Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole

The Ultimate Comfort Food Classic – Creamy, Cheesy & Irresistibly Cozy!

There’s nothing quite like digging into a warm, bubbly casserole where every bite is packed with tender broccoli, fluffy rice, and oceans of gooey melted cheese. This Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole is the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table – perfect for busy weeknights, holiday dinners, potlucks, or Sunday comfort-food cravings.

It’s creamy without being heavy, cheesy without being greasy, and finished with that golden, buttery cracker topping everyone fights over. Ready in under an hour, and it tastes even better the next day!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ultra-creamy & cheesy with sharp cheddar and a secret touch of sour cream
• Only one bowl + one baking dish – minimal cleanup
• Make-ahead friendly (assemble today, bake tomorrow!)
• Kid-approved & crowd-pleasing – even broccoli haters go back for seconds
• Customizable: add chicken for a full meal or keep it vegetarian
• That crispy Ritz cracker topping is pure magic

Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole – Southern Supper Club

Ingredients (Serves 8–10 as a side)

For the casserole:

• 4 cups cooked white or brown rice (about 1¼ cups uncooked)
• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (or 2 bags frozen, thawed & drained)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
• 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter twist)
• ½ cup milk
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded (divided)
• 1 small onion, finely diced (or 1 tsp onion powder)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp salt + ½ tsp black pepper

For the crunchy topping:

• 1½ cups Ritz crackers (or buttery crackers), crushed
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• Optional: ½ cup extra shredded cheese on top for extra gooeyness

Pro tip: Use freshly shredded cheese – it melts way better than pre-shredded!

Broccoli Rice Casserole – Coined Cuisine

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the oven & broccoli Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. If using fresh broccoli, steam or microwave for 3–4 minutes until bright green and just tender (don’t overcook!). Drain well.

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole – Cooking For My Soul

2. Mix the creamy base In a large mixing bowl, stir together cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and diced onion until smooth. Fold in the cooked rice, broccoli florets, and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar. Mix until everything is evenly coated in that dreamy sauce.

The Best Cheddar Broccoli Rice Casserole – Delicious Side Dishes

3. Assemble Spread the mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup cheddar over the top.
4. Add the magic topping In a small bowl, mix crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter until it looks like wet sand. Sprinkle generously over the casserole.
5. Bake to perfection Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes until the edges are bubbly, the cheese is melted, and the topping is golden brown and crispy. For extra color, broil the last 2 minutes (watch closely!).
6. Rest & serve Let it sit 5–10 minutes before scooping – it thickens up beautifully. Serve hot and watch it disappear!

Serving Suggestions (Pinterest-Worthy!)

• Classic side: Pair with roasted chicken, baked ham, or grilled steak
• Full meal: Stir in 2 cups cooked shredded chicken before baking
• Veggie boost: Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms
• Holiday table: Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of paprika for color
• Leftovers? Reheat in the oven at 325°F with a little extra cheese on top

Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole

Pro Tips for Casserole Success

• Make ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Add 5–10 extra minutes to bake time.
• Freezer friendly: Bake, cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat at 350°F.
• Gluten-free? Swap cream soup for a GF version and use GF crackers or panko.
• Extra cheesy? Stir in 4 oz cubed cream cheese with the soup for next-level creaminess.
• Don’t skip draining the broccoli – soggy casserole is the only thing that ruins this dish!

This Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole is pure comfort in every scoop – creamy, cheesy, and topped with the crunchiest golden crust. It’s the recipe your family will beg you to make again and again.

Who’s making this for dinner tonight? Tag a friend who needs comfort food in their life!

Pin it, bake it, love it.