Savor the comforting flavors of homemade goodness with this Make Ahead Broccoli Cheese and Rice recipe! Perfectly blending tender broccoli, fluffy rice, and a velvety cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar and Parmesan, this dish is both hearty and indulgent. Designed with convenience in mind, it’s easy to prepare in advance and ideal for busy weeknights or holiday gatherings. A crispy bread crumb topping adds the perfect finishing touch, while simple pantry staples like garlic and onion powder elevate the flavor. Ready in just one hour, this family-friendly casserole is freezer-friendly and reheats beautifully, making it a must-have in your meal prep rotation.
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.
Rinse the uncooked rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice and chicken or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
Meanwhile, steam or blanch the broccoli florets for 3-4 minutes until tender but still bright green. Drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps form.
Continue to cook the milk mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently, until thickened (about 5-6 minutes). Once thickened, remove from the heat and stir in the cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, steamed broccoli, and cheese sauce. Mix well to evenly distribute the ingredients.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. If desired, sprinkle bread crumbs or crushed crackers over the top for added texture.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Allow the dish to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat as needed.
Serving size | (2027.1g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 3167.9 |
Total Fat 155.3g | 0% |
Saturated Fat 94.2g | 0% |
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.6g | |
Cholesterol 479.4mg | 0% |
Sodium 6770.2mg | 0% |
Total Carbohydrate 313.6g | 0% |
Dietary Fiber 16.9g | 0% |
Total Sugars 36.4g | |
Protein 149.1g | 0% |
Vitamin D 221.4IU | 0% |
Calcium 3452.8mg | 0% |
Iron 11.3mg | 0% |
Potassium 1318.8mg | 0% |
Source of Calories