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Nadia James

Broccoli Cheddar Make-Ahead Rice Bake

Broccoli Cheddar Make-Ahead Rice Bake — A warm, shareable side bake that can be assembled in advance with precooked components.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Resting / chilling / cooling 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6 portions
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American-inspired
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups fully cooked, cooled rice
  • 2 cups cooked broccoli florets
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 cup cooked diced broccoli stems

Equipment

  • 8-inch baking dish
  • mixing bowl
  • food thermometer

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F; lightly oil an 8-by-8-inch baking dish. Use fully cooked rice or pasta and cooked vegetables.
  2. Whisk milk, beaten eggs, salt and pepper in a bowl; fold in cooked grains, vegetables and half the cheese.
  3. Stir in special additions (smoked paprika, cooked diced broccoli stems) and spoon mixture into the baking dish. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
  4. Bake uncovered 30–35 minutes until the center is fully set and an instant-read thermometer registers at least 165°F.
  5. Rest 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Cook rice or pasta and vegetables before assembly; the oven sets the casserole rather than cooking raw ingredients.
Storage: Refrigerate within 2 hours in shallow containers, use within 3–4 days and reheat to 165°F.
Serving suggestion: Serve on a festive platter.