Old-Fashioned Broccoli and cheese rice casserole (with buttery crumble topping!)
This old-fashioned cheesy broccoli casserole is a tried and true family favorite
The creamy cheesy goodness mixed with the buttery crumb topping makes this casserole the ultimate comfort food recipe. This old fashioned casserole makes the perfect side dish for your thanksgiving or Easter dinner. It is always such a hit (even for the picky eaters) I almost always am passing out the recipe by the end of our gatherings!
With only 7 ingredients and a few basic steps, this is such an easy side dish recipe. Using frozen broccoli and minute rice in a pinch makes it even easier.
I’ll let you in on a secret, I actually did not like broccoli until this dish. My family has served this broccoli cheese casserole at family gatherings for as long as I can remember and for so many years, I missed out. Now, I couldn’t imagine a holiday without it! It is easily one of my favorites and is saved in my holiday cookbook to pass down to my children. Now you can add it to yours too!
Ingredients for broccoli and cheese rice casserole
- broccoli (fresh broccoli or frozen)
- instant white rice
- butter
- green onions
- cheese whiz ( a creamy cheese sauce)
- celery
- mushroom soup
Optional: Ritz crackers for topping-highly recommend!
How to make a buttery crumb topping
Add this crunchy ritz cracker topping to any casserole dish to take it to the next level! Total comfort food. My absolute favorite dish to use buttery crumbs on is poppy seed chicken-I will share this recipe with you soon!
two simple ingredients
- butter
- ritz crackers
- Melt 1 stick of butter in a medium size bowl.
- Crunch 2 sleeves of ritz crackers.
- Pour crackers into melted butter and fold together.
Tip: careful not to over mix. This will result in a mushy topping instead of crumbly.
How to make Broccoli and cheese rice casserole
Step one: Prepare 1 package of frozen broccoli by pouring your broccoli into a pan on medium heat with 1/2 cup water and covering for 12 mins. Next, Prepare 1 cup of minute rice (see rice recipe on the box)
Step two: Saute broccoli and rice together for 2-3 mins.
Step Three: Once the broccoli and rice has been prepared; mix in celery, green onions, cream of mushroom soup, and cheeze whiz.
Step four: Line the bottom of your dish with your buttery ritz crackers topping (optional) Now, Pour in your broccoli and rice mixture. Cover the top of the casserole with your buttery ritz cracker topping.
Bake at 350 for 35-40 mins or until golden brown.
Can you freeze broccoli and cheese rice casserole?
Most definitely! If your anything like me and you appreciate helping your future self out, free up some cooking time during the holidays and make this easy broccoli rice casserole ahead of time.
Make it up to 3 days before and store in the fridge or make it whenever is convenient, cover tightly with plastic wrap then add aluminum foil then freeze for up to 6 months.
Make sure to wait and add your buttery ritz cracker topping before baking. It taste a whole lot better freshly sprinkled on.
When you are ready to bake your broccoli cheese rice casserole, allow it to come to room temperature or thaw in the fridge overnight, uncover, add your topping then bake as usual.
TIPS:
- If you love this dish enough to eat it more than just a holiday side dish, shred up a rotisserie chicken, add it in to the broccoli mixture and you’ve got yourself a winner winner chicken dinner. Add a simple green salad and a fresh homemade roll if you’re feeling fancy.
- Store leftovers (if there is any!) in an airtight container.
- Use cream of chicken soup substitute if needed
This rice casserole recipe is really one my favorites, it’s simple ingredients and creamy cheese with a buttery topping make it a hard one to resist. It’s one that really makes the holidays feel like home for me. I hope it will do the same for you.
Make sure to add this dish to your family’s holiday cookbook and use it for years to come! Don’t have a holiday cookbook? Be sure to checkout the one I created to be passed down to my future generations and pass it down to yours! Or simply fill out the blank pages and gift it to someone special.
Hope you enjoy! xo
Broccoli and Cheese Rice Casserole
The creamy cheesy goodness mixed with the buttery crumb topping makes this casserole the ultimate comfort food recipe. This old fashioned casserole makes the perfect side dish for your thanksgiving or Easter dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 bag of frozen broccoli (or fresh)
- 1 cup minute rice
- 1/2 c butter, melted
- 1/2 c green onions
- 1/2 c celery
- 14 oz glass jar of Kraft cheese whiz
- 1 can mushroom soup
- 2 or 3 sleeves of ritz crackers
- 1 stick of butter, melted
- Butter Topping
Instructions
- Prepare 1 package of broccoli. Pour your broccoli in a pan, pouring 1 cup of water. Bring to a boil then Drain.
- Prepare minute rice (see package for instructions)
- Pour rice in broccoli pan and saute together for 2-3 mins.
- Chop green onions and celery.
- Once broccoli and rice has been sauted, pour in chopped green onions, celery, cream of mushroom and cheese whiz.Mix until combined.
- Pour in a 9x13 casserole dish.
- Prepare ritz cracker topping, sprinkle on top
- Bake at 350 for 40 mins.
Butter Topping
- Melt your stick of butter.
- Crush your ritz crackers while in the sleeve.
- Pour ritz crackers into melted butter. fold together witha fork or spoon.
- Sprinkle on top of broccoli dish.
More easter side dishes:
PIN IT FOR LATER
