Who knew comfort could come in such a vibrant, cheesy dish? This Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe brings together creamy cheese, tender broccoli, and fluffy rice for a side dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s the kind of recipe I keep coming back to because it’s so satisfying and surprisingly easy to get just right.

The dish is shown in a white rectangular baking dish with a thick, textured casserole inside. The casserole has three visible layers: the bottom and middle layers are a mix of light creamy beige with green broccoli pieces spread throughout, giving a chunky and moist texture. The top layer is covered with bright orange shredded cheese that looks melted and slightly oily. A wooden spoon is scooping out a portion, revealing the mixed broccoli and cheese inside. The dish sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This is one of those recipes that feels both nostalgic and fresh. I love how the broccoli stays bright and crisp, while the cheese sauce is velvety and rich without being overwhelming. It’s a crowd-pleaser every time and perfect when you want a side dish that doubles as comfort food.

Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples you probably already have, so it’s a pantry-friendly winner.
Comfort in Every Bite: The creamy cheese sauce and tender broccoli marry perfectly with the fluffy rice for a truly cozy dish.
Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters tend to devour this — the cheesy flavor wins ’em over every time.
Easy to Customize: You can easily swap cheeses or add spices to suit your taste, making it a versatile casserole to keep in your recipe rotation.

A white rectangular baking dish holds a casserole layered with rice, small green broccoli pieces, and melted orange cheddar cheese on top. A wooden spoon lifts a portion from the dish, showing the creamy rice mixed with broccoli and the cheese melted in strings, giving it a soft and slightly crumbly texture. The dish layers appear mixed and baked together, with the cheese evenly spread mostly on the top and some inside. The surface below the dish is white with a marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

When I make this Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe, I love how the combination of fresh broccoli, creamy cheeses, and fluffy rice comes together in perfect harmony. Each ingredient has a role to play, so picking quality ingredients and prepping them properly really makes a difference.

Flat lay of fresh small broccoli florets, a simple white ceramic bowl of cooked white rice, a few cubes of pale yellow butter, a small white bowl of white all purpose flour, a small white bowl filled with creamy milk, a small white bowl with bright yellow mustard powder, a small white bowl holding vibrant red paprika, a small white bowl containing light beige onion powder, a small white bowl with fine pale garlic powder, a white ceramic bowl heaped with shredded sharp orange cheddar cheese, a small portion of smooth cream cheese on a white dish, a small white bowl of fine white salt, and a small white bowl of ground black peppercorns, all arranged symmetrically and balanced placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Broccoli: Using fresh broccoli cut into small florets ensures even cooking and gives you that perfect tender-crisp texture that makes the dish “pop.”
White Rice: Using cooked white rice is key—it soaks up the creamy cheese sauce beautifully, giving the casserole that comforting heft and softness.
Butter: Starts the roux, adding richness and depth to the sauce you’ll love.
All-purpose Flour: Thickens the cheese sauce into that luscious, creamy texture that coats every bite.
Milk: The base of the sauce, adding creaminess without weighing it down.
Mustard Powder: Just a pinch brightens the cheese sauce with a subtle tangy edge, balancing the richness perfectly.
Paprika: Adds a mild smoky warmth and that beautiful golden hue to the sauce.
Onion Powder & Garlic Powder: Infuse extra flavor layers without overpowering the casserole’s delicate balance.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, melty cheddar is the star of this dish — opt for freshly shredded for best melt and flavor.
Cream Cheese: Adds silkiness and tang, making the sauce ultra creamy and decadent.
Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning, don’t skip on these to ensure every bite sings.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I enjoy most about this Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. Whether you want to pack in a bit more veggies, change up the cheese blend, or make it extra spicy, this recipe welcomes personalization.

Variation: One time, I swapped half the cheddar for pepper jack to give it a subtle kick, and it was a total hit at our family dinner. Feel free to experiment with cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or even a little parmesan for a nuttier flavor.
Dietary tweaks: Use lactose-free milk or dairy-free cheese alternatives to make it friendly for sensitive tummies without sacrificing that creamy texture.
Add-ins: Try stirring in cooked chicken or sautéed mushrooms for a more filling one-dish meal.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Parboil the Broccoli

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish—it’ll make cleanup a breeze. Next, boil the broccoli florets in salted water for exactly two minutes, no more. This quick blanch locks in that fresh green color and a little crunch. Immediately rinse with cold water to stop the cooking—this step keeps your broccoli vibrant and prevents it from becoming mushy later.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

In a small saucepan, melt your butter over medium heat, then whisk in the flour. Keep stirring constantly for about two minutes — this cooks out the raw flour taste. Slowly add the milk while whisking to keep the sauce smooth. Sprinkle in your mustard powder, paprika, onion, and garlic powders, then bring it to a gentle simmer. Keep stirring for 4 minutes or until it starts to thicken up nicely.

Take the sauce off the heat and stir in 1 ½ cups of cheddar and the softened cream cheese until melted and silky. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. This sauce is the heart of the casserole—taking your rice and broccoli from simple to spectacular.

Step 3: Combine and Bake

In a large bowl, mix the blanched broccoli and cooked rice with your cheesy sauce. Give it a gentle toss to coat everything evenly, then transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese evenly on top, which will melt and form a perfect golden crust. Pop it in the oven for 30-35 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.

Once it’s out of the oven, let it sit a few minutes before serving — it helps everything set just a little, making it easier to scoop and enjoy.

Top Tip

Throughout the times I’ve made this Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe, I’ve noticed small details make a world of difference between a good casserole and a great one. Here are my go-to tips to ensure yours turns out perfectly cheesy and comforting every time.

Perfectly Blanched Broccoli: Don’t skip the cold water bath after boiling—it keeps broccoli tender, not mushy or overcooked in the oven.
Freshly Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent smooth melting, so I always shred mine fresh.
Constant Stirring the Roux: When you make the butter and flour roux, keep stirring to avoid lumps and burning, ensuring a silky sauce.
Don’t Skip the Rest: Letting the casserole rest a bit after baking allows the sauce to thicken and prevents it from being runny when you scoop.

How to Serve Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

Cheesy Broccoli Rice - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping this casserole with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives just before serving—it adds a pop of color and a fresh hint that brightens up each cheesy bite. Sometimes, a few crispy fried onions on top add a delightful crunch that’s hard to resist.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs beautifully with just about any protein. My favorites? Roasted chicken thighs, baked salmon, or even grilled sausage link up perfectly for a balanced meal that’s hearty but not too heavy.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this casserole right in mini ramekins—talk about individual cheesy comfort! It’s a charming way to portion out servings and makes your dinner guests feel truly special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating, I cover it loosely with foil to keep the moisture in and prevent drying out. It tastes just as comforting the next day!

Freezing

This dish freezes surprisingly well. I freeze it in portions with plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to eat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the oven to bring back that perfect bubbly top.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer the oven at 350°F covered with foil to keep it moist—about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Using the oven helps keep the texture just right, unlike the microwave which can make it watery.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen broccoli for this casserole?

Absolutely! If you use frozen broccoli, make sure to thaw and drain it well so your casserole doesn’t get watery. You might want to reduce blanching time or skip it altogether, since frozen broccoli is already blanched.

What type of rice works best in this recipe?

White rice works beautifully because it’s fluffy and absorbs the cheesy sauce well. Leftover rice or freshly cooked rice is fine, but avoid sticky or super moist rice as it can make the casserole too dense.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s cold from the fridge.

How can I make this casserole lower in calories?

You can use low-fat milk and reduced-fat cheese to lighten it up. Also, substituting some of the rice with cauliflower rice cuts calories while keeping the texture interesting, and cutting back a little on butter helps too.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe has become a cozy go-to in my kitchen when I want something classic that just works—easy, filling, and totally comforting. I hope you’ll give it a try and maybe even make it your own with a twist or two. Trust me, once you have that bubbly, golden cheese crust and forkful of tender broccoli with creamy rice, you’ll want to make it again and again.