Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole — The American Comfort Food That Belongs on Every Table

Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole is a true American comfort food classic — the kind of dish that appears at Thanksgiving tables, Sunday dinners and potlucks across the country and disappears faster than anything else on the spread. Creamy, rich cheese sauce binding together tender broccoli florets and fluffy rice, baked until bubbling and golden on top. It is humble, deeply satisfying and far better than its simple ingredient list suggests.

Make a Proper Cheese Sauce

The quality of a broccoli rice casserole lives entirely in the cheese sauce. A sauce built on a proper roux — butter and flour cooked together before the milk goes in — produces a smooth, stable base that holds its creaminess through the entire bake without breaking or turning greasy. Add the cheese off the heat once the béchamel is ready, stirring until completely melted. Sharp cheddar is the classic choice — its pronounced flavour cuts through the richness of the sauce and stands up to the broccoli.

Do Not Overcook the Broccoli

The broccoli goes into the casserole raw or very lightly blanched — not fully cooked. It will continue cooking in the oven during the bake, and broccoli that goes in already soft will turn mushy and grey by the time the casserole is done. Cut the florets into small, even pieces so they cook through evenly during the bake. If you prefer a little texture in the finished dish, add the broccoli raw. If you prefer it very tender, blanch it for no more than two minutes before assembling.

Get the Full Recipe

Our Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole printable recipe card includes the complete ingredient list, step-by-step directions, chef's notes, cheese recommendations and storage advice — all in English, Spanish and French. Instant digital download, print at home on US Letter paper.

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