Brown Rice Strata
A hearty baked rice casserole with broccoli, cheese, almonds, and pimento, perfect for family dinners or entertaining, offering comforting flavors and a satisfying texture.
Ingredients
- 2 2/3 cups water ⓘ
- 1 cup brown rice ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon margarine ⓘ
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons chopped pimento ⓘ
- 8 ounces processed American cheese, shredded ⓘ
- 10 ounces frozen chopped broccoli, well drained ⓘ
- 3 eggs, beaten ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups milk ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon minced onion ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon Dijon-type mustard ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook rice with water, salt, and margarine for 45 to 50 minutes.
- Spoon about half the cooked rice into a buttered 8x8x2-inch baking dish.
- Arrange chopped broccoli over the rice and dot with chopped pimento.
- Sprinkle about 3/4 cup shredded processed American cheese over the broccoli.
- Spoon the remaining rice evenly over the first layer.
- Combine beaten eggs, milk, minced onion, and Dijon mustard, then pour over the layered rice and broccoli.
- Sprinkle with remaining cheese and slivered almonds on top.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Bake uncovered at 300°F (150°C) until the top is golden brown, about 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes.
- Let stand for about 5 minutes before cutting and serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a nut-free version, substitute slivered almonds with sunflower seeds or omit them entirely. If you prefer a creamier texture, consider adding a bit of cream cheese or sour cream to the egg mixture. You can also use leftover cooked rice for convenience, adjusting the cooking time accordingly. Adding herbs like thyme or basil can elevate the flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
This Brown Rice Strata pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Consider serving it alongside Nanny'S Ice Cream for a delightful dessert afterward. For a heartier option, complement it with roasted chicken or grilled fish. A light vinaigrette can also enhance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave or cover and bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Adding a splash of milk during reheating can help restore moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Brown Rice Strata contains roughly 810 calories, with 13g protein, 101g carbohydrates, and 40g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (25% of the Daily Value), calcium (25% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 958mg per serving (42% 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 make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Brown Rice Strata a day in advance. After assembling the layers, cover it tightly and refrigerate overnight. Just remember to add additional baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice is a great alternative and adds more fiber and nutrients. Just ensure you adjust the cooking time, as brown rice typically takes longer to cook than white rice.
What can I substitute for processed American cheese?
If you prefer a different cheese, consider using cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend of your favorites. Just keep in mind that the melting characteristics and flavor will vary, so choose a cheese that complements the other ingredients.
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).