Broccoli Cheese Delight
Creamy broccoli and cheese casserole combining tender broccoli, savory cream of celery, and melted cheese, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine water, butter, and minced onion in a pot; bring to a boil.
- Add the frozen chopped broccoli; bring to a boil again.
- Add the Minute rice to the mixture.
- Remove from heat; cover and let stand for 5 minutes.
- Stir in the cream of celery soup and Cheez Whiz until well mixed.
- Pour the mixture into a baking dish.
- Bake at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes until heated through and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit of shredded cheddar cheese along with the cream of celery soup. You can also substitute the frozen broccoli with fresh broccoli; just steam it for a few minutes before adding. If you prefer a healthier option, replace butter with olive oil and use brown rice instead of Minute rice for added nutrition. This dish can be easily customized with your favorite vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Broccoli Cheese Delight as a hearty side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish for a balanced meal. It also pairs beautifully with Romanoff Potatoes for a comforting dinner. For a vegetarian meal, consider adding a side salad or some roasted vegetables. This dish is perfect for potlucks or family gatherings, as it is both filling and satisfying.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, you can microwave individual portions, adding a splash of water to keep it moist, or reheat it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. This dish also freezes well; just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Broccoli Cheese Delight contains roughly 1487 calories, with 14g protein, 102g carbohydrates, and 114g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (28% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), and iron (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1153mg per serving (50% 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 a different type of soup instead of cream of celery?
Yes, you can substitute cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup based on your preference or dietary needs. Each will give a slightly different flavor but will work well in this recipe. For a vegetarian option, stick with cream of mushroom soup as a great alternative.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider mixing in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when you stir in the cream of celery soup. You could also incorporate diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for an extra kick. Just adjust the amount to your spice tolerance.
Is there a way to make this dish lower in fat?
Absolutely! You can use low-fat or fat-free versions of the cream of celery soup and cheese. Additionally, replacing butter with a light cooking spray or a smaller amount of olive oil can help reduce the overall fat content without sacrificing 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).