Broccoli Cheez Whiz Rice Casserole Recipe

Here’s the broccoli and rice bake that somehow became my go-to comfort food—think cheesy, creamy goodness with a veggie twist that even your skeptical friend Kyle will admit is pretty awesome.

I love how this Broccoli Cheez Whiz Rice Casserole brings comfort to the table with its creamy texture and satisfying flavors. This dish combines cooked white rice, Cheez Whiz, and fresh broccoli florets, with the rich depth of condensed cream of mushroom soup.

The subtle hint of onion powder and black pepper enhances the savory profile, making it an irresistible favorite.

Broccoli Cheez Whiz Rice Casserole Recipe Ingredients

• Cooked White Rice: A source of carbohydrates, providing energy to the dish.
• Cheez Whiz: Adds creamy texture and cheesy flavor, with a creamy saltiness.
• Fresh Broccoli Florets: High in fiber and vitamins, brings a crunchy freshness.
• Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup: Enhances creaminess, adds umami mushroom richness.
• Milk: Provides smooth texture and calcium, helping blend ingredients.
• Onion Powder: Adds savory depth and gentle onion flavor.
• Black Pepper: Introduces subtle heat and aromatic quality.
• Butter: Contributes richness and helps bind flavors together.

Broccoli Cheez Whiz Rice Casserole Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 2 cups cooked white rice
• 1 cup Cheez Whiz
• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

How to Make this Broccoli Cheez Whiz Rice Casserole Recipe

1. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to warm up.

2. Heat a big pot of water until it boils. While the water is heating, prepare the broccoli by cutting the florets from the stalk and then into pieces about the same size as the stem. When the water reaches a rolling boil, use a slotted spoon to lower the prepared broccoli into the water. Time it for 3 minutes. When the timer goes off, use the slotted spoon to remove the broccoli from the pot and place it in a bowl of ice water.

3. In a big mixing bowl, mix together the following: the rice you have cooked, Cheez Whiz, cream of mushroom soup (that’s condensed, of course), and some milk. Stir until everything is blended nicely.

4. Combine gently the rice mixture and the blanched broccoli.

5. Add seasoning to the mixture: onion powder and black pepper. Mix thoroughly.

6. Melt the butter in a dish measuring 9×13 inches and use that to grease the dish.

7. Spread the evenly mixed broccoli and rice into the baking dish.

8. If using, scatter the shredded cheddar cheese atop, then add the breadcrumbs for a crunchy finish.

9. Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven for 25 minutes.

10. Take off the foil, and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the dish is heated through. Serve warm.

Broccoli Cheez Whiz Rice Casserole Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Large pot
3. Slotted spoon
4. Mixing bowl
5. Measuring cups
6. Measuring spoons
7. Knife
8. Cutting board
9. 9×13 inch baking dish
10. Aluminum foil

FAQ

• Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?You can indeed use frozen broccoli as a substitute. Just make certain to defrost it and pour off any extra moisture before it becomes a part of the casserole.
• Is there a substitute for Cheez Whiz?Alternatively, you could use 1 cup of melted Velveeta cheese or even a homemade cheese sauce.
• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?Certainly! You are able to put together the casserole, seal it up, and then store it in the refrigerator for a maximum of 24 hours before it heads to the oven. If it goes straight from the fridge to the oven, expect to lengthen the baking time by a few minutes.
• What are some variations on this recipe?For a more robust dish, consider the addition of pre-cooked chicken. And if you want to take things up a notch, try this: immerse yourself in a tub of sizzling love, aka the way some people feel when they see a bowl of this soup. And this—bacon. Crispy bits of bacon give the meal an upgrade.
• Is it possible to make this casserole gluten-free?Yes, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and make sure your condensed cream of mushroom soup is gluten-free.
• How can I make this casserole healthier?Replace white rice with brown rice; use a low-fat cheese instead of Cheez Whiz; replace regular cream of mushroom soup with reduced-fat cream of mushroom soup.

Broccoli Cheez Whiz Rice Casserole Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Instead of Cheez Whiz, use 1 cup of any processed cheese sauce or 1 cup of melted Velveeta.
• Substitute the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken soup or cream of celery soup for a different flavor.
• Use almond milk or any other plant-based milk alternative instead of regular milk for a dairy-free option.
• Replace fresh broccoli with 4 cups of frozen broccoli florets, thawed and drained, if fresh is unavailable.
• Use olive oil instead of melted butter for a different flavor profile and potentially lower saturated fat.

Pro Tips

1. For added flavor, consider sautéing a small chopped onion and a couple of minced garlic cloves in the melted butter before mixing it into the rice and broccoli mixture. This will give the dish a deeper savory profile.

2. To enhance the creaminess, substitute heavy cream for the milk. This will result in a richer texture, which pairs well with the Cheez Whiz and cream of mushroom soup.

3. Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a dash of cayenne pepper to the mixture for a subtle kick and extra depth of flavor.

4. Toast the breadcrumbs in a bit of butter before sprinkling them on top. This ensures they stay crispy and adds an extra layer of buttery flavor to the topping.

5. For an added nutritional boost and a hint of nutty flavor, consider mixing in a handful of toasted slivered almonds with the broccoli and rice mixture before baking.