There’s something so comforting about a warm, cheesy casserole bubbling out of the oven, isn’t there? This Cheddar Broccoli Rice Bake Recipe combines tender broccoli, fluffy rice, and a rich cheddar sauce into one cozy dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

This image shows a thick layer of melted bright orange cheese spread evenly on top of a dish. Below the cheese is a mix of white rice, small green broccoli pieces, and some pale green chunks, all combined together. The dish is in a white rectangular ceramic baking pan with a smooth edge. A black serving spatula is lifting a portion from the corner, showing the gooey, mixed texture underneath with the cheese stretching slightly. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheddar Broccoli Rice Bake Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cheddar Broccoli Rice Bake Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cheddar Broccoli Rice Bake Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Cheddar Broccoli Rice Bake Recipe is one of my go-to comfort foods that’s as easy as it is delicious. It’s a fantastic way to get veggies into a cheesy, creamy package that everyone will enjoy—kids included!

Effortless comfort: Just a handful of simple ingredients come together for a hearty, cozy dish perfect for busy weeknights.
Vegetable-friendly: Sneak in nutritious broccoli in a way that tastes amazing and melts right into the creamy cheddar sauce.
Budget-smart: Uses affordable staples like frozen broccoli and cooked rice, making it a wallet-friendly meal.
Flexible and forgiving: You can easily adjust the cheese level, milk choice, or even add your favorite mix-ins.

A square white ceramic baking dish filled with a layered casserole. The bottom layer is a mixture of small green broccoli pieces mixed with white mashed potatoes, forming a somewhat uneven textured base. The top layer is melted cheddar cheese in a smooth, thick golden-yellow layer with slight browning edges, covering most of the surface but still showing bits of the potato and broccoli mixture beneath. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Cheddar Broccoli Rice Bake Recipe plays a part in making it creamy, cheesy, and comforting. Frozen broccoli keeps things quick and simple, while the milk and butter form a silky sauce that pulls everything together.

Flat lay of fresh green broccoli florets, a large white ceramic bowl of cooked white rice, a small white ceramic bowl filled with shredded sharp cheddar cheese, a whole yellow onion with smooth skin, two uncracked garlic cloves, a few small cubes of fresh butter stacked neatly, a small white ceramic bowl of all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl containing whole milk, and small white ceramic bowls each holding salt, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and freshly cracked black pepper, arranged in perfect symmetry and balanced proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Frozen broccoli florets: Convenient and partially cooked, saving time without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Cooked rice (white or brown): Pre-cooked rice soaks up all that cheesy goodness without becoming mushy.
Cheddar cheese (shredded): Medium or sharp gives the best balance of flavor and richness.
Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed gently with garlic.
Garlic cloves: Adds a subtle pungency that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
Butter: Creates the flavorful base for your roux and sauce.
All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce to that perfect creamy consistency.
Whole milk: Richness is key here—whole milk brings that beautifully smooth texture.
Salt, smoked paprika, cayenne, black pepper: Seasonings that add subtle warmth, smokiness, and just a touch of heat.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I love most about this Cheddar Broccoli Rice Bake Recipe is how customizable it is. I often switch up the cheese or add some crunchy toppings to keep things fresh and exciting!

Variation: My favorite twist? Tossing in some cooked, diced chicken or crispy bacon for a protein boost that turns this from a side to a full meal.
Dairy-free option: I’ve tried it with dairy-free cheese and unsweetened almond milk—while different, it still satisfies those creamy cravings.
Extra veggies: Feel free to add mushrooms, bell peppers, or even spinach to amp up the veggie quotient without complicating the flavor.
Spice it up: A pinch more cayenne or a dash of hot sauce on the side adds a surprising kick that I really enjoy.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheddar Broccoli Rice Bake Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Broccoli and Rice

First things first—thaw your frozen broccoli and chop it into bite-sized pieces. I like to lay it out on a paper towel to get rid of excess water so the casserole doesn’t get soggy. Toss the broccoli with cooked rice and about 1.5 cups of shredded cheddar cheese in a large bowl and set aside. This helps blend those flavors right from the start.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Meanwhile, finely dice one yellow onion and mince two garlic cloves. Melt butter in a small pot over medium heat, then add the onion and garlic. Cook gently for 2-3 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent—this builds a tasty flavor base.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

Add flour to the butter, onion, and garlic mixture and stir until it forms a light golden paste (roux). This takes about 2 minutes—the toasty smell is a good sign! Slowly whisk in whole milk, keeping the heat gentle. When it simmers, the sauce will thicken into a luscious creaminess, perfect for coating the broccoli and rice.

Step 4: Season and Combine

Season the sauce with salt, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and fresh cracked black pepper. It should be boldly flavored because the broccoli and rice are pretty neutral at this stage. Pour the sauce into your broccoli, rice, and cheese mix, stirring to coat everything evenly before transferring to a 9×9 casserole dish.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly

Top your casserole with the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese and pop it in the oven. Bake for about 35 minutes or until the cheese is melted and golden brown at the edges. Your kitchen will start to smell amazing—totally worth the wait!

Top Tip

Having made this Cheddar Broccoli Rice Bake Recipe a bunch of times, I’ve learned a few tricks that really make a difference in the final dish’s texture and flavor.

Use medium or sharp cheddar: Mild cheddar can be a bit too bland, so go for sharper cheese for that rich, tangy bite.
Don't skip chilling the rice: Freshly cooked rice that's cooled works best because it doesn’t make the casserole mushy.
Drain excess water from broccoli: Thaw well and pat dry so your bake stays creamy, not watery.
Watch your cheese topping: For a bubbly golden crust, sprinkle cheese evenly and don’t be afraid to broil for the last 1-2 minutes, just keep an eye so it doesn’t burn.

How to Serve Cheddar Broccoli Rice Bake Recipe

Cheddar Broccoli Rice - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley or a few red pepper flakes on top for a pop of color and just a hint of freshness or heat. Sometimes, a dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of lemon juice brightens the whole dish beautifully.

Side Dishes

This bake shines on its own, but I often serve it alongside a crisp green salad or roasted chicken to round out the meal. It’s equally great with a bowl of tomato soup for those extra cozy nights.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I’ve served this Cheddar Broccoli Rice Bake Recipe in individual ramekins—they look fancy and help with portion control. Another fun idea is layering it with thin slices of cooked potatoes for a gratin-style twist that wows guests every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It keeps the casserole creamy and cheesy, just give it a quick stir before reheating if it looks a bit dry on top.

Freezing

I've frozen portions of this bake with good results. Wrap servings tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, covered with foil to retain moisture, or microwave in short bursts stirring between intervals. Adding a splash of milk before reheating helps revive that creamy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Just blanch fresh broccoli for about 2 minutes to soften it before adding it to the recipe. This prevents the bake from ending up watery or unevenly cooked.

What kind of rice works best in this bake?

Pre-cooked, chilled white or brown rice works best to absorb the cheese sauce without turning mushy. If using freshly cooked rice, spread it out on a baking sheet and cool it before mixing.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?

Yes! Substitute the cheddar cheese with a plant-based alternative, and use unsweetened plant milk like almond or oat milk. Keep in mind the flavor and texture will be slightly different but still tasty.

How can I add more protein to the Cheddar Broccoli Rice Bake Recipe?

Adding cooked chicken, turkey, or crispy bacon is a great way to boost protein. For vegetarian options, stirring in cooked lentils or chickpeas works well too. Just fold them in before baking so they warm through evenly.

Final Thoughts

This Cheddar Broccoli Rice Bake Recipe has become such a staple in my kitchen—not because it’s fancy, but because it feels like homemade comfort wrapped up in cheesy goodness every single time. I know you’ll love how simple, adaptable, and satisfying it is. Trust me, once you make it, it’ll be one of those dishes you keep coming back to when you want something that feels like a warm hug.