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Ultimate Cheesy Broccoli Rice Bake Recipe for Comfort Food Lovers

Ultimate Cheesy Broccoli Rice Bake Recipe for Comfort Food Lovers - Featured Image
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Learn how to make delicious Cheesy Broccoli Rice Bake. Easy recipe with step-by-step instructions.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 2 cups cooked white rice (day-old rice works beautifully)
  • 3 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a tangy twist)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, but adds a nice depth)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (for a gentle smoky note)
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for a crunchy topping)

Substitution tip: If you want to lighten this up, swap the whole milk for unsweetened almond milk and use reduced-fat cheese. And if you’re short on fresh broccoli, frozen works fine — just be sure to thaw and drain it well before stirring in.

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. This reminds me of the way Mama Lu would always butter her pans — not just for sticking, but because a little extra fat makes everything taste better.
  2. Steam the broccoli florets until just tender, about 4-5 minutes. You want them bright green and slightly crisp, not mushy. Drain well and set aside.
  3. In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. These simple aromatics are the foundation of so many dishes Mama Lu passed down — they bring a depth that’s hard to beat.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, steamed broccoli, sautéed onions and garlic, shredded cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, milk, sour cream, and Dijon mustard if using. Stir gently to combine everything evenly.
  5. Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Taste a little bit — remember, seasonings are like stories; they need to be adjusted as you go.
  6. Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. If you like a crunchy top, sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the surface.
  7. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted through and the edges start to brown just a bit.
  8. Let the bake rest for about 5 minutes before serving. It’s tempting to dig in right away, but that little pause lets everything settle and flavors marry together beautifully.

Find it online: https://claracooking.com/cheesy-broccoli-rice-bake/