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Broccoli Rice Casserole with Cheddar and Ritz Crunch

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A comforting and crowd-pleasing casserole featuring creamy cheddar cheese, tender broccoli, and a buttery Ritz cracker crunchy topping. Perfect for family meals and easy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
  • 2 cups cooked white rice (about 400g)
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 200g)
  • 1 ½ cups crushed Ritz crackers (about 150g)
  • 4 tablespoons butter (60g), melted, divided
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup milk (240ml), whole milk preferred
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional: pinch of smoked paprika or mustard powder

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. Prepare the broccoli: If fresh, chop into bite-sized florets and blanch in boiling water for 2 minutes, then drain and shock in ice water. If frozen, thaw and drain excess water thoroughly.
  3. Cook the rice if not using leftover: cook about 1 cup (200g) uncooked rice according to package instructions to yield 2 cups cooked. Let cool slightly.
  4. Make the cheese sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons (30g) butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  5. Whisk in 2 tablespoons (16g) flour and cook for 1 minute without browning. Slowly pour in 1 cup (240ml) milk while whisking to prevent lumps. Stir until sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
  6. Remove from heat and stir in 1 ½ cups (150g) shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and optional paprika or mustard powder.
  7. In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, blanched broccoli, and cheese sauce. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  8. Transfer mixture evenly to the prepared baking dish.
  9. Prepare the Ritz topping: Crush 1 ½ cups (150g) Ritz crackers. Melt remaining 2 tablespoons (30g) butter and mix with crushed crackers.
  10. Sprinkle the buttery cracker topping evenly over the casserole.
  11. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden and crispy and casserole is bubbling around edges.
  12. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

If topping browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil halfway through baking. Use day-old rice to prevent mushiness. Whisk cheese sauce constantly to avoid lumps. Blanch fresh broccoli to keep vibrant color and texture. Crush Ritz crackers to mostly small crumbs for best crunch. Prepare casserole a day ahead but add cracker topping just before baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: broccoli rice casserole, cheddar cheese casserole, Ritz cracker topping, easy casserole recipe, comfort food, cheesy broccoli casserole

Find it online: https://blairrecipes.com/broccoli-rice-casserole-with-cheddar-and-ritz-crunch-easy-recipe/