Broccoli and Cheese Casserole

Broccoli and Cheese Casserole is a classic side dish loaded with broccoli and tender rice, blended in creamy condensed soups, and topped with various cheeses. I’ve been serving this popular side dish for Thanksgiving and other family gatherings for longer than I can remember, and it’s still a crowd favorite!

broccoli and cheese casserole served on a single blue plate

With the holiday season just around the corner, many of us are searching for recipe ideas that everyone can enjoy. And if your table is anything like mine, it is filled to the brim with sides. Perfect to be served with any main course or entree, a cheesy casserole will never steer you in the wrong direction.

And since my kids despise the idea of eating their veggies, mixing broccoli and cheese together is a great way to compromise. Plus, who doesn’t love broccoli and cheese?

The core of the flavors that come by way of this dish is the onions, minced garlic, and seasonings. And the glue that brings it all together is the combination of the tender rice, condensed soups like cream of chicken broccoli and cream of celery, and of course, broccoli.

overhead shot of broccoli and cheese casserole with single serving on plate

How to Make Broccoli & Cheese Casserole:

  • This recipe starts with the rice. I personally enjoy Jasmine rice. It’s a long-grain rice that results in a soft and sticky texture. It does well at “soaking up” all the cheeses and creams in this recipe. After cooking your rice according to the instructions on the packaging, set it to the side. This casserole is perfect for a larger crowd.
  • Warm your pot to medium heat and add butter and garlic. If you didn’t purchase pre-chopped onions, chop a small white onion into small pieces (this should be about 1/2 cup), then add to the pot with your broccoli. You can use frozen broccoli for this recipe. Season the ingredients with sea salt and cook covered for at least 15 minutes.
  • In a large bowl, add the cooked rice and all remaining ingredients (except for 1 cup of shredded cheese that will go over the top). Mix the ingredients well by folding them together until blended.
  • Spread your ingredients evenly into a large casserole dish (paid link), ensuring the top of the rice and broccoli mixture is smooth. Top off your dish with the remaining cheese and bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees.

Side note: I have gotten in the habit lately of chopping my ingredients again. Once my wife purchased my first food processor (paid link), I was a kid in a candy store. What was I doing before??

eating broccoli and cheese casserole with a fork

The cherry that tops this casserole off is nothing other than cheese. My motto — the more cheese, the bigger the smiles on everyone’s face! Want to impress at your next holiday gathering? Try bringing this Broccoli and Cheese Casserole to the party, sit back, and watch the joy happen.

Here are a few more side dish recipes you might enjoy:

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
eating broccoli and cheese casserole with a fork

Broccoli and Cheese Casserole


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 1 review

  • Author: Eric Jones
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Broccoli & Cheese Casserole is a classic side dish loaded with broccoli and rice, blended with condensed soups, and topped with sharp cheese.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 4 cups cooked rice (1-1/3 cups uncooked rice)
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 2 tsp minced garlic
  • 1/2 cup chopped white onion
  • 16 oz broccoli florets, fresh or frozen
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 10 oz cream of broccoli soup
  • 10 oz cream of celery soup
  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp garlic powder


Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Cook 1-1/3 cups uncooked rice as per the instructions. This should result in 4 cups of cooked rice. Set it to the side.
  3. Heat a pot to medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter and minced garlic. Add onion and broccoli to the pot, season with sea salt, and cook covered for 15 minutes.
  4. In a large bowl, add cooked rice, broccoli, and all remaining ingredients (except for 1 cup of sharp cheddar cheese). Fold all ingredients together until blended well.
  5. Add blended ingredients to a large casserole dish (paid link) and top with remaining cheese.
  6.  Bake casserole for 30 minutes. Serve hot.

Equipment

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

  • Calories: 439
  • Fat: 32.4g

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 Comments

  1. I’m so looking forward to making this tonight for my family! I don’t usually use “cream of’s”, but I’ll trust you today! Thanks for sharing this recipe!






    1. Eric Jones says:

      Awesome! I hope you and your family enjoy it!