Broccoli and Cheese Rice Bake

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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Welcome to a comforting classic with a twist — Broccoli and Cheese Rice Bake. This dish combines creamy, cheesy goodness with the vibrant healthiness of broccoli, making it a perfect weeknight meal for the whole family.

Ingredients for Broccoli and Cheese Rice Bake

Broccoli florets bring a fresh, crunchy texture and loads of nutrients. Cheddar cheese provides that classic cheesy flavor, but feel free to experiment with other types if you like. Cooked white rice serves as the hearty base, soaking up all the flavors. Milk adds creaminess to the dish, making it rich without being too heavy. Butter is used for sautéing, adding a nice richness. Onion and garlic are the aromatic base, adding depth and flavor. A touch of salt, black pepper, and paprika seasons the dish perfectly.

Tips & Tricks

  • For a crispier top, broil the dish for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
  • If you're short on time, use frozen broccoli — just be sure to thaw and drain it first.
  • Add a pinch of nutmeg to the milk mixture for a subtle, warming flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh, crisp green salad. For something heartier, serve it alongside grilled chicken or a juicy steak. A glass of chilled white wine complements the cheesy flavor nicely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Just make sure it's cooked before mixing it with the other ingredients.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just bring it to room temperature before baking.

Broccoli and Cheese Rice Bake Recipe Walkthrough

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), so it's nice and hot when you're ready to bake. Next, grab a saucepan and melt the butter over medium heat. Toss in the onions and garlic and let them sauté until they're soft and fragrant — this should take about 3-4 minutes.

Once the onions and garlic are ready, stir in the milk, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Bring everything to a gentle simmer. This step is crucial as it helps the spices blend nicely with the milk, forming a flavorful sauce.

In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, broccoli florets, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. This is where the magic starts — give it a good mix to ensure the ingredients are well-distributed. Pour the milk mixture over the rice and broccoli. Stir everything together until it's nicely combined.

Grease a baking dish and transfer the mixture into it, smoothing the top with the back of a spoon. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You'll know it's ready when the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Let it cool slightly before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare, ideal for busy weeknights.
  • A great way to get more veggies into your diet.
  • Uses simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
  • Comfort food that's not too heavy.

Ingredients

2 cups broccoli florets
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup cooked white rice
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp paprika

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and sauté onions and garlic until soft.
3. Stir in milk, salt, pepper, and paprika, and bring to a simmer.
4. In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, broccoli florets, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
5. Pour the milk mixture over the rice and broccoli, stirring to combine.
6. Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish and top with remaining cheese.
7. Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
8. Let cool slightly before serving.

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