Family Favorite Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole
There’s a broccoli rice casserole that our family requests every year for the holidays. It’s super cheesy with cauliflower, broccoli, rice, and a crunchy cracker topping.
The recipe originally came from my friend’s mom. She makes it for every gathering they host, and we all rave about it every single time.
Rich & Cheesy Family Favorite Holiday Side Dish
Once I got the recipe from Shannon’s mom, my family quickly experienced the cheesy deliciousness of this broccoli rice casserole. It’s now one of our very favorite Thanksgiving side dishes.
You can choose to use broccoli or buy the winter mix vegetables which is broccoli and cauliflower. I once tried the veggie mix that includes carrots, but it didn’t go over as well.
Since the broccoli cheese casserole is quite rich and creamy, I only make it for holidays. It’s one of the most popular holiday side dishes in our family, especially amongst the picky eater crowd.
There are no sneaky onions or other hidden horrors to us picky people. I typically make a gigantic batch and end up with leftovers for everyone.
The recipe here is halved to make it easier. If you have a large crowd, feel free to double the recipe.
Tip: Don’t wait until the last minute to buy the ingredients around a holiday.
Twice in a row now my local grocery store ran out of Velveeta cheese a few days before Christmas! I had to run all over town to try to find it, so be warned.
Since this veggie casserole is prepared the day before, it’s one less thing to do the day of a holiday. It still requires 30 minutes in the oven, but at least the major preparation is done.
This veggie side dish is filling and delicious.
The Ritz Cracker topping adds flavor, texture, and makes it even more filling.
Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
Equipment
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Ingredients
- 16 oz broccoli 1 bag frozen broccoli, cooked
- 16 oz Velveeta 1 block Velveeta cheese, cubed
- ¼ cup butter
- ¼ cup butter
- 1 roll Ritz Crackers crushed
- 10.5 oz cream of broccoli
- 10.5 oz milk use soup can
- 4 cup white rice cooked
Instructions
- Boil rice and set aside.4 cup white rice
- Boil broccoli (or mixed veggies) and drain well, set aside.16 oz broccoli
- Use a large pot to mix ingredients, starting with the soup and milk. Add soup and 1 can of milk (using soup can).10.5 oz milk, 10.5 oz cream of broccoli
- Cut Velveeta cheese into chunks and add to soup mixture until melted. Add gradually so the cheese melts easier.16 oz Velveeta
- Add rice to soup mixture.
- Melt 1/2 stick of butter and pour over broccoli.¼ cup butter
- Add broccoli to mixture and mix well.
- Put into a pan – should fit into one 9 x 13 pan.
- Crumble Ritz crackers and sprinkle over top.1 roll Ritz Crackers
- Put into refrigerator overnight.
Next Day
- Melt the other 1/2 stick of butter and drizzle over crackers.¼ cup butter
- Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.
- Let cool for 15 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
Holiday Side Dish Recipes:
- Hash brown casserole
- Zucchini and vegetable gratin
- Slow cooker sweet potatoes
- Caprese salad shooters
- Fluffy cranberry salad
Note: This broccoli casserole recipe was originally posted on Jan 22, 2013. We updated the post with more accurate instructions and better pictures.
Pin to side dish board to save and share!
If you’re looking for a recipe for broccoli casserole, I suggest you give this one a try.
It’s a hit amongst our family and many of my friends’ families, as well. Please let us know if you try it.
Don’t forget to subscribe to the blog for more recipes like this.
Do you make a broccoli rice casserole for the holidays?
this sounds delicious! and i like that you used whole wheat rice!
Yum! I remember having this at Thanksgiving as a kid. I am going to make it at my house soon. Love the cheesy goodness.
Yum! I remember having this at Thanksgiving as a kid. I am going to make it at my house soon. Love the cheesy goodness.
That is a very attractive casserole!