch dressing?
You can use sour cream or Greek yogurt mixed with a bit of garlic powder, onion powder, and dried dill.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
As written with chicken broth, it is not strictly vegetarian, but you can easily make it so by using vegetable broth instead.
How many muffins does this recipe produce?
This recipe is designed to make 8 standard-sized muffins.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long do the muffins need to bake?
The muffins should bake for approximately 25 minutes until the tops are golden and the edges are firm.
What is the purpose of adding eggs to the mixture?
The eggs act as a binding agent that holds the rice and broccoli together so the muffins maintain their shape.
Can I use an egg substitute?
Yes, a commercial egg replacer or a flax egg could be used, though the final texture may be slightly different.
Should I grease the muffin tin?
Yes, it is important to grease the tin with cooking spray or oil to prevent the cheese and rice from sticking.
Can I use paper liners in the muffin tin?
You can use liners, but greasing the tin directly often results in a better, crispier edge on the muffins.
How do I know when the muffins are fully cooked?
They are done when the tops are lightly golden and the muffins feel set and firm to the touch.
Are these muffins freezer-friendly?
Yes, these muffins freeze very well. Simply place them in a freezer-safe bag once they have cooled.
How do I reheat the muffins from the freezer?
You can reheat them in the microwave for about 1 minute or in the oven at 350 degrees until warmed through.
How long do they stay fresh in the refrigerator?
Stored in an airtight container, they will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days.
Are these muffins gluten-free?
The main ingredients are gluten-free, but you must check the labels on your chicken broth and ranch dressing to ensure they are certified gluten-free.
How many calories are in one muffin?
Each muffin contains approximately 124 calories.
Can I add other vegetables to the mix?
Yes, finely diced peppers, peas, or corn would make excellent additions to the broccoli.
Can I add meat to these muffins?
Diced ham, cooked bacon bits, or shredded chicken can be added for extra protein.
Can I make these in a mini-muffin tin?
Yes, but you will need to reduce the baking time to roughly 15-18 minutes.
Why did my muffins fall apart?
This usually happens if the rice mixture was not packed down firmly into the cups or if they were removed from the tin while still too hot.
Can I use beef broth instead of chicken broth?
Yes, though it will result in a darker color and a much more savory, meaty flavor.
How should these be served?
They are delicious served warm as a side dish or at room temperature as a portable snack.
Are these suitable for a child's lunchbox?
Absolutely! They are a great way to include vegetables in a lunchbox and can be eaten easily with hands.