Cheddar's Broccoli Cheese Casserole
Description
This easy copycat Cheddar's Broccoli Cheese Casserole is creamy, cheesy comfort food made with tender broccoli, fluffy rice, melty Velveeta, and a buttery Ritz cracker topping. The perfect crowd pleasing side dish for weeknight dinners, potlucks, and holidays.
Ingredients
- 6 cups cooked white rice
- 1 cup butter, 2 sticks
- 21 oz cream of mushroom soup, about 2 cans
- 1 cup milk
- 32 oz frozen broccoli florets
- 24 oz Velveeta cheese, cut into cubes
- 2 cups crushed Ritz crackers, about 1 sleeve
Instructions
- Preheat and prep. Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Cook the rice according to package directions. Steam or microwave the frozen broccoli until tender, then drain off any excess water.
- Make the cheese sauce. In a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Add the cubed Velveeta and stir constantly until smooth and creamy.
- Combine. In a large bowl, mix the cooked rice, broccoli, cheese sauce, cream of mushroom soup, and milk until evenly combined.
- Assemble. Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Add the topping. Crush the Ritz crackers and sprinkle them evenly over the top.
- Bake. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until bubbly around the edges and the topping is golden brown.
- Serve. Let the casserole rest a few minutes before serving alongside your favorite main dish.
Equipment
- Baking Pan
- Cooking Spray
Notes
- Drain the broccoli thoroughly to avoid a watery casserole.
- For extra crunch, add a second layer of crushed crackers halfway through baking.
- Assemble up to a day ahead (without the cracker topping) and refrigerate, then add crackers and bake when ready.
- For a low carb version, substitute cauliflower rice for white rice.
Nutrition
Serving: 1ServingCalories: 482kcalCarbohydrates: 44gProtein: 19gFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 69mgSodium: 1494mgPotassium: 572mgFiber: 3gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 1533IUVitamin C: 67mgCalcium: 416mgIron: 2mg