Description
Cheesy and creamy broccoli rice casserole baked with a crispy, golden Parmesan breadcrumb topping for the perfect comforting side or main dish.
Ingredients
- 20 ounces broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces (about 8 cups)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 onion, finely diced
- 1 1/4 cups long grain white rice (uncooked)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 32 ounces low-sodium chicken stock or broth
- 1 1/4 cups half and half
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for topping)
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Steam broccoli in the microwave for 3½ to 4 minutes until bright green and tender, or boil for 4 minutes and drain well.
- In a deep skillet or Dutch oven, melt 2 tablespoons butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté until translucent, about 6–8 minutes.
- Stir in rice and garlic; cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Pour in chicken stock, half and half, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce to medium-low. Simmer, stirring frequently, until rice is tender, about 22–25 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in broccoli, cheddar cheese, and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese until well combined.
- Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, Panko breadcrumbs, smoked paprika, and 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, until golden and bubbling. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use leftover rice to speed up prep; reduce broth and simmer time accordingly.
- Swap cheddar for Gruyère or Monterey Jack for variation.
- Add cooked chicken for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
- Calories: 568
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
