Go Back

Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Side

This Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Side offers pure comfort with its creamy cheese sauce, tender broccoli, and crunchy topping, making it perfect for any meal from potlucks to family dinners.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cracker Topping
  • 25 pieces round buttery crackers (such as Ritz)
  • 3 tbsp melted butter Taken from the 1/2 cup butter
For the Cheese Sauce
  • 1/2 cup salted butter, divided
  • 1 cup diced sweet or red onion
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tsp fine sea salt
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup (10.75 oz)
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
For the Casserole
  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, bite-size
  • 3 1/2 cups cooked, cooled rice
  • 2 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided 1 1/2 cups in the sauce, 1 cup on top

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9-inch baking dish.
  2. Pulse the crackers in a food processor until they turn into fine crumbs. Mix in 3 tablespoons of melted butter and set aside.
Cooking
  1. Melt the remaining butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until soft.
  2. Whisk in the flour and cook for another minute to form a paste. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking to keep the sauce smooth.
  3. Whisk in salt, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, mustard, cream of mushroom soup, and milk. Cook for 4 to 6 minutes until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
  4. Remove sauce from heat, and stir in 1 1/2 cups of cheddar until melted.
Assembly
  1. In a large bowl, combine the broccoli florets and rice. Pour the cheese sauce over the top and stir until well coated.
  2. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and top with the remaining 1 cup cheddar and the buttered cracker crumbs.
Baking
  1. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and golden on top. Tent with foil if the topping browns too quickly.
  2. Let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For best results, don't overcook the broccoli before assembling to avoid a mushy texture. Adjust seasoning to taste. The casserole reheats nicely, making it great for meal planning.