Broccoli rice casserole is a versatile and nutritious dish that can be made simple or dressed up with a variety of ingredients. The classic version features brown or basmati rice, fresh broccoli, and sharp cheddar cheese, while a retro version uses Cheese-Whiz, instant rice, and frozen broccoli. A fancy version can include exotic cheeses, wild rice, and ingredients like broccolini, bacon, shallots, truffles, and smoked salmon.
Rice broccoli casserole is a baked dish usually featuring a blend of broccoli, rice, cheese, and sometimes other vegetables and spices. Not only are these casseroles generally nutritious, but they’re also often versatile. Inexperienced cooks can make a very simple broccoli rice casserole, while more experienced cooks may prefer to dress it up. With a wide variety of rices, cheeses and vegetables available, the possibilities for this dish are wide open to many different tastes.
A typical rice broccoli casserole starts with cooked rice mixed with broccoli florets and a soft cheese. The casserole is then cooked in a glass or ceramic roasting pan until the cheese is bubbly and the casserole is hot all the way through. This is the simplest way to prepare this appetizer, although most cooks include a variety of other ingredients to enhance and enhance its flavor. Some cooks also add meat, although it can be a vegetarian or vegan dish if a tofu-based cheese is used.
Cheese-Whiz, instant rice, and frozen broccoli are generally the keys to making a 70s-style retro casserole. It features many time-saving ingredients, which were new in the 1970s and often used in place of more naturally derived ingredients during that time. This type of casserole can also contain cheddar soup instead of Cheese-Whiz, diced ham, mushroom soup, and seasoned breadcrumbs. Those who love retro recipes, or people short on time, may appreciate this style of broccoli rice casserole.
Classic, sharp cheddar cheese with brown or basmati rice and fresh broccoli florets often come together in a very homey and rustic casserole. The ingredients are all relatively unprocessed and free of chemicals, typically making this style of casserole healthier than the retro variety. The rice in this recipe may take longer to cook than instant rice, so cooks looking for shortcuts may want to prepare the rice ahead of time. Other additions to this style of broccoli rice casserole can be fresh portobello mushrooms, fresh diced tomatoes, and smoked turkey or ham.
More exotic cheeses, such as gruyere, goat cheese, and smoked provolone can make an appearance in a fancy version of broccoli rice casserole. Other ingredients can include a mix of wild and basmati rice — or even wild rice on its own — and fresh broccoli florets, or even chopped broccolini. Broccolini is a hybrid of broccoli and asparagus, which gives it a very tender texture and a slightly sweet taste. Other ingredients that would go well with this trendy casserole are a sprinkle of bacon, shallots, truffles, and even smoked salmon. Cooks making this version of casserole for guests may want to present it in individual ramekins for an extra touch of elegance.
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