Cheesy Broccoli Bake
A comforting cheesy broccoli bake combining tender cooked broccoli, ham, and rice in a creamy cheese sauce, topped with crunchy bread crumbs. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, this dish offers a rich, savory flavor with a satisfying texture that appeals to all ages and complements various side dishes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish, combine the cheddar cheese soup and sour cream.
- Stir in the cooked, drained broccoli, ham, and cooked rice until well mixed.
- In a cup, combine the torn bread crumbs and melted butter.
- Sprinkle the bread crumb mixture over the casserole.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 30 to 35 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, you can add a bit more sour cream or even a splash of milk to the mixture. If you don’t have ham on hand, shredded chicken or even cooked beans can be a great substitute. Fresh broccoli can be used instead of frozen; just steam it until tender before adding it to the mix. Consider adding some grated cheese on top for an extra cheesy finish.
Serving Suggestions
This Cheesy Broccoli Bake makes a hearty main dish and pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or crusty bread. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside some roasted vegetables or a fruit salad. It's perfect for potlucks or family gatherings, and you can easily double the recipe for larger crowds. It also complements well with other American recipes like B J'S Baked Ham Omelette.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating, but the oven will help maintain the texture of the bread crumbs.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheesy Broccoli Bake contains roughly 403 calories, with 17g protein, 67g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 840mg per serving (37% 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 dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Just assemble it in the dish and cover it tightly with plastic wrap. When you are ready to bake, remove the wrap and place it in the oven. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be cold from the refrigerator.
What can I use instead of cheddar cheese soup?
If you don’t have cheddar cheese soup, you can use a homemade cheese sauce or a different cream soup, such as cream of mushroom or cream of chicken. Just ensure that the flavor will complement the other ingredients to maintain the dish's savory profile.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the ham and replace it with additional vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth if you decide to add a sauce. This adjustment will still keep the casserole hearty and delicious.
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).