There’s something incredibly comforting about the classic Cheddar Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe — it’s that creamy, cheesy goodness hugging tender broccoli and fluffy rice all baked to perfection. It's a cozy dish that brings warmth to the table and gets everyone asking for seconds.

The dish is a baked casserole in a white rectangular dish, with a bright orange melted cheese layer on top. Below the cheese, there is a mixture of white rice and green broccoli pieces visible, giving the dish a textured look with small chunks of vegetables spread throughout. The cheese on top is smooth and slightly bubbly, covering the entire surface except where a black spatula lifts a portion, revealing the creamy, mixed layers underneath. The edges of the casserole dish show some browned spots where the cheese has baked slightly. The background surface is a white marbled texture. 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
How to Serve Cheddar Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cheddar Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can’t tell you how many times this Cheddar Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe has saved me on busy weeknights. It’s simple, satisfying, and you can almost always find those ingredients right in your pantry or fridge. Plus, it sneaks in some veggies in the most delicious way.

Simple Ingredients: You probably already have everything you need, making it a great last-minute crowd-pleaser.
Comfort Food at Its Best: Creamy, cheesy, and satisfying – it hits all the cozy notes we crave.
Flexible and Customizable: You can easily swap out ingredients or add your favorite extras to make it your own.
Perfect for Leftovers: It reheats beautifully, making it a smart dish for meal prep or busy days.

The image shows a white square baking dish filled with a layered casserole. The bottom layer is made of small green broccoli pieces mixed with creamy white mashed potatoes, creating a soft and chunky texture. The top layer has melted cheddar cheese spread evenly across the dish, giving it a bright orange color with smooth, slightly bubbly spots. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each element of this casserole plays a crucial role in making sure every bite is creamy and flavorful — from the broccoli’s earthiness to the sharp cheddar’s zing. Here’s a quick rundown on why these ingredients are star players and some tips when you’re picking them up.

Flat lay of fresh green broccoli florets, a simple white ceramic bowl of cooked white rice, a small white bowl filled with shredded sharp cheddar cheese, one whole yellow onion with smooth skin, two uncracked garlic cloves, a few cubes of pale yellow butter arranged neatly, a small white bowl with all-purpose flour, a small white bowl of whole milk, and small white bowls containing fine salt, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and freshly cracked black pepper, all ingredients fresh and natural, balanced symmetrically 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: Frozen broccoli is a lifesaver here — it's pre-chopped and partially cooked, so you save time and still get great texture. If you use fresh, just blanch it briefly to keep it tender-crisp.
Cooked Rice: I prefer using day-old or chilled rice since it holds up well in the casserole without getting mushy.
Cheddar Cheese: A medium or sharp cheddar amps up the flavor. Mild cheddar won't give you that punch, so don’t skimp.
Yellow Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed — don’t skip it!
Garlic Cloves: Just a couple cloves add the perfect aromatic kick without overpowering the dish.
Butter: Forms the base of the roux that thickens the cheesy sauce — creamy and luscious.
All-purpose Flour: Helps create that smooth, velvety sauce when combined with butter and milk.
Whole Milk: Gives the sauce richness and creaminess that lower-fat milks just can’t match.
Seasonings (Salt, Smoked Paprika, Cayenne, Black Pepper): These are key to upping the flavor without adding extra ingredients — the smoked paprika and cayenne add a subtle smoky warmth and gentle heat.

📝

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

I love that this Cheddar Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe is like a blank canvas in the kitchen — you can really make it your own. Whether I’m feeling adventurous or just want to keep it classic, tweaks are easy and delicious.

Variation: Sometimes I toss in cooked chicken or crispy bacon bits to add protein and texture. It turns this side into a one-dish meal that’s pure comfort.
Dietary Modifications: For a lighter twist, swap whole milk for 2% or use cauliflower rice for a low-carb version. Just expect a slight change in creaminess.
Seasonal Changes: Try adding roasted red peppers or mushrooms for a fall-friendly flavor boost — it’s a great way to use up what’s fresh.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Broccoli and Rice

First off, I thaw the frozen broccoli and chop it up a bit to make sure each bite has a nice texture. Then, I toss it in a big bowl with the cooked rice and about 1.5 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Save some cheese for the topping — that golden crust is everything.

Step 2: Build That Flavorful Sauce

I finely dice a yellow onion and mince two garlic cloves before melting butter in a saucepot over medium heat. I soften the onions, then stir in flour to create a smooth paste — cooking it until it’s lightly golden, which really brings a nuttiness to the sauce.

Step 3: Whisk in the Milk and Season

Next, I slowly whisk in whole milk, keeping the heat steady until the sauce thickens to a heavy cream-like consistency. That’s when I add salt, smoked paprika, cayenne, and cracked black pepper. Tasting here is key because the sauce flavors the entire dish.

Step 4: Combine, Top, and Bake

Pouring the sauce over the broccoli, rice, and cheese mixture, I stir everything until evenly coated. Then it goes into a 9×9 casserole dish, topped with the remaining cheese. Bake it at 350ºF for about 35 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown—cue that amazing aroma!

Top Tip

From my many times making this casserole, I’ve learned a few tricks that really make it shine and ensure it’s foolproof each time.

Use Day-Old Rice: Freshly cooked rice tends to be sticky and mushy in casseroles, but day-old or chilled rice keeps its shape better and soaks up flavors perfectly.
Don’t Skip the Seasoning: The sauce needs to be well seasoned on its own because the broccoli and rice are quite neutral—you want a punch of flavor throughout.
Save Cheese for the Top: Adding cheese on top creates that irresistible golden crust, adding both texture and extra cheesy goodness.
Watch the Bake Time: Overbaking can dry it out—35 minutes is just right for a bubbly, moist, and creamy casserole.

How to Serve Cheddar Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

Cheddar Broccoli Rice - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a little extra fresh parsley or chives on top just before serving to add a pop of color and freshness that balances the rich casserole.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs beautifully with simple roasted chicken, crisp green salads, or even a fresh fruit salad for a light contrast. On busy nights, I sometimes serve it alongside grilled sausages for a hearty combo.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes bake it in individual ramekins or small skillets. It makes serving easier and feels extra cozy—perfect for a weekend brunch or intimate dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers go straight into an airtight container in the fridge and usually stay tasty for up to 3 days. If you want to keep the crust from getting soggy, I sometimes add a sprinkle of fresh cheese on top before warming.

Freezing

This casserole freezes well! I like to portion it into freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Keep in mind the texture might soften a bit, but the flavor stays wonderful.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers covered in the oven at 350ºF to keep the surface from drying out, or zap in the microwave in short intervals, stirring halfway. Adding a splash of milk before reheating helps regain creaminess.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I substitute fresh broccoli for frozen in this recipe?

Absolutely! If using fresh broccoli, blanch it for about 2 minutes to soften slightly before adding it to the casserole. This helps it cook evenly in the baking process.

What kind of rice works best?

Day-old or chilled cooked rice works best because it holds up well without becoming mushy. Both white and brown rice are great options depending on your preference.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and keep it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just increase the baking time by a few minutes if baking cold from the fridge.

What can I add to make it more filling?

Adding cooked chicken, bacon bits, or even canned beans can boost the protein content and make this casserole a more substantial main dish while keeping it comforting and delicious.

Final Thoughts

This Cheddar Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe holds a special place in my recipe box because it’s just so reliable and crowd-pleasing. I love sharing it with friends because it feels like a warm hug in food form. Give it a try — I bet you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again, whether for family dinners or as a cozy solo meal.