Cheddar Broccoli Rice Casserole (Print-Friendly Version)

Golden casserole with broccoli, cheddar, and tender rice. Rich, creamy, and baked for hearty, comforting flavor.

# Ingredients You'll Need:

→ Main

01 - 450 g frozen broccoli florets
02 - 800 g cooked rice (white or brown)
03 - 200 g shredded cheddar cheese (medium or sharp)
04 - 1 yellow onion
05 - 2 garlic cloves

→ Sauce

06 - 42 g unsalted butter
07 - 24 g all-purpose flour
08 - 480 ml whole milk
09 - 0.5 tsp salt
10 - 0.25 tsp smoked paprika
11 - 0.125 tsp ground cayenne pepper
12 - 0.125 tsp freshly cracked black pepper

# How to Make It:

01 - Thaw the frozen broccoli and chop into small, bite-sized pieces. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, cooked rice, and 150 g of shredded cheddar cheese. Reserve the remaining 50 g of cheese for topping.
02 - Preheat the oven to 175°C. Finely dice the onion and mince the garlic cloves.
03 - In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until onions become soft and translucent.
04 - Stir in the all-purpose flour until a smooth paste forms. Cook, stirring continuously, for 2 minutes until lightly golden.
05 - Gradually whisk the whole milk into the roux. Cook, whisking frequently, until the sauce is smooth and simmers, thickening to a heavy cream consistency. Remove from heat.
06 - Add salt, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and cracked black pepper to the sauce. Stir well and adjust seasoning to taste.
07 - Pour the seasoned sauce over the broccoli, rice, and cheese mixture. Mix thoroughly until evenly coated. Transfer to a 23 × 23 cm baking dish and spread evenly. Top with the reserved cheddar cheese.
08 - Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden brown around the edges.
09 - Allow to cool slightly before dividing into six portions. Serve warm.

# Extra Information:

01 - If using fresh broccoli, blanch in boiling water for 2 minutes before combining with other ingredients.
02 - Pre-cooked, chilled rice absorbs flavors more effectively; freshly cooked rice should be cooled before use.
03 - Select medium or sharp cheddar for richer flavor.
04 - Whole milk yields a richer sauce; substituting with lower-fat milk will result in a lighter, less creamy texture.
05 - Increase cayenne pepper for additional heat.
06 - Season the sauce generously to balance the mildness of broccoli and rice.

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