Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole

 


Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole – The Ultimate Comfort Food Side Dish for Family Dinners & Holidays

If you're looking for a creamy, cheesy, and crowd-pleasing side dish that’s perfect for family dinners, holidays, potlucks, or Sunday meal prep, this Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole is guaranteed to steal the spotlight. It’s warm, satisfying, affordable, and loaded with wholesome ingredients — everything you want in a true comfort food classic.

This dish is a reader favorite for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, or any easy weeknight dinner, pairing beautifully with chicken, steak, turkey, seafood, or even enjoyed as a hearty vegetarian main.

Why This Recipe Is So Popular

✅ Budget-friendly and family-approved
✅ A complete one-pan comfort meal or side dish
✅ Meal-prep friendly — stays delicious for days
✅ Kid-approved flavor — creamy cheese + hidden veggies
✅ Perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, and casseroles
✅ thanksgiving side dish, healthy rice casserole, creamy broccoli bake, family dinner recipes

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked rice (white or jasmine)
  • 2 cups fresh or frozen broccoli florets (lightly steamed)
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken or mushroom soup
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
  • ½ cup milk or heavy cream
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • Optional: crushed Ritz crackers or panko for crunchy topping

How to Make Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
  2. In a large bowl, mix together cooked rice, broccoli, soup, milk, cheese, and seasonings.
  3. Transfer mixture into baking dish.
  4. Top with extra cheese or optional cracker/panko topping.
  5. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until hot, bubbly, and golden on top.

Best Ways to Serve It

🔥 As the perfect Thanksgiving or holiday side dish
🍗 Paired with roast chicken, grilled steak, or baked salmon
🥗 With a fresh green salad or buttered dinner rolls
🍽️ As a standalone vegetarian meal with protein add-ins (like rotisserie chicken or bacon)

  • Best cheesy broccoli rice casserole for holidays
  • Creamy baked broccoli and rice side dish recipe
  • Thanksgiving and Christmas comfort food casseroles
  • Kid-friendly vegetable recipes for picky eaters
  • Easy dinner meal prep casseroles under 30 minutes

Final Takeaway

This Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole is warm, creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly comforting — the perfect no-stress side (or main dish) to feed your family or impress a crowd. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a holiday feast, this recipe brings flavor, nostalgia, and comfort to every single bite.

0 Comments