Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?

Absolutely! If you use fresh broccoli, make sure to blanch it in boiling water for about 2 minutes to soften it slightly before mixing it into the casserole. This keeps the texture just right and prevents it from being too crunchy or raw.

What’s the best type of rice to use?

Pre-cooked and chilled white or brown rice works best in this casserole. Using chilled rice helps it absorb the creamy sauce better and prevents the casserole from becoming mushy during baking.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Definitely! You can assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to eat, simply bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to bake time if needed since it will be cold from the fridge.

Cheddar Broccoli Rice Casserole – Cozy & Cheesy Delight

There’s something so cozy and comforting about a warm, cheesy dish bubbling fresh from the oven—that’s exactly what you get with this Cheddar Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe. It’s creamy, satisfying, and packed with bright green broccoli and sharp cheddar cheese, making it a perfect go-to for any weeknight or potluck.

This image shows a thick layer of melted bright orange cheese spread evenly on top of a dish. Below the cheese is a mix of white rice, small green broccoli pieces, and some pale green chunks, all combined together. The dish is in a white rectangular ceramic baking pan with a smooth edge. A black serving spatula is lifting a portion from the corner, showing the gooey, mixed texture underneath with the cheese stretching slightly. The background is 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 Cheddar Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
Top Tip

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I have to say, this Cheddar Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe quickly became a favorite in my kitchen because it brings together simple staples in a way that feels special. It’s the kind of dish that wins hearts with buttery, cheesy goodness and just the right touch of spices.

Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of what you need right in your fridge and pantry already.
Comfort Food at Its Best: Creamy, cheesy, and warming with just enough veggie goodness to feel a bit healthy.
Versatile & Easy to Adapt: Whether dinner for family or a side for guests, it fits the bill and can be customized with ease.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep it in advance and pop it in the oven when you’re ready, saving you stress on busy days.

A square white ceramic baking dish filled with a layered casserole. The bottom layer is a mixture of small green broccoli pieces mixed with white mashed potatoes, forming a somewhat uneven textured base. The top layer is melted cheddar cheese in a smooth, thick golden-yellow layer with slight browning edges, covering most of the surface but still showing bits of the potato and broccoli mixture beneath. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

What I love about this casserole is how each ingredient contributes to the final layered flavors and textures—from tender broccoli to creamy cheese sauce and fluffy rice. Having fresh or frozen broccoli on hand is key, and trust me, you want the sharp cheddar for that punch of flavor!

Flat lay of fresh green broccoli florets, a large white ceramic bowl of cooked white rice, a small white ceramic bowl filled with shredded sharp cheddar cheese, a whole yellow onion with smooth skin, two uncracked garlic cloves, a few small cubes of fresh butter stacked neatly, a small white ceramic bowl of all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl containing whole milk, and small white ceramic bowls each holding salt, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and freshly cracked black pepper, arranged in perfect symmetry and balanced proportions, 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

Frozen Broccoli Florets: Super convenient and already part-cooked, they save time and hold texture well in the casserole.
Cooked Rice: Use chilled white or brown rice for the best texture—it absorbs the sauce beautifully without getting mushy.
Cheddar Cheese: Go for medium or sharp cheddar to give the dish that rich, tangy bite you want.
Yellow Onion & Garlic: They build the flavor base in the creamy sauce, bringing savory depth.
Butter & Flour: The foundation for the roux that thickens your cheese sauce just right.
Whole Milk: Creamy and rich, it's perfect for building the sauce’s smooth texture.
Salt & Spices (Smoked Paprika, Cayenne, Black Pepper): These seasonings bring warmth and subtle heat to balance the cheese’s richness.

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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

Here’s where you can really make this casserole your own. I often swap out a bit of sharp cheddar for pepper jack when I’m craving some extra kick. Feel free to toss in cooked chicken or mushrooms to make it heartier—it's all about what you and your family enjoy.

Variation: Adding sautéed mushrooms or diced chicken turned this into a full meal for my family one busy night—it’s super adaptable.
Dietary Tweaks: For a lighter version, try reduced-fat milk, though I warn you, the sauce won’t be quite as luscious.
Seasonal Switch-Up: Swap broccoli for cauliflower or add some cooked peas for a colorful twist in spring and summer.

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

Step 1: Prep and Combine the Veggies and Rice

Start by thawing your frozen broccoli and chopping it into bite-size bits; this helps everything cook evenly and blend nicely into the casserole. Toss it with your cooked rice and about 1.5 cups of shredded cheddar cheese in a large bowl. This sets a great base for that creamy sauce we’re about to make.

Step 2: Cook the Onions and Garlic

Warm some butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, then add finely diced onion and minced garlic. Cook them until soft and translucent—this only takes a few minutes and builds the flavor foundation for the sauce.

Step 3: Make the Roux and Cheese Sauce

Sprinkle in the flour and stir well, cooking the mixture till it just begins to turn a light golden. Keep whisking as you slowly add milk—it'll thicken as it heats, becoming a rich, creamy base. Don’t forget to season with salt, smoked paprika, cayenne, and black pepper. The sauce should be bold enough to flavor the whole dish.

Step 4: Combine Everything and Bake

Pour that cheese sauce right over your broccoli, rice, and cheese mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly to coat everything well. Spread this into a greased 9×9 casserole dish and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top for that golden, bubbly finish.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake at 350ºF for around 35 minutes. I always keep an eye to make sure the top cheese melts and starts to turn a delicate golden brown—this means it’s perfectly baked. Let it cool just a bit before scooping out portions.

Top Tip

I’ve learned that seasoning the cheese sauce generously is key. This casserole can easily turn bland if the sauce is under-seasoned because the rice and broccoli themselves don’t carry much flavor.

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Why You'll Love This Recipe

Ingredients & Why They Work

Make It Your Way

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