Easy Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole is a classic and comforting side dish that’s great with a weeknight meal or holiday buffet.
The Southern Hospitality of Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole
I just have to share my family’s recipe for classic Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole that I’ve been eating since as long as I can remember. It’s one of those side dishes that my grandma always made for holidays and family gatherings and that my mom would make as an easy side dish for a weeknight dinner. It’s definitely a flavor memory for me!
Watch Me Make Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole
Join me in the kitchen as I make this classic and comforting side dish!
A Delicious Holiday Side Dish
This casserole is just downright delicious! Rice (you can use white rice, brown rice or long grain rice — it’s up to you!) and broccoli are combined with a creamy cheese sauce then covered in more cheese and crushed potato chips before being baked to casserole heaven.
I use processed cheese to make it extra creamy, but I’ve had it with cheddar cheese (or even sharp cheddar cheese) and it was just as delicious.
If you’re looking for an easy weeknight side dish or a great casserole to take to a potluck or holiday get-together, you can’t go wrong with this cheesy broccoli rice casserole.
And It’s Flexible!
Some folks cook their rice in chicken broth for extra flavor. You could even add chopped rotisserie chicken to it and call it a meal in itself. Protein? Check! Vegetables? Check! Whole grains? Check! Look at you go! Otherwise, we serve it alongside some meat (like pork chops or barebecue or classic meatloaf).
I mean, ask anyone from the South. Broccoli casserole goes great with turkey dinner on Thanksgiving!) and a big green salad.
This easy broccoli rice casserole recipe is one of those go-to casseroles that I know everyone will enjoy, especially my boys. They gobble it up like they’ve never been fed before and usually beg for seconds.
Ingredients and Supplies
(see recipe card at the bottom of this post for measurements and details)
Ingredients:
- Quick cooking white rice. You can substitute quick cooking brown rice for white rice.
- Unsalted butter
- Medium white onion
- Fresh broccoli florets. You can use 4 cups of frozen broccoli florets in place of the fresh broccoli florets.
- Canned cream of chicken soup
- American cheese (such as Velveeta). Feel free to replace the 8 ounces of Velveeta cheese with 2 cups of good-melting cheddar cheese. Since Velveeta is so creamy, when replacing it, I stir 1 and 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar into the broccoli rice mixture to get that same creamy texture of the casserole that is so great! And then I sprinkle the top of the casserole with 1/2 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Milk
- Crushed potato chips
Supplies:
How to Make Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Cook rice according to package directions.
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and broccoli florets and cook until onion is transparent.
- Add soup, 4 ounces cheese and milk. Stir until cheese is melted. Salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove from heat and stir in cooked rice. Pour mixture into a lightly greased 8×8-inch casserole dish or baking dish.
- Shred or crumble remaining 4 ounces cheese over the top of the mixture and then sprinkle with the crushed potato chips.
- Bake for 30 minutes until cheese on top is melted, chips are starting to turn gold brown and the casserole is bubbly.
Make it in Advance
Making this broccoli rice casserole in advance for a holiday meal?
I almost always prep our Thanksgiving sides 2-3 days in advance of holidays. I would recommend prepping to just before topping with potato chips, let cool for 30 minutes, cover with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator until ready to bake. When ready to bake, let set at room temp for 30 minutes, top with potato chips and then bake.
How to Store Broccoli Rice Casserole
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
If freezing, be sure let it cool completely before storing. This storage container set is my absolute favorite for food storage because it has various sizes for storing different amounts in the fridge or freezer.
Tips
To make it a meal, stir in one of these proteins before baking:
- Pulled rotisserie chicken
- Diced ham
- Cooked ground beef or ground turkey
If you don’t have time to bake the broccoli rice mixture, you can serve it straight from the skillet without the additional melted cheese and potato chips on top. We just love the added cheesiness from the cheese on top and the crispness from the potato chips.
To Make Your Own Cream of Chicken Soup, simply melt 3 tablespoons butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Rapidly whisk in 3 tablespoons flour until a thick crumbly paste forms, about 2 minutes. Whisk in 3/4 cup chicken broth and then 3/4 cup milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat and season to taste with salt and black pepper.
More Comfort Food Dishes You’ll Crave
- Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese: One of our favorite weeknight meals, this easy cheesy Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese can be on the dinner table in less than 30 minutes.
- The Best Beef Stew: A hearty, warm meal that’s made with fresh ingredients and whole lotta love.
- Great Grilled Cheese: A warm, melty grilled cheese with a crisp butter outside and a gooey melted center is the ultimate comfort food.
- Crowd-Pleasing Turkey Lasagna: Gather the family around the table for the comfort of a hot, delicious meal. Fresh herbs, creamy cheeses, and ground turkey make this pasta dish a labor of love that everyone will enjoy.
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Plenty of butter, just the right amount of seasoning and a secret ingredient make these Creamy Mashed Potatoes the stuff Sunday dinner memories are made of.
More Thanksgiving Recipes You’ll Love
Let’s get you ready for the big feast with these festive, delicious and easy Thanksgiving recipes everyone is sure to be thankful for!
If you make this Easy Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole be sure to snap a picture and share it with me or tag me on Instagram @thebakermama so I can see. If you’re on Facebook, be sure to join my Friends of The BakerMama group to connect and share all the fun and yummy recipes of mine that you make! 
I love seeing how inspired and creative y’all get with the recipes I share. Enjoy!
xoxo,
Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 8
- Category: Casseroles
Description
Easy cheesy broccoli rice casserole is a classic and comforting side dish that’s great with a weeknight meal or holiday buffet.
Ingredients
- 1 and 1/2 cups quick cooking white rice (about 4 cups cooked)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 medium white onion, chopped
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can cream of chicken soup (1 and 1/4 cups)
- 8 ounces processed American cheese, divided (such as Velveeta) or 2 cups good-melting shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/3 cup crushed potato chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Cook rice according to package directions.
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and broccoli florets and cook until onion is transparent.
- Add the soup, 4 ounces of the cheese, and the milk. Stir until cheese is melted.
- Remove from heat and stir in the cooked rice.
- Pour the mixture into a lightly greased 8×8-inch casserole dish.
- Shred or crumble the remaining 4 ounces cheese over the top of the mixture and then sprinkle with the crushed potato chips.
- Bake for 30 minutes until cheese on top is melted, chips are starting to turn golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
Notes
You could use 4 cups of chopped frozen broccoli florets in place of the fresh broccoli florets, if desired.
This was amazing, my whole family loved it – kids included! I added chicken and it was super delicious.
Hi, Nicole! That’s what I like to hear! So glad the kids loved it. Thank you for sharing ❤️
I accidentally stirred in all 8oz of velveeta at once, but it still came out great.
#TheBakerMamaRecipeChallenge
Hi, Sara! So glad it turned out great! It is very forgiving. Thank you so much for sharing!
Another great recipe. My husband and I loved this! The chips were a great idea! We both agree it is the best way to eat broccoli …with cheese! #TheBakerMamaRecipeChallenge
Hi, Sarah! So happy to hear you and your husband enjoyed them so much! And yes, cheese makes broccoli heavenly. Thank you for sharing!
This recipe is so tasty yet so simple to make. My grandmother and I absolutely love this and plan on making it a staple side dish. Thank you very much for sharing.
Hi, Frances! So happy to hear that you and your grandmother enjoyed it so much! ❤️
Just made this for my older parents and they both asked for seconds. Used stuffing crumbs because I didn’t have potato chips for the topping. Happened to have some sharp cheddar cheese and that added a great pop of flavor. Thanks for posting!
Hi, Ali! So happy to hear that y’all enjoyed it. Thank you for sharing!
Can you assemble this casserole 2 or 3 days before you put the potato chip on top and bake?
Hi Mary! Absolutely, that is actually what we do for most holidays. Just wrap the prepared casserole tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When ready to bake, let set at room temperature for an hour before topping with the cheese and potato chips and then baking. I hope this helps and that y’all enjoy!
Can I make this with leftover long grain white rice? I have almost 4c cooked and I hate to just throw it out and it needs used up in the next day or two. I made too much for the dog when she was feeling sick. I’m not a huge rice eater, but I’ve always loved this kind of casserole.
Hi Ashley! Yes, this casserole would be a great use of really any leftover cooked rice. I hope you love it! Enjoy!
Thank you!! This was SO easy to make by the way and tastes delicious!! Even cutting up and cleaning the head of broccoli is super easy and quick.
The only thing I did different was add a little bit of freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese and melted the whole 8 oz of Velveeta in the pan. Then I ever so lightly sprinkled a little bit of shredded cheddar cheese on the top. I left off the chips because I don’t eat them.
It tasted so good I’m making it a second time as a side dish for dinner tonight. I think it’s gonna become a regular for me.
Such nostalgia for me too because my mom made it growing up for us. It tastes just like her recipe.
Thank you for sharing this recipe!
Hi, Ashley! Aw, I love that it tasted like your mom’s. That’s the best. Thank you so much for sharing!
could I add chicken to this?
Hi, Katie! Absolutely! I’ve added shredded rotisserie chicken to it to make it a meal. Hope this helps! Enjoy!
What would be a good substitution for the cream of chicken soup if some guest are vegetarian
Hi, Felicia! You can always use cream of vegetable soup, or, if you’re feeling ambitious, you can make a roux out of butter, flour and milk. I hope this helps! Enjoy!
Any canned cream soup such as cream of mushroom or cream of celery can be used instead of the cream of chicken.
I made this trying to trick my kids into eating broccoli. I fooled 1 out of 3, so I’ll take that as a win anyways. The one that ate it had 4 servings of it. Thanks for such an amazing recipe! It’s delicious!
Hi, Michelle! YAY! that is totally a win. I am so glad you (and 1/3 kids) enjoyed it!
I have a question please. can I use a mix of mozzarella,cheddar and Gouda??
Hi, Janadel! I have never made it with that mix of cheeses, so I can’t say for sure. I have seen other recipes use mozzarella and cheddar. I say it’s worth a shot.
Can you use frozen broccoli?
Hi Debra! Yes! Just use frozen in place of fresh (don’t thaw). Hope this helps! Enjoy! ❤️
Can this broccoli rice casserole be made the day before, without being dried out? Would youbake it the day before and warm the next day or would you combine all ingredients and bake the next day? Thank you!
Hi, Mary! YES! I almost always prep ours 2-3 days in advance of holidays. I would recommend prepping to just before topping with potato chips, let cool for 30 minutes, cover with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator until ready to bake. When ready to bake, let set at room temp for 30 minutes, top with potato chips and then bake. I hope this helps! Enjoy!
I doubled it up and used velvetta and sharp cheddar. So good that I’m going freeze dry it for
my prepper pantry. Thanks alot 🌺
If I double this recipe will it be alright for a 9×13 dsh?
Hi Patsy! Yes, it fits great in a 9×13 dish when doubled. Enjoy!
Hi, are the chips needed? is there a substitute?
Hi Jonessa! No, you can definitely omit the chips. They’re just included for a delicious crunch and saltiness in every bite to compliment the other great flavors and textures. Enjoy!
Love this stuff! We can eat the whole pan of it by ourselves!
I was wondering can this be prepped the day before thanksgiving and baked day of
Hi Mary! Yes, absolutely! Prep it to the point of adding the cheese on top and then cover it and place it in the refrigerator overnight. When you’re ready to bake it, remove it from the refrigerator and let it set at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Then add the crushed potato chips and bake according to instructions. Enjoy!
I don’t have fresh broccoli on hand but I do have frozen. Would that work also?
Hi Manicia! Yes, frozen broccoli would work great. Enjoy!
Sounds really delicious and I look forward to making this dish. What kind of rice is the best for this dish?
Thanks Maegan!
Hi Beverly! I usually use a long-grain white rice like basmati or texmati. You could certainly use any cooked rice though as I have used brown rice and it turns out just as great. Hope this helps. Enjoy!
We must be looking at different recipes. I didn’t see cream cheese in the ingredients.
Hi Mary! There is no cream cheese in this recipe.
I followed the recipe exactly and it was so yummy! Everyone loved this. We will definitely be making this again soon!
Love broccoli! Thanks for the recipe… and what do you know, it works during Christmas too!
Made this to go with are Thanksgiving dinner love this recipe thanks for sharing
Is there another type of soup that can be used to make a vegetarian version?
Hi Kathy! You can use cream of broccoli soup or cream of mushroom soup. Enjoy!
I love broccoli. Thanks for the recipe!
When my youngest requested a dish over and over it means, he liked it very much. And this one is one of the chosen ones. The first time I tried it was during our weekend gathering and he thought that he can still have it the next day. He likes the blend of rice, cheese and the potato chips.
This is one of my favorite dishes! I usually add chopped or shredded chicken and make it a meal!
Hi Sarah! So happy to hear you love it as much as we do. We add chicken sometimes too and it sure makes for a great meal. Continue to enjoy! 🙂
I do not particularly like broccoli, but in your performance, it turned out very tasty. And considering that it is also useful, then +100500! Thank you for sharing.
I made this brown rice dish because of my allergies. It turned out very tasty, thanks for the recipe!
This dish lived at my place for several minutes) and all because we adore cream cheese. Incredible softness and taste, this is such a delicate dish, I and the whole family are delighted, thank you!
Look yummy! One of my favorite Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole, nice to see your recipe, easy to follow, will cook this for family this weekend. Thanks you!
I am fond of healthy food. Rice and broccoli are two boots – a pair. Keto diet always favors. Beautifully presented. My wife will forward your link with the recipe. I will keep track of your masterpieces of food
I often go to your site to read a new recipe, thanks for teaching me how to cook delicious and healthy food.
Maegan, these were fabulous! So fresh and yummy and we loved the colors of everything! Thank you so much 🙂
Maegan, thanks for sharing! Saved my butt on a quick impulsive idea for a dinner side!
Maegan, , this is really a great recipe. I will make this at the next chance i get.
Megan, it looks so yummy! I love the step-by-step instructions, making it an easy recipe to follow!
Maegan, it’s awesome! I cannot wait to try this. I bet it makes the house smell divine and tastes incredible!
MAEGAN,bravo! What a great idea! Love this. I’m sure this is incredibly delicious!
MAEGAN!This recipe looks amazing! I’m so excited to try it.What would be something good to serve with this?
Hi Anna! We usually serve it alongside chicken (rotisserie, grilled or pan-seared), sausages or fish. And sometimes serve it with a simple salad and some bread as well. Hope this helps. Enjoy!
Can I use shredded cheddar cheese or any others besides American or velveeta?
Hi Angela! Yes, just make sure it’s a good melting cheese. Enjoy!
Mmmmmm I can’t wait to try this.
Any potato chips work? Which ones did you use?
Hi! Yes, any fried potato chips will work great! I use Kettle Brand most often. Enjoy!
Thanks for posting this was the one my mama use to make we always browned pork chops an placed in bottom of dish.
I doubled the recipe and used white jasmine rice. Also put in a crockpot, added the chips on top a few minutes before serving.
Yum, this is making me so hungry….I make one like this also….it is delicious….if someone hasn’t made this before I urge you to make it right now……you won’t be disappointed…….