Casserole Dish For The Microwave
A savory microwave casserole combining smoked sausage, rice, broccoli, and cheesy topping, topped with crispy peanut brittle for a unique crunch and sweet contrast.
Ingredients
- 1 lb smoked sausage ⓘ
- 2 cups cooked rice ⓘ
- 1 small jar Cheez Whiz ⓘ
- 1 can French fried onion rings ⓘ
- 1 or 2 (10 oz) packages broccoli ⓘ
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1 cup sugar ⓘ
- pinch of salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups unsalted dry-roasted peanuts ⓘ
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon butter ⓘ
Instructions
- Butter a large baking sheet.
- In a microwave-proof bowl, combine peanuts, sugar, light corn syrup, and a pinch of salt.
- Microwave on High until mixture bubbles vigorously, about 6 minutes.
- Remove from microwave and stir in butter and vanilla extract.
- Return to microwave and cook on High until candy turns light gold, about 3 minutes.
- Remove bowl from microwave and add baking soda, stirring briskly as mixture foams up.
- Immediately pour the hot candy mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and shake to spread thinly.
- Let stand until cold and hard, about 2 hours.
- Break brittle into pieces.
- In a microwave-proof bowl, combine smoked sausage, cooked rice, Cheez Whiz, French fried onion rings, partly cooked broccoli, cream of mushroom soup, sugar, and a pinch of salt.
- Heat the mixture in the microwave until hot, about 3-5 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Pour the mixture into a microwave-safe dish and serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using turkey sausage instead of smoked sausage. You can also swap Cheez Whiz with a homemade cheese sauce for a fresher taste. If you prefer, fresh broccoli can be steamed instead of using frozen. Be mindful of cooking times in the microwave, as they can vary based on the wattage. Stirring halfway through ensures even heating.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is perfect for a hearty meal on its own but can be served alongside a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for balance. Consider pairing it with a side of cornbread for a comforting, family-friendly dinner. It also works well as a potluck dish, making it a great choice for gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, until heated through. If the casserole seems dry, add a splash of broth or water before reheating to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Casserole Dish For The Microwave contains roughly 1193 calories, with 11g protein, 103g carbohydrates, and 54g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (67% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (32% of the Daily Value), and protein (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 other types of sausage in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute smoked sausage with chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even plant-based sausage for a vegetarian option. Each type will bring a different flavor profile, so choose one that suits your taste preferences.
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
If you prefer a healthier option, homemade cream of mushroom soup can be made using sautéed mushrooms, cream, and broth. Alternatively, you can use cream of chicken soup or any other cream soup that you enjoy, such as cream of celery.
How can I make this dish spicier?
For a kick of heat, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture before microwaving. You can also sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top before serving to enhance the flavor. Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance.
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).