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- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets - 2 cups cooked white rice - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1 cup cream of mushroom soup - 1/2 cup mayonnaise - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers - 2 tablespoons butter for topping A great broccoli cheese casserole starts with fresh ingredients. I love using bright green broccoli florets. They add color and taste to the dish. Cooked white rice makes it hearty and filling. Shredded sharp cheddar cheese brings a rich, creamy flavor that everyone loves. For the creamy base, I use cream of mushroom soup and mayonnaise. These ingredients blend well and keep the casserole moist. I also add garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper for extra flavor. The crunchy topping is a must. Crushed Ritz crackers give a delightful crunch. Mixing them with melted butter adds richness and taste. This mix makes the casserole even more enjoyable. Together, these ingredients create a dish that’s simple yet satisfying. You can find the full recipe in the section above. 1. Preheat the oven and prepare the baking dish Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will warm up while you prep. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish to keep the casserole from sticking. 2. Blanch the broccoli florets In a big pot, boil salted water. Add 4 cups of fresh broccoli florets. Let them cook for 2-3 minutes. You want them bright green and just tender. Drain the broccoli and set it aside. 1. Combine the rice and cheese mixture In a large bowl, mix 2 cups of cooked white rice, 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1 cup of cream of mushroom soup, and 1/2 cup of mayonnaise. Add 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Stir until everything blends well. You want a creamy mix. 2. Fold in the blanched broccoli Gently add the blanched broccoli to your rice and cheese mix. Carefully fold it in so that the broccoli spreads evenly. This makes sure every bite has that delicious flavor. 1. Assemble the casserole and add the topping Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly. In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup of crushed Ritz crackers with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Coat the crackers well. Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the casserole. 2. Bake until golden brown Place the casserole in the oven. Bake it for 25-30 minutes. Look for bubbly edges and a golden brown top. Once it looks perfect, take it out and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This step-by-step guide will help you create a warm, cheesy delight that your family will love. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. To get the best texture for broccoli, blanch the florets first. Boil water in a pot and add the broccoli for just 2-3 minutes. This keeps them tender yet crisp. After blanching, drain them well. This step helps the broccoli stay bright green and not mushy. Mixing ingredients properly is key. When you combine the rice, cheese, and other items, stir until everything is smooth. This ensures each bite is creamy and packed with flavor. Be gentle when folding in the broccoli to keep the florets intact. Want to add more cheese? Try using a mix of cheeses for depth. Mozzarella or gouda can give a richer taste. Just remember, more cheese means more creaminess. You can also enhance flavor with spices. A pinch of paprika or a dash of hot sauce can add a fun kick. Consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a fresh taste. Serve the casserole hot from the baking dish for the best experience. It looks inviting this way. For a pop of color, sprinkle chopped parsley on top. This adds freshness and makes the dish look fancy. Pair the casserole with a side salad for extra crunch and color. This combo makes the meal complete and satisfying. For an added touch, use a nice serving spoon to dish it out. This shows you care about the presentation! Enjoy creating this Classic Broccoli Cheese Casserole with these tips in mind! For the full recipe, check the link earlier in the article. {{image_4}} You can easily switch up the cheese in this dish. Try using mozzarella for a milder taste. Goat cheese adds a tangy twist, while pepper jack gives a spicy kick. Feel free to mix and match to find your favorite! You can also add other veggies. Cauliflower works great with broccoli. Carrots and bell peppers can bring color and crunch. Just make sure to chop them small so they cook well. To make this casserole gluten-free, use gluten-free crackers. Look for brands made with rice or almonds. Swap the cream of mushroom soup for a gluten-free version or a homemade sauce. If you need a dairy-free option, use plant-based cheese. There are many tasty dairy-free cheeses available. You can also use coconut milk instead of cream of mushroom soup for a creamy texture without dairy. Pair this casserole with protein for a complete meal. Grilled chicken or baked fish works well. A side salad can add freshness and balance to your plate. You can turn this dish into a main by adding cooked chicken or ground beef. Mix it right into the casserole before baking. This way, it becomes a hearty meal all on its own! For the Full Recipe, check the dedicated section above. To keep your casserole fresh, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Store the casserole in the fridge. It lasts about 3 to 5 days. Make sure to let it cool down before sealing it. For the best flavor, reheat in the oven. Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and cover the dish with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes. You can also use a microwave, but the oven keeps the topping crisp. If you want to freeze it, place it in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Check for any off smell or mold. If it looks dry or has changed color, it's best to throw it out. Always practice safe handling. Use clean utensils and wash your hands before touching the food. That way, you keep your family safe and healthy. The prep time for this dish is 15 minutes. The total cooking time is about 45 minutes. You’ll spend 25 to 30 minutes baking the casserole until it’s golden brown and bubbly. This timing is perfect for a family meal. You can easily fit it into your busy day. Yes, you can make this casserole ahead of time. Prepare the dish up to the point of baking. Cover it tightly and chill it in the fridge. This way, you save time on busy days. When you are ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. This will ensure it heats through well. Absolutely! To serve more people, simply double the recipe. Use a larger baking dish, like a 12x18-inch pan. You can also cut the recipe in half for smaller gatherings. Adjust the baking time if needed. Always check for that golden crust to know it’s done. In this blog post, we covered how to make a delicious broccoli cheese casserole. We reviewed the main ingredients like fresh broccoli, rice, and cheddar cheese. The step-by-step instructions guide you from preparation to baking. I shared tips for texture, flavor, and presentation. You also learned about ingredient substitutions and storage tips. Enjoy experimenting with variations and serving suggestions. This dish is easy, tasty, and perfect for any meal. Dive in and make it your own!

Classic Broccoli Cheese Casserole

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Broccoli Delight Casserole! Packed with fresh broccoli, creamy cheese, and crunchy Ritz crackers, this dish is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner. In just 45 minutes, you can create a delicious meal that everyone will love. Click through for the full recipe and elevate your dinner table with this mouthwatering casserole today!
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Ingredients
  

4 cups fresh broccoli florets

2 cups cooked white rice

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup cream of mushroom soup

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 cup crushed Ritz crackers (for topping)

2 tablespoons butter, melted

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it's ready for baking.

    In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the fresh broccoli florets and blanch them for 2-3 minutes until they are just tender and bright green. Drain the broccoli thoroughly and set aside.

      In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the cooked white rice, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir the ingredients together until they are well blended and create a creamy mixture.

        Carefully fold in the blanched broccoli into the rice and cheese mixture, ensuring that the broccoli is evenly distributed throughout.

          Pour the combined mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly across the surface.

            In a separate bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter, ensuring that each piece is thoroughly coated for added flavor and crunch.

              Evenly sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture over the top of the casserole, covering the entire surface for a delicious crunch.

                Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are bubbly and the top is a golden brown color.

                  Once baked, carefully remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes prior to serving to let the flavors settle.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6-8

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve the casserole hot directly from the baking dish. For an inviting touch, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley to add a touch of green. Pair it with a side salad for a balanced and wholesome meal!