Creamy Cheddar Broccoli Casserole

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 6
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Get ready to dive into a dish that's both comforting and cheesy: Creamy Cheddar Broccoli Casserole. This recipe brings together the best of broccoli's earthy goodness with the irresistible creaminess of cheddar cheese. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a potluck with friends, it's bound to be a hit.

Ingredients for Creamy Cheddar Broccoli Casserole

Broccoli florets are the star of the show, offering a healthy dose of green and a slight crunch. When paired with shredded cheddar cheese, it creates a creamy, savory blend that’s hard to resist. Cooked white rice adds substance and texture, making the casserole filling and satisfying. The creamy base is a mix of sour cream, mayonnaise, and a splash of milk, which brings everything together with a rich, smooth consistency. For a bit of crunch, crushed Ritz crackers mixed with melted butter top it all off, creating a golden, crispy finish. A touch of garlic powder, black pepper, and salt rounds out the flavors.

Tips & Tricks

  • For a slightly healthier twist, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.
  • If fresh broccoli isn’t available, frozen works just as well—just make sure it's thawed and drained.
  • Add some cooked chicken or turkey for an extra protein boost.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad and some crusty bread. For a special occasion, serve it alongside a roasted chicken or grilled steak to impress your guests.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just add the cracker topping right before baking.
What if I don’t have Ritz crackers?
Feel free to substitute with breadcrumbs or any other cracker you have on hand for the topping.

Creamy Cheddar Broccoli Casserole Recipe Walkthrough

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This gives you just enough time to prep the ingredients before it's ready to bake. Grab a large bowl and toss in the broccoli florets, shredded cheddar cheese, and cooked rice. Give it all a good mix to ensure even distribution.

In a separate bowl, you're going to whip up the creamy sauce. Mix together the sour cream, mayonnaise, milk, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt until smooth. Pour this creamy goodness over your broccoli and rice mixture, stirring until everything is well-coated.

Transfer this mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter and sprinkle this crunchy topping over the casserole.

Pop the dish into your preheated oven and let it bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly. Once it’s ready, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
  • Uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
  • A crowd-pleaser that's both kid-friendly and adult-approved.
  • Perfect as a main course or a hearty side dish.

Ingredients

2 cups broccoli florets
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup cooked white rice
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup milk
1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers
1/4 cup melted butter
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the broccoli florets, shredded cheddar cheese, and cooked rice.
3. In a separate bowl, mix the sour cream, mayonnaise, milk, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt until smooth.
4. Pour the creamy mixture over the broccoli and rice, and stir until well combined.
5. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
6. In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter, then sprinkle over the casserole.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
8. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

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