Cheesy Rice Bake with Broccoli & Garlic Recipe

If you’re craving something warm, cheesy, and soul-soothing, look no further than this Cheesy Rice Bake with Broccoli & Garlic. It’s everything a baked casserole should be—creamy on the inside, golden and crispy on top, and packed with real ingredients that bring both flavor and nutrition to the table. This dish balances rich cheese with the freshness of broccoli and the bold aroma of garlic, making it a must-have for family dinners, potlucks, or weekly meal prep.

Whether you’re new to the kitchen or a seasoned cook, this recipe is approachable, customizable, and incredibly satisfying. So let’s dig into everything you need to know to make this dish a go-to in your recipe rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Rice Bake

• Simple, Accessible Ingredients: You’ll likely have most of these in your pantry and fridge already.
• One-Pan Friendly: Make it in one skillet (oven-safe) or transfer to a baking dish.
• Vegetarian-Friendly: It’s hearty enough without meat but easy to adapt for meat-lovers.
• Kid-Approved: Creamy cheese + mild broccoli = winning combo for picky eaters.
• Great for Leftovers: It reheats beautifully and is freezer-friendly.

Ingredients Breakdown

Let’s take a closer look at what goes into this Cheesy Rice Bake with Broccoli & Garlic and why each element matters.

Base Ingredients

• White Long-Grain Rice: Holds up well during baking without getting mushy. Rinsing it removes excess starch and helps with texture.
• Vegetable Broth: Infuses the rice with flavor as it cooks. Chicken broth is a good substitute if you’re not strictly vegetarian.
• Garlic & Onion: These aromatics add depth and warmth. Sautéing them first releases their full flavor.

Veggies

• Broccoli Florets: A classic partner to cheese, broccoli brings nutrients, color, and texture.
• Frozen Peas (Optional): These add subtle sweetness and pop of color.

Cheese Sauce

• Butter & Flour (Roux): This creates the base for a creamy, homemade sauce.
• Milk: Whole milk gives the richest result, but 2% works fine.
• Cheddar, Mozzarella & Parmesan: Cheddar adds sharpness, mozzarella brings the melt, and parmesan gives depth and saltiness.

Topping

• Breadcrumbs: Optional, but they add a golden, crunchy top layer.
• Extra Cheese & Olive Oil: For browning and finishing richness.

How to Make Cheesy Rice Bake with Broccoli & Garlic

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Aromatics & Rice

Start by sautéing the onion and garlic in olive oil until fragrant. This is a foundational step, as it infuses the base of your dish with tons of flavor. Once the aromatics are softened, stir in the uncooked rice and let it toast briefly before adding broth. Simmer with a lid on for 12–15 minutes until tender.

Step 2: Steam the Broccoli

While the rice is cooking, steam your broccoli separately until just fork-tender. This ensures it won’t turn to mush during baking. You can do this in a steamer basket, or microwave with a bit of water.

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Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt butter and stir in the flour. This roux forms the creamy backbone of your cheese sauce. Gradually whisk in milk, let it thicken, then fold in the cheeses until melted and smooth.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Mix the cooked rice, steamed broccoli, and peas with your cheese sauce. The mixture should be creamy but scoopable, not runny.

Step 5: Bake

Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, sprinkle with more cheese and breadcrumbs, and bake at 190°C (375°F) for about 20 minutes. For a crunchier top, broil for 2–3 minutes.

Step 6: Let It Rest

Allow the dish to sit for 5 minutes before serving so it sets up and becomes easier to slice or spoon.

Tips for the Perfect Bake

• Don’t Overcook Broccoli: Slightly undercook it so it finishes cooking in the oven without becoming soggy.
• Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
• Resting Time Matters: Letting the bake rest helps the layers firm up and flavors settle.
• Add Cream Cheese for Extra Creaminess: A spoonful stirred into the cheese sauce takes it to the next level.

Recipe Variations

Here’s how to tweak this Cheesy Rice Bake with Broccoli & Garlic to suit different dietary needs or taste preferences:

Protein Additions

• Shredded Chicken or Turkey: Stir in 1 to 2 cups of cooked, seasoned meat before baking.
• Cooked Bacon or Ham: Adds a smoky, salty bite.
• Tofu Cubes or Chickpeas: For a vegetarian protein boost.

Cheese Alternatives

• Gruyère: For a nutty, more refined taste.
• Pepper Jack: Adds a mild kick.
• Cream Cheese: For ultra-creamy texture.

Veggie Swaps

• Cauliflower: Works beautifully and mimics the broccoli texture.
• Spinach or Kale: Stir into the sauce for added greens.
• Carrots or Corn: For sweetness and color.

What to Serve with Cheesy Rice Bake

This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but here are some great pairings:

• Side Salad: A light mixed greens salad with vinaigrette balances the richness.
• Grilled Protein: Chicken thighs or grilled sausages complement the cheesy flavors.
• Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers work well.

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

Fridge:

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Freezer:

Freeze the fully assembled but unbaked casserole. Wrap tightly in foil and plastic wrap. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.

Make-Ahead:

You can prep all elements a day in advance and assemble before baking. Great for busy weeknights or guests.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Rice Bake with Broccoli & Garlic is more than just a side dish—it’s comfort food at its finest. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner, preparing it for a friend in need, or adding it to your meal prep rotation, it’s a recipe that checks all the boxes: delicious, easy, flexible, and filling.

The rich cheese sauce, savory garlic, and wholesome broccoli come together in perfect harmony over fluffy rice. With endless room for creativity, this dish is bound to become a staple in your kitchen.

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Cheesy Rice Bake with Broccoli & Garlic Recipe

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Cooking Method: Baking, Stovetop Cuisine: American Courses: Dinner, Lunch

Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 35 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 55 mins Difficulty: Beginner Cooking Temp: 190  C Servings: 6 Best Season: All Seasons

Description

This Cheesy Rice Bake with Broccoli & Garlic is a cozy, family-friendly casserole packed with creamy cheese, tender rice, roasted garlic, and fresh broccoli florets. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or potlucks. This easy-to-make, oven-baked dish brings comforting flavors and a golden cheesy crust to your table in under an hour.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

For the Base:

• 1 tbsp olive oil — for sautéing
• 4 cloves garlic — finely minced
• 1 medium onion — finely chopped
• 1 cup long-grain white rice — uncooked, rinsed
• 2 cups vegetable broth — or chicken broth for non-vegetarian option
• ¹⁄₂ tsp salt — or to taste
• ¹⁄₄ tsp black pepper — freshly ground
• ¹⁄₄ tsp paprika — optional

For the Veggies:

• 2 cups broccoli florets — chopped into bite-sized pieces
• ¹⁄₂ cup frozen peas — optional for sweetness and color

For the Cheese Sauce:

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cups 1.5 milk — whole or 2%
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese — shredded
• ¹⁄₂ cup mozzarella cheese — shredded
• ¹⁄₄ cup parmesan cheese — grated

For the Topping:

• ¹⁄₂ cup breadcrumbs — optional for crunch
• ¹⁄₄ cup cheddar cheese — shredded
• 1 tbsp olive oil — to drizzle

Instructions

Prepare and Cook the Aromatics

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté garlic and onion until fragrant and translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the rice and cook for another 1–2 minutes until lightly toasted.

Cook the Rice

1. Add the vegetable broth, salt, pepper, and paprika to the skillet. Stir and bring to a simmer. Cover with a lid, reduce heat to low, and cook for 12–15 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.

Steam the Broccoli

1. While the rice cooks, steam the broccoli in a separate pot or microwave it for 2–3 minutes until just tender. Set aside.

Make the Cheese Sauce

1. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and whisk constantly for 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually add milk, whisking to avoid lumps. Cook until thickened (about 3–4 minutes), then stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan. Mix until smooth and creamy.

Combine Everything

1. Preheat oven to 190°C. In a large mixing bowl or the same skillet (if oven-safe), combine the cooked rice, steamed broccoli, peas (if using), and cheese sauce. Mix well. Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish.

Add Toppings and Bake

1. Top with breadcrumbs, shredded cheddar, and drizzle of olive oil. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, or until golden and bubbly. Broil for the last 2–3 minutes for a crispier top, if desired.

Rest and Serve

1. Let the bake rest for 5 minutes before serving to help it set. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired.

Note

Make it a Meal: Add cooked shredded chicken or cooked sausage to the rice mixture before baking for a heartier version.

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Freezer-Friendly: Assemble and freeze unbaked for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and bake as directed.

Cheese Swap: Use gouda, Monterey Jack, or Swiss for a different flavor twist.

Keywords: cheesy rice casserole, broccoli rice bake, garlic cheese bake, easy dinner recipe, vegetarian comfort food