Broccoli Cheese Casserole
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter
plus more for greasing dish
- Kosher salt
- 3 to 4 large heads broccoli
trimmed of long stalks and cut into small florets, about 3 1/2 pounds
- 1 1/2 teaspoons red-pepper flakes
- 2 bunches scallions
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 1/2 cups whole milk
- 5 cups <a href='https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-grater/'>shredded</a> sharp Cheddar cheese
- 3 cups cooked long-grain white rice
- 2 cups coarsely crushed Ritz crackers
Directions
- 1
Heat the oven to 350 degrees and butter a deep 9-by-13-inch baking dish.
- 2
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until bright green. Drain immediately and set aside.
- 3
In a large heavy-bottomed pot, melt the butter with 1 teaspoon red-pepper flakes over medium heat. When melted, add the scallions, 1 teaspoon salt and the black pepper, and cook until scallions have softened, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the flour and stir to combine. Stir constantly for 1 to 2 minutes, until the flour streaks are slightly golden in color, then add the milk in a slow stream, stirring continuously.
- 4
Continue to stir the milk until the mixture is thick and creamy, 6 to 8 minutes. Remove from heat and add 4 cups of the cheese, stirring vigorously to melt it down into a smooth sauce. Taste and season with salt.
- 5
Add the cooked rice and parboiled broccoli to the pot and stir until evenly coated with sauce.
- 6
Transfer the mixture to the prepared dish and sprinkle with remaining 1 cup grated cheese, Ritz crackers and remaining 1/2 teaspoon red-pepper flakes.
- 7
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until bubbling. For more color, cook under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes, watching carefully. Serve warm.
Broccoli Cheese Casserole
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About this Recipe
Looking for that ultimate comfort food side dish that tastes homemade, not canned? This Broccoli Cheese Casserole recipe elevates a classic, transforming it into a truly special addition to any meal, especially during the holidays.
What sets this casserole apart is its luscious, homemade cheese sauce, crafted from scratch with butter, flour, whole milk, and sharp Cheddar. This rich sauce seamlessly replaces those less-flavorful canned soups, ensuring every bite is packed with genuine cheesy goodness. Combined with tender broccoli and fluffy rice, then crowned with a crisp Ritz cracker topping, it offers an irresistible contrast of textures.
Prepare for a wonderfully gooey and rich experience. You'll find a creamy, savory base where tender broccoli florets and fluffy long-grain white rice are suspended in that decadent, homemade Cheddar sauce. The top layer of coarsely crushed Ritz crackers, baked to golden perfection with extra cheese, provides a delightful crunch that complements the soft interior. Each spoonful delivers a hearty, comforting flavor, with a subtle warmth from the red-pepper flakes and a fresh bite from scallions. While undeniably indulgent, the generous amount of broccoli ensures you're getting some green goodness too.
Feel free to tailor the cheesiness to your preference by using anywhere from 4 to 5 cups of shredded sharp Cheddar cheese—a mix of white and orange varieties can also add visual appeal. If you prefer a milder profile, you could certainly blend in a less sharp Cheddar. For a touch less spice, reduce the red-pepper flakes, or omit them entirely if heat isn't your thing.
This rich Broccoli Cheese Casserole makes an exceptional holiday side dish or a comforting addition to any family meal. It's substantial enough to impress, yet easy enough to bring together. Consider serving it alongside a crisp green salad to balance its hearty richness.