Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Sheet Pan Bake, a refined and elegant dish that celebrates the cozy flavors of broccoli and rice in a decadent, creamy cheese sauce. Elevate your weeknight menu with this simple yet delicious casserole that will have your taste buds dancing with joy.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Sheet Pan Bake
This Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Sheet Pan Bake is the perfect combination of elegance and comfort. The delicate, refined flavors of the broccoli and rice are elevated by a velvety cheese sauce, creating a satisfying and indulgent dish that will warm your soul. The sheet pan method makes it a breeze to prepare, while the gooey, melted cheese topping adds a luxurious touch that will have your guests raving. Enjoy the comforting, cozy flavors of this beautiful casserole any night of the week.
Ingredients
To create this Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Sheet Pan Bake, you’ll need a carefully curated selection of high-quality ingredients. From fresh, vibrant broccoli florets to aromatic garlic and a blend of decadent cheeses, each element comes together to form a harmonious and flavorful dish.
- 4 cups – fresh broccoli florets
- 2 cups – cooked long-grain white rice
- 2 cloves – minced garlic
- 1/2 cup – heavy cream
- 1 cup – shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup – grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup – unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon – kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon – ground black pepper
Ingredient Substitutions
- Broccoli: Cauliflower — a refined swap that keeps the balance.
- Cheese: Gruyère or fontina — perfect for dietary or texture variation.
How to Make Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Sheet Pan Bake
This Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Sheet Pan Bake comes together with just a few simple steps, allowing you to enjoy a restaurant-worthy dish in the comfort of your own home.
Step 1 — Prep Work
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli florets, cooked rice, minced garlic, heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, grated parmesan, melted butter, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 2 — Main Cooking Process
Spread the cheesy broccoli and rice mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to distribute the ingredients in a single layer for even cooking. Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 3 — Final Steps/Assembly
Remove the sheet pan from the oven and let the Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Bake cool for a few minutes. Serve the dish warm, garnished with additional parmesan cheese or fresh chopped parsley, if desired.
Chef Tips & Variations
- Caramelized Onions: Sauté diced onions in butter or olive oil until they develop a rich, caramelized flavor, then add them to the broccoli and rice mixture for an extra layer of depth.
- Protein Boost: Stir in diced cooked chicken or ham for a heartier, more substantial dish.
- Cheese Blend: Experiment with different cheese varieties, such as a combination of cheddar, parmesan, and mozzarella, to create your own signature twist on the recipe.
- Crunchy Topping: Top the casserole with a layer of panko breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for a delightful textural contrast.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: A fresh green salad, crusty bread, or your favorite protein.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat: To reheat, simply place the Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Make-Ahead: You can assemble the casserole in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time when ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
This Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Sheet Pan Bake is a wholesome and nourishing dish that provides a balance of complex carbohydrates, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals. The broccoli is a rich source of fiber, antioxidants, and various nutrients, while the cheese and rice offer a satisfying and comforting base. Enjoy this elegant casserole as part of a well-rounded, balanced diet for a delicious and nutritious meal.
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the pan
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 15 g
- Carbs: 30 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli florets work just as well in this recipe. Simply thaw and drain the broccoli before adding it to the casserole.
How can I make this dish vegan or dairy-free?
To make a vegan or dairy-free version, replace the heavy cream with unsweetened plant-based milk, such as almond or oat milk. Swap the cheddar and parmesan cheeses for your favorite dairy-free alternatives, such as cashew-based or coconut-based cheese shreds.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, the Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Bake can be assembled in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time when you’re ready to serve it.
What other vegetables can I use in this recipe?
While broccoli is the star of this dish, you can easily substitute or add other vegetables, such as cauliflower, roasted Brussels sprouts, or diced bell peppers, to create your own unique twist.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, the Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Bake can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow the casserole to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight, freezer-safe container. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
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Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Sheet Pan Bake
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Sheet Pan Bake is a delightful blend of tender broccoli, creamy cheese, and fluffy rice, all baked to perfection. A refined comfort dish that brings elegance to your table.
Ingredients
2 cups cooked rice
2 cups broccoli florets
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup milk
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, broccoli, cheddar cheese, milk, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Drizzle olive oil on a sheet pan and spread the mixture evenly.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender and the cheese is bubbly.
5. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
For a vegetarian option, ensure the cheese is rennet-free. You can also add cooked chicken for extra protein.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Sheet Pan & Casseroles
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg