Broccoli And Cheese Bake
A comforting baked broccoli and cheese dish featuring tender broccoli, creamy Cheez Whiz, and savory rice, all baked to perfection with a buttery topping. Perfect for family dinners, this casserole offers a cheesy, vegetable-packed meal that is easy to prepare and satisfying for all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the rice until tender.
- Add Cheez Whiz to the cooked rice and mix well.
- Saute onions and celery in butter until softened.
- Combine the sautéed vegetables with the rice mixture.
- Add the thawed broccoli and mix everything together.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour until heated through and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using a combination of Cheez Whiz and cream cheese. You can substitute fresh broccoli if you prefer, just blanch it before adding. If you want to add protein, cooked chicken or turkey can be mixed in. For a crunchier topping, sprinkle some breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top before baking. This dish is a great way to use up leftover rice.
Serving Suggestions
This Broccoli And Cheese Bake pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad or crusty bread to soak up the cheesy goodness. It can also serve as a hearty side dish for grilled meats or a main dish for a vegetarian meal. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a light soup or a fruit salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, but the oven will help maintain the dish's texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Broccoli And Cheese Bake contains roughly 529 calories, with 7g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is a good source of protein (15% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (14% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 694mg per serving (30% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh broccoli can be used instead of frozen. Just make sure to blanch it in boiling water for a few minutes until slightly tender before adding it to the mixture. This will help ensure it cooks evenly in the bake.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish up to the baking step, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if you bake it straight from the fridge.
What can I substitute for Cheez Whiz?
If you're looking for a healthier option, you can use a homemade cheese sauce made from cheese, milk, and butter. Alternatively, try using a block of cheddar cheese, shredded and melted, for a more natural flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).