There’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting casserole to bring people together—and this Creamy Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe hits all the right notes. With tender broccoli, gooey cheddar, and a luscious, cheesy sauce, it’s a dish that feels like a big, cozy hug on a plate.

The dish is a baked casserole in a white rectangular dish, with a bright orange melted cheese layer on top. Below the cheese, there is a mixture of white rice and green broccoli pieces visible, giving the dish a textured look with small chunks of vegetables spread throughout. The cheese on top is smooth and slightly bubbly, covering the entire surface except where a black spatula lifts a portion, revealing the creamy, mixed layers underneath. The edges of the casserole dish show some browned spots where the cheese has baked slightly. The background surface is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’m really passionate about this Creamy Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe because it’s so simple yet so satisfying. It’s one of those dishes where every bite melts in your mouth and leaves you wanting more, plus it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies without anyone complaining.

Easy to make: Uses simple ingredients you probably have on hand, plus it doesn’t require fancy techniques.
Hearty and comforting: The creamy cheese sauce combined with broccoli and rice creates a filling dish that feels like home.
Versatile: Perfect as a side or a main, and you can customize it to fit your taste or dietary needs.
Kid-friendly: My kids adore it, and it’s a great way to get them to eat their greens without a fuss.

The image shows a white square baking dish filled with a layered casserole. The bottom layer is made of small green broccoli pieces mixed with creamy white mashed potatoes, creating a soft and chunky texture. The top layer has melted cheddar cheese spread evenly across the dish, giving it a bright orange color with smooth, slightly bubbly spots. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic in this casserole comes from how each ingredient plays its part. Frozen broccoli keeps things convenient without losing flavor, while the cheese sauce made from scratch brings richness and depth. Using cooked rice adds body and texture, soaking up all those luscious flavors beautifully.

Flat lay of fresh green broccoli florets, a simple white ceramic bowl of cooked white rice, a small white bowl filled with shredded sharp cheddar cheese, one whole yellow onion with smooth skin, two uncracked garlic cloves, a few cubes of pale yellow butter arranged neatly, a small white bowl with all-purpose flour, a small white bowl of whole milk, and small white bowls containing fine salt, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and freshly cracked black pepper, all ingredients fresh and natural, balanced symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Frozen broccoli florets: I love frozen for convenience and consistent quality; no chopping needed, plus it’s already blanched just enough.
Cooked rice (white or brown): Pre-cooked rice is essential so it absorbs the sauce without turning mushy; leftover rice works perfectly.
Cheddar cheese (shredded): Sharp or medium cheddar packs flavor and melts beautifully; mild cheddar just won’t cut it.
Yellow onion: Adds a subtle sweetness when softened, balancing the richness of the cheese.
Garlic cloves: Just a little punch that enhances the depth of the sauce.
Butter: The base for your roux, giving the sauce its silky body.
All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce to that perfect creamy consistency.
Whole milk: I use whole milk for richness; it’s key to that luscious cheesy sauce.
Salt & spices (smoked paprika, cayenne, black pepper): These boost the flavor profile, making the casserole anything but bland.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One thing I really encourage when making this Creamy Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe is to make it your own. I love experimenting with different cheeses or adding a crunchy topping, but you might find that a dash of your favorite herbs or swapping out rice for another grain speaks more to your taste.

Variation: I sometimes add cooked bacon or caramelized onions on top for an extra punch—you might love that smoky, savory twist too.
Dietary swap: For a lighter version, try using Greek yogurt mixed into the sauce instead of some of the butter and cream, but keep in mind it’ll be less rich.
Veggie boost: Feel free to toss in mushrooms or diced bell peppers; they blend well with the broccoli and add color.
Cheese swap: Monterey Jack or Gruyère can be fun alternatives if you want a different flavor profile.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prepping the broccoli and rice base

First off, I thaw the frozen broccoli—just letting it sit for a bit or giving it a quick rinse under warm water. Then, I chop the florets into bite-sized pieces. After that, I toss the broccoli into a large bowl along with the cooked rice and about 1.5 cups of shredded cheddar. Mixing it now helps those flavors mingle later.

Step 2: Building the creamy sauce

I finely dice my onion and mince the garlic next. In a small saucepan, I melt butter over medium heat, then add the onions and garlic, cooking just until the onions turn soft and translucent—about 2 to 3 minutes. Stirring in the flour creates a roux, which I cook until lightly golden—this is key to avoiding any raw flour taste.

Then, I slowly whisk in the whole milk. It starts thin but thickens beautifully as it reaches a simmer, turning into a sauce with the richness of heavy cream. I season it generously with salt, smoked paprika, cayenne, and freshly cracked black pepper—don’t be shy here, the seasoning really pops once baked.

Step 3: Combining and baking

Pour the sauce over the broccoli, rice, and cheese mixture, folding gently to coat everything evenly. I then spread the whole mixture into a 9x9 inch casserole dish, topping it off with the remaining cheddar to get that irresistible golden crust.

Into the oven it goes for about 35 minutes at 350ºF. When you see the cheese melted, bubbly, and just starting to brown at the edges, you know it’s ready. Let it rest briefly before serving—it helps everything set up nicely.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few essential tricks that make this Creamy Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe come out perfect every time. Here are some tips I swear by:

Use pre-cooked and chilled rice: It holds up better in the casserole—warm rice makes the dish watery and soggy.
Don’t skimp on seasoning: The sauce itself needs to be well-seasoned since the broccoli and rice are quite neutral.
Let the casserole rest: Waiting 5-10 minutes after baking helps it firm up, making it easier to serve clean portions.
Use sharp cheddar: It really makes the flavor shine and creates that perfect melty texture on top.

How to Serve Creamy Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe

Creamy Broccoli Cheese - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

Personally, I love sprinkling a bit of fresh chopped parsley or chives just before serving to add a pop of color and a mild herbaceous note. Sometimes I top with crispy fried onions for crunch—it adds a delightful contrast to the creamy texture.

Side Dishes

This casserole plays well with all kinds of sides. I often serve it alongside a crisp green salad or some garlic-roasted chicken. It’s also fantastic next to sautéed mushrooms or a simple tomato salad that cuts through its richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or dinner parties, I sometimes bake this casserole in individual ramekins—everyone gets their own perfectly browned portion. Another fun idea is making a layered version in a trifle dish to show off the colorful broccoli beneath the golden cheese top.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover casserole covered in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. It reheats wonderfully and tastes just as comforting the next day.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully. I like to portion it out before freezing so I can just thaw and reheat individual servings. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing to maintain the best texture.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers in the oven at 350ºF, covered with foil so it doesn't dry out, until warmed through—about 15-20 minutes. Microwaving works too, but the oven method keeps that fresh-baked texture intact.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?

Absolutely! If you prefer fresh broccoli, just blanch it in boiling water for about 2 minutes before using, then drain it well so your casserole isn’t watery.

What cheese works best for this casserole?

Sharp or medium cheddar is ideal for that rich flavor and smooth melt. Mild cheddar tends to lack flavor and won’t give you the same melty texture on top.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready, simply bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking from cold.

Is this casserole suitable for meal prep or freezing?

Definitely. This casserole freezes really well, making it perfect for meal prep. Just portion it out and freeze in airtight containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe brings me so much joy every time I make it—it’s one of those dishes that simply feels like comfort at its best. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for an easy weeknight dinner, it’s a dependable crowd-pleaser that’s easy to customize and makes great leftovers. Trust me, once you try it, this casserole will become a regular in your kitchen, just like it is in mine.