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To make a tasty Cheesy Broccoli Casserole, gather these fresh and simple ingredients: - 4 cups fresh broccoli florets - 2 cups cooked white rice - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated - 1 cup cream of mushroom soup - ½ cup milk - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - ½ teaspoon black pepper - ½ teaspoon salt - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 cup panko bread crumbs - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted These ingredients create a creamy and cheesy base that brings out the flavors of broccoli. The rice adds heartiness, while the spices give it a nice kick. Don't forget the panko bread crumbs! They make the top crunchy and golden. When choosing your broccoli, look for bright green florets. This ensures freshness. I prefer sharp cheddar for its strong flavor. You can use other cheeses if you want, but cheddar works best. The cream of mushroom soup adds creaminess without needing extra steps. Once you collect all these ingredients, you're ready to dive into the fun part—cooking! Check out the Full Recipe for detailed steps to create this delightful dish. 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking. 2. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add a pinch of salt. Blanch the broccoli florets for about 3 minutes. They should be bright green and a little tender. Quickly drain and place them in an ice bath. This stops the cooking. Once they cool, drain them again and set aside. 3. In a big mixing bowl, combine the cooked white rice, blanched broccoli, grated cheddar cheese, cream of mushroom soup, milk, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, black pepper, salt, and smoked paprika. Mix well until everything is blended. 1. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. 2. Spoon the cheesy broccoli mixture into the dish. Spread it out evenly for a uniform layer. 3. In a small bowl, mix the panko bread crumbs with melted butter. Make sure all crumbs get coated. Gently sprinkle this mixture over the casserole for a crispy topping. 1. Place the baking dish in your preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. The surface should turn golden brown, and the edges should bubble. 2. When it's done, carefully take the casserole out of the oven. Let it cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This cooling step helps the flavors meld and makes it easier to serve. For more details, check the Full Recipe. Blanching broccoli is key for this dish. Follow these steps for the best results: - Bring a large pot of water to a boil. - Add a pinch of salt to the water. - Place the broccoli florets in the boiling water for about 3 minutes. - This will keep the broccoli bright green and tender. - Quickly drain the broccoli and place it in an ice bath. - This stops the cooking and keeps it crisp. For the cheese to melt perfectly, shred it fresh. Pre-shredded cheese has additives that can affect melting. Mix the cheese well with the other ingredients to help it melt evenly. Serve the Cheesy Broccoli Delight warm. You can keep it in the baking dish for a cozy feel. To make it look pretty, try garnishing with fresh parsley or chives. This adds color and flavor to the dish. For an extra touch, consider serving it with a side salad or crusty bread. These will complement the rich flavors of the casserole nicely. If you want a change from the cream of mushroom soup, you can use cream of chicken or a homemade white sauce. This can give a different taste while keeping the dish creamy. For gluten-free options, swap panko bread crumbs with gluten-free crumbs or crushed cornflakes. These will give you a crunchy topping without gluten. Enjoy your cooking adventure! {{image_4}} You can easily adapt Cheesy Broccoli Casserole to fit your needs. For a vegetarian version, skip the meat. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. This keeps it rich and tasty. To make it low-carb, swap rice for cauliflower rice. This change keeps the dish light and healthy. Want to change the flavor? You can add proteins like chicken or bacon. Chicken adds heartiness, while bacon gives a nice crunch. Both pair well with broccoli. You can also switch up the cheese. Try mozzarella for a milder taste or gouda for something smokier. Mixing different cheeses creates a unique flavor. Pair your casserole with sides like a fresh salad or roasted veggies. They balance the rich, cheesy dish well. If you have leftovers, try them in a wrap or on a baked potato. You can also reheat it for an easy lunch. For the full recipe, check out the Cheesy Broccoli Delight. To keep your cheesy broccoli casserole fresh, follow these steps: - Refrigerating: Let the casserole cool completely. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. It can stay in the fridge for up to 3 days. This way, it stays tasty and safe to eat. - Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the casserole. Wrap it well in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. When you want to enjoy your casserole again, here’s how to do it right: - Best practices: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep moisture in. Heat for about 20-25 minutes. - Maintaining texture: To keep the top crispy, remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes of reheating. This will help the panko crumbs get nice and crunchy again. Enjoy your cheesy broccoli delight! How long does Cheesy Broccoli Casserole last? Cheesy Broccoli Casserole lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. Just wrap it well to avoid freezer burn. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can make this casserole ahead of time. Prepare it up to the baking step, cover it, and store it in the fridge. When you're ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Then, bake as directed. What can I serve with Cheesy Broccoli Casserole? This casserole pairs well with many sides. You can serve it with grilled chicken, a fresh salad, or even some crusty bread. It adds a nice touch to any meal. Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh? Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just thaw it and drain any excess water before mixing it in. It will still taste great in this dish. What can I substitute for cheddar cheese? If you want a different flavor, you can use mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese. These options melt well and add a creamy texture to your casserole. Is this casserole gluten-free? The traditional recipe is not gluten-free due to the panko bread crumbs. However, you can easily swap them for gluten-free bread crumbs to make it suitable for a gluten-free diet. How can I make this recipe dairy-free? To make this casserole dairy-free, use dairy-free cheese and a plant-based milk. You can find many options in stores now, making it easier than ever to enjoy this dish. For the full recipe, check out the details above. This blog post covered how to make a tasty Cheesy Broccoli Casserole. We discussed the key ingredients, step-by-step cooking steps, and tips for the best results. I shared ways to vary the flavors and accommodate different diets. Storing and reheating the casserole was also important for enjoying leftovers. Ultimately, this recipe is versatile and perfect for any meal. Try making it your own with different flavors or ingredients. You will find it easy and delightful to serve. Enjoy the warm, creamy goodness!

Cheesy Broccoli Casserole

Savor the flavors of Cheesy Broccoli Delight with this easy-to-follow recipe! Packed with fresh broccoli, sharp cheddar, and creamy goodness, this casserole is perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings. In just 45 minutes, you can enjoy a warm, cheesy dish that everyone will love. Don’t miss out on the crispy panko topping that adds the perfect crunch. Click through to discover how to make this delicious meal today!
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Ingredients
  

4 cups fresh broccoli florets

2 cups cooked white rice (preferably chilled)

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated

1 cup cream of mushroom soup (canned or homemade)

½ cup milk

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

½ teaspoon black pepper

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon smoked paprika (for an extra depth of flavor)

1 cup panko bread crumbs

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.

    Fill a large pot with water, bring it to a rolling boil, and add a pinch of salt. Blanch the broccoli florets for approximately 3 minutes, or until they are a vibrant green and slightly tender. Immediately drain and transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, drain again and set aside.

      In a generous mixing bowl, combine the cooked white rice, blanched broccoli, grated cheddar cheese, cream of mushroom soup, milk, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, black pepper, salt, and smoked paprika. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.

        Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by greasing it lightly with butter or cooking spray. Spoon the cheesy broccoli mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly to form a uniform layer.

          In a small bowl, mix the panko bread crumbs with melted butter, ensuring that all crumbs are well-coated. Gently sprinkle the buttery panko mixture evenly over the top of the casserole for a delightful crispy topping.

            Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole’s surface is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.

              Once baked, carefully remove the casserole from the oven. Allow it to cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors and make serving easier.

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

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the Cheesy Broccoli Delight warm, directly from the baking dish. To elevate its appeal, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives, adding both color and freshness to your delightful dish.