Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe – Two Delicious Ways (Classic + With Rice!)

When it comes to crowd-pleasing comfort food, Broccoli Cheese Casserole is always a winner. Whether you’re planning a holiday dinner, hosting a potluck, or just need a warm, cozy side dish for a weeknight meal, this casserole hits all the right notes — creamy, cheesy, and loaded with tender broccoli.

And today, we’re making it two different ways so you can choose the version that’s perfect for your table:

🥦 Option 1: Classic Broccoli Cheese Casserole

The traditional version — cheesy, creamy, rich, and the perfect holiday side.

🍚 Option 2: Broccoli Cheese Casserole with Rice

A heartier take that turns the casserole into a more filling side dish (or even a full meal), thanks to fluffy, tender white rice baked right in.

Both variations use simple ingredients, bake up beautifully, and deliver that irresistible comfort-food flavor that keeps guests coming back for seconds. Choose the version that matches your meal — or make both for a holiday buffet!

This is a Simply Made Recipe provided by Lilly Ashley. Good recipes, without the paragraphs and fluff to sift through. Save the sifting for the baking! Follow on FB for new recipe updates!

🥦 Recipe for Option 1: Classic Broccoli Cheese Casserole

⭐ Ingredients

  • 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen and thawed)
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ¼ tsp paprika
  • Salt & pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp melted butter
  • Optional: ½ cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs (for topping)

⭐ Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 baking dish.
  2. Steam broccoli until just tender (3–4 minutes).
  3. Mix broccoli, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, 1 cup cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  4. Spread into the baking dish.
  5. Sprinkle remaining ½ cup cheddar on top.
  6. Optional: Stir melted butter into crushed crackers and sprinkle over.
  7. Bake 25–30 minutes, until hot, bubbly, and lightly golden.

🍚 Recipe for Option 2: Broccoli Cheese Casserole with Rice

⭐ Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked white rice
  • 4 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ¼ tsp paprika
  • Salt & pepper, to taste
  • Optional: 2 tbsp melted butter + Ritz crumbs for topping

⭐ Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 baking dish.
  2. Steam broccoli for 3–4 minutes.
  3. Combine cooked rice, broccoli, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, 1 cup cheddar, and seasonings.
  4. Spread into baking dish and top with remaining cheese.
  5. Add optional buttery cracker topping.
  6. Bake 25–30 minutes until warm and melty.

💡 Simply Made Tip

Use freshly shredded cheddar for the smoothest, creamiest sauce — bagged cheese doesn’t melt quite the same!

🍽 Which Version Should You Choose?

✔ Choose the Classic Version if…

You want a traditional holiday side dish that pairs perfectly with turkey, ham, roast chicken, or anything comfort-food inspired.

✔ Choose the Rice Version if…

You want something more filling, heartier, and a little more “casserole-style.” The rice absorbs the sauce and makes each bite comforting and satisfying.

✔ BONUS:

Both versions reheat beautifully — making this a great make-ahead option for busy holiday cooking days.

📂 Category & Subcategories

Main Category:
Side Dishes

Subcategories:

Family Favorites

Casseroles

Holiday Sides

Comfort Food

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